Great video again....and Yes. I own a highlife! I also have four other FC watches to include a chronograph manufacturer which is amazing. I do not have a rubber strap with my highlife. I have about 7 3/4 in wrist and it fits nice. We have similar taste in watches for our rotation. Bluf: FC seems to make homage lile watches of Patek. I think the highlife takes elements from the Nautilus and Aquanaut but also the Omega Constellation/ Manhattan

COSC certified, damn good looking and well priced. Very impressive piece. If I didn’t have my Sinn 556 ib this would be a serous contender ( and a sexy name to boot).

Great video. I agree 100% on the water resistance and screw down crown. Deal breaker for me. But very nice watch. I’ve had an FC and they are great bang for the buck

Sweet watch. Thanks for bringing a different brand to your channel.

Great review as always Bruce. FC packs a lot of bang for the buck IMO. I think Oris is definitely a close competitor in this price range as they also give you so much quality for the price. I have several blue watches already (Oris & Omega) but I could see myself making room for this one down the road

That watch is gorgeous. I would definitely wear that. The Dial is really nicely executed. I really like it.

I have owned my Highlife for over 2 years, the same exact watch. I love it and it's amazing for the price. It's a chronometer and I also own an overseas and a fifty-six, the Highlife is high quality 👌 Great video 📹 👍

@abdulrahmanassous2873

Ай бұрын

Better than Tissot ?im hesitant which to buy

Beautiful piece! The bracelet is really sharp. Looks like the new Tissot PRX.

Very impressive,particularly for the price.Enjoyed your video.

FC is a great option at this price range. I think you should check Mido as well, very competitive and good looking watches.

The only brand I've seen that comes close to the quality of FC for the money would be Alpina. But then FC own Alpina now so not that surprising. But put FC and Alpina next to Longines or Oris etc and the former are streaks ahead. I would say Alpina and FC are up at Tudor level of quality. P.s. I appreciate that the outro begins at the exact moment the seconds hand hit the top 😀

@dandc2011

3 ай бұрын

I dunno... I've owned two Alpina watches and I was disappointed for the price... Not impressed at all, but that's just me. I've owned a Startimer Heritage Pilot gmt (with the tonneau case) and it was defective on arrival, and an Alpiner automatic chronograph. They're solid, don't get me wrong, but for the price.... I was disappointed.

Hey Bruce it’s Taylor here from Murfreesboro TN right outside Nashville, I landed in Salt Lake City and decided to see downtown last week and I was in this mall experiencing crazy déjà vu and was wondering where in the world did I see this mall before? 😂 and long behold it was from your video when you went to purchase a submariner. Just gotta say you are my go to for watch reviews so keep up the good work!!

I love the open heart ,beautiful timepiece,thanks ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

This is a gorgeous watch, and a great price for a COSC watch.. Can I be honest though, I have just one expensive watch, an Omega Seamaster. I think the feeling that a more expensive watch is different is mostly psychology rather than fact. OK, if I wear a less expensive more uncomfortable watch, then put on the Omega, I'm thinking, oh yeahh! This is why it's expensive, feels so good. But if I swap to my Orient Mako XL which happens to be extremely comfortable on my 7.9" wrist, I can question why I got the Omega, as my Mako feels a hell of lot better on my wrist!! Anyone want to buy an Omega Seamaster?? LOL. I'm kidding! I think we want a more expensive watch to feel better than other watches but in all honesty, there are affordable watches for a lot less that look and feel as good. I'm realistic enough to admit that I have sub $500 watches that look and feel as good, if not better than my Seamaster. I don't try to convince myself of something that's not really quantifiable. Fantastic and honest review by the way!

@adamleon8504

Жыл бұрын

I believe that they are people that buy them for prestige and people that buy them for the craft (movement polishing finishing etc)

@brianmsahin

Жыл бұрын

@@adamleon8504 That is true. Though you can get fantastically finished watches, equal to my Omega for less money and I'm not afraid to admit it! The prestige for sure is a thing, but that's marketing and perception rather than reality, like the woman who spends $10,000 on a Louis Vuitton bag, that was likely made in Bangladesh for a few bucks. One of the most expensive watches, though mostly made in Switzerland, but not everything in it is Swiss, and a million plus are churned out on robotic production lines every year with the most minimal human craftsmanship involved. But the marketing is fantastic and without the marketing the average Rolex is worth about $3,000. But people pay for the label.

@gtracer6629

Жыл бұрын

I didn't know you could get a expensive watch at COSC(O)

@brianmsahin

Жыл бұрын

@@gtracer6629 😂😂😂👍

@benjaminfrank_

15 күн бұрын

You may think the more expensive is the same as a cheaper watch but trust me they are not the same, yes they both tell time but them cheaper watches are machine made with cheap metals while luxury watches are hand made with precious metals that will last a lifetime with very minimum up keeping

I own the white dial on the leather strap. Love it.

Before watching the whole video I have to say that this watch looks amazing. FC is an underrated brand for sure. I think a good contender is the Tudor 1926

Good price. I went for the Aquis, more my style. Have been looking at Ball tho - I'm not a dress watch type chap (grebo biker) so this FC ain't me. Nice tho! Read your comment about an upcoming Oris review you've got coming - intrigued! Thank you Bruce 👍🏻👍🏻

Just did a collection purge to purchase this. I normally by used sub $600 so this is a big jump.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

How are you liking it? Can you tell a difference in quality or feel to what you are used to?

@brandonbishop825

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams I have definitely noticed a difference. (Turtle, citizen titanium gmt, Tissot Gentleman, Tag Auquaracer alarm quartz and a Ball Pioneer 40mm) for reference. The ball comparison is spot on. But the design is what brought me to it. Huge fan of the Zenith Defy. Figured this would scratch the itch at a discount. And it certainly does

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

@@brandonbishop825 I love to hear it!

@abdulrahmanassous2873

Ай бұрын

@@brandonbishop825hey I’m planning to buy a gentleman ..big difference between it and classic index FC?quality wise /finishing ect.?

You can get some Maurice Lacroix Aikons for similar or less. Yes it does have similarities to an AP but it does have the screw-down crown and 200M WR you were looking for

Wow! Now this sure is pleasant to the eye!

Got it! Love it! Found this exact one in İstanbul

Formex essence is about 1500 too and has a ton of features for the price I’d be interested in seeing what you think of that vs the highlife

Amazing watch that make you feel the quality in your wrist like a luxury brand

Gorgeous watch. I was in a hunt for a sub $2000 non diver sports watch a while ago, and this FC came on top along with the Maurice Lacroix Aikon and the Formex Essence.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

I would agree with you. The Aikon and Essence are right in the same tier! I would also add Ball into that tier

@zman8340

3 жыл бұрын

The aikon is very impressive

Wonder how it compares to the Maurice Lacroix Aikon, I feel that would be a good comparison. Great video!

Hi Bruce! Just check the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst with the steel adjustable strap (COSC certified)

Looks lovely! I like this brand a lot. 👍👍👍

Under the macro, the watch surely looks impressive. Without touching it or seeing the FC Highlife, the only thing that I actually do not like is the dial. It looks a bit cheap in my opinion.

Beauty! I wonder how this compares to the Baume et Mercier Riviera.

One that comes to mind is a watch you've reviewed, the Formex Essence, the updated version. Maybe the Christopher Ward dartmouth, I don't know know many watches from this brand but anything from Nomos? FC really has a nice one here.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah great suggestions. Nomos it's up there too, but I would also say they don't have the universal appeal that CWard, Formex or some other brands like Maurice LaCroix or Ball have because of the Bauhaus designs and lack of bracelet options. I like them though

@snapfitness1

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams and as much as I like ball they didn't even enter my thoughts.

Thanks for the video - was not aware of the quite hefty lug-2-lug on the bracelet. Rumours have it that FC might issue a Highlife version next year with their 40Hz monolithic manufacture movement. That would make the watch even more desirable, right?

Great review. Great watch. Maybe you should do a review on a Monta Noble to compare

Totally agree with all honestly highlighted pros and cons, it has the most clear contrasted dial in my whole collection, and personally the most comfortable one but they need to improve the crown movement, it is the only issue to me.

Looks very nice! Great video.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I think you mean solidity rather than solidarity when it comes to the bracelet, but we get your point.

I own this watch and I absolutely love it ! 👌🔥

Very very nice I love the case shape sure wish it had a screw down crown and better wr they would prob get my money . Contenders perhaps tissot Prx auto , Maurice lacroix aikon , and the Longines spirit .

looks like the tissot PRX!!! 😎👍

Nice but I’d go for the 18k Tissot gentleman the silicon hair sting is so accurate.

This is a strong contender. I would be with the formex reef which is cronometer as well for a very similar price.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to review a Reef. Last time I talked to Formed they were planing on lending one in for a video

@AV_8989

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams You know you can't flip a piece you don't already own?!

Love that nautilus style bracelet!

Wow 🤩 beautiful watch

Nice watch and you've stoked my Ball fire.

FC is really great bang per buck! I do like this one as well as the "Aikon" from MC. But for my taste they are a little too close to some of those typical contenders. Here I can clearly see heavy influences from the GP Laureato (bracelet, hands) as well as PP Aquanaut (dial). I do think it's a very attractive mix but if you know all the originals it's a bit sad that they basically always just take the best of existing models instead of creating something really unique. Nevertheless this is very tastefully done! And I think the quality is definitely there for this price.

I have same watch but open heart model with blue dial,, 😎 Open heart looks more luxury,.

Looks great but those negatives are a downer at this price

New ones are 10 atm wr and its engraved on the caseback

I think the Baume and Mercier Riviera is very comparable. Love it if you reviewed it on your channel

Nice watch. Looks like it's designed to go head-to-head with the Tissot

My vote goes to Tudor 1926 with black, silver or white dial, non-diamond.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah that's a killer value. A bit more than this but not much

@ErikL727

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams true, they can be had for $1500 on the grey, but a bit more from an AD for sure. 👍🏽

Incredible watch at the price point

38mm no date in white with a screw down crown would have me sold.

Why the basketball etching on the face? UPDATE: I have 7 Ball watches and I popped into Mimos today and bought this watch. You are correct in saying it feels as good as my Ball watches--got the blue one🤗

yes I think this is the best in its price point, but still don't forget ML AIKON which is amazing in its price/ quality offering, and also quick-strap-change...wish I had both of them!

@jfasamurai16

3 жыл бұрын

Superior WR with the screw down crown too...just not a certified chronometer.

@yashara1e

3 жыл бұрын

Yes but style wise I prefer this, spec wise aikon

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

For sure. I think the Aikon is incredibly strong and I would put it in the same class. The FC does a couple things better as does the ML

@amitfromisrael5006

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams For me, the main difference is: FC are kings in dress-watches-affordable, while Aikon is a pure sports watch (like an affordable Royal-Oak)

Hello, please tell me your opinion, would you take a Rolex Op or a breitling avenger Chrono 43? What do you think is a better choice?

I always think the Tudor black bay 41 , with the blue dial is the most comparable

Something on what movement it is and what the accuracy was during your time with the watch.

the odd man out is a good way of putting it! Because that was my worry!

Cracking looking bracelet, good looking overall. Unfortunately 50mm lug to lug is my max. It could have been a contender ☹

Not a bad piece, Bruce! First thing I thought when I saw it was : a cool sports watch! Is it a 3 hz? And whats the power reserve?

Hey Bruce love the review! I would really love to see a Baume & Mercier Clifton on the channel. Preferably the COSC blue dial or the white dial moon phase. Both are gorgeous in my opinion and highly underrated! Thanks

Hey Bruce what’s that second watch in your outro look very nice

Beautiful, little similar to VC Overseas.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

I see some Patek and GP when I look at it

@thomasrusso1411

3 жыл бұрын

Yea ok nice watch to wear to the gym

Monta is the contender with the Triumph

Gorgeous watch. I prefer the silver dial, wish it had a bracelet... that being said, it"s a shame about the lug to lug on the bracelet. Too large for my wrist.

Compared to the Bell and Ross with the integrated bracelet?

Hi Bruce! I'm a big fan of FC and live this watch, but I have small 6,2 wrist (15,5cm) and all of my watches are 38-39 mm. How do this, would this watch be too big for me?

do you prefer it over the Formex Essence?

It is beautiful for the money

Would look at Longines Spirit 40mm although it’s got a similar Lug to lug to the FC highlife . Spirit has 100m water resistance with a screw down and has a IWC vibe with very nice finish, and a high quality moment based on the highly regarded ETA 2892 with an improved silicone hairspring and COSC movement. Add to that a new 5 year warranty.

I'd personally still get the Tissot PRX mechanical instead imho

Nice watch - Tissot PRX kinda looking like it a tad

I do like this watch but feel the proportions are a bit off. I think a slightly fatter bezel (and, as a result, smaller dial) would do the trick.

Can you compare with Longines Spirit 40 mm?

not an integrated bracelet but the best conteder i would see is a formex essence ! cosc awesome etched blue dial and moderne original design all that for under 1,5k. Maybe those seiko sharp edge as a third choice? and the big daddy aquaterra to see if the price difference afford you something else.

@DedekMartin

3 жыл бұрын

Formex was the first thing that came to my mind as well 👍

@assortedpov9722

3 жыл бұрын

My first automatic watch will be either the FC Highlife COSC or Formex Essence

Thanks for small wrist warning ⛔️! Great looking watch …but not for a 5.9 wrist

Not snobbery at all, no corners cut costs.

Yes, it is.

What's the case thickness? Ty

It appears similar in quality to my Hamilton GMT. I bought that one for $700 grey market. It will be interesting to see where the market settles on this one. Hate to spend $1500 to see it on Joma 3 months later for $700.

@mdo5121

3 жыл бұрын

Then you are probably buying one brand. watches like average cars are not investments.BTW then buy used.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

I would doubt it. FC doesn't make enough of them to see ADs dump them into the GM, they seem to sell well too

@jonnypescado1

3 жыл бұрын

Welp. Just checked Joma & it's $1,276.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonnypescado1 Oh wow, definitely not much of a discount to play the GM roulette wheel lol

What about the titoni seascoper 600m?

@Bruce This or the Formex Essence 39mm? I asked that before I realized this is really a 2K watch available for us for $1500.

Muy sencillo, muy bonito.

Will you do a K. Grün & Sohne review?

That's a little unexpected - FC often put the screw-down crown in their 500$ watches and provide them with 100m WR. Maybe it depends on a size of case?

I’ve been looking for a Frédérique Constant highlife 45 mm automatic watch in vain . Could someone please let me know where can I find one ?

what about all your Seikos, do you still have them in your collection?

FC and Glasshute Original are the most underrated watch brands.

Omega constellation chronometer 38mm

Good contender, the only better watches would be 2 quartz; one above price at 2200 (grand seiko sbgx263 with 9f movement +-10s/year) and one below with less finish at 1000 (longines conquest vhp “very high precision” also +-10s/year and perpetual calendar up to 2499) They are a the right price spot, and more accurate; but no one is mechanical and I don’t know any cosc or better accuracy mechanical watch at this price and with a very good finish

Rather this or a used omega 300m?

I like the blue dial Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot better. Voted with my wallet.

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Dude I have a new Oris release video coming out next on the 15th

@quanganh8325

3 жыл бұрын

agree

@yankeexpress

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams Great! I will be watching for the video. Big Oris fan…65 , DLC Aquis and Tungsten Aquis.

Wow, I like a non complicated FC watch, who’d’ve guessed THAT!

If only they do a 'no date' version.

@TheTownWatch

3 жыл бұрын

That would be great!

Hey Bruce, how does this FC compares itself with the Maurice Lacroix Aikon, in terms of finishing and accuracy? Thank you!

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Finishing is very very similar. Accuracy is slightly better on the FC. I would rate them pretty similarly overall

@THE_Newt

3 жыл бұрын

Good call Bruno, you beat me to it!

@BrunoFerreira-qq5vy

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams Thanks for the answer Bruce. Keep up the good work with your videos!

tissot prx powermatic 80 is competitor to this watch

Watches with tapered bracelets so much better

@BruceWilliams

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, I really enjoy a good tapered bracelet

The same issue with Longines Spirit as well. All the specs are great, except lug to lug distance. Why don’t they make at least 2 size version of it like one you had here and one with something like 38x47 mm. A little bit smaller would be great for the wrists between 6-6.75 inch 🤷🏻

@chriszivoder2650

3 жыл бұрын

Completely agree. I remember when the spirit was introduced, I had my finger on the trigger to buy but watched a review showing the lug to lug...I almost cried.

@coffeeboyclips1973

3 жыл бұрын

I have the spirit 40mm,got a 6.5 inch wrist and have no issues with lug to lug length, the best option is to try it on. The spirit is a super watch, I compared it to the iwc mark 18 recently and couldn't believe how much better the Longines was despite costing less than half.

So quick question, Bruce: when you're rotating your rolexes, cartiers (still think they're a jeweller first hahahaha) and your Omegas, would, like this FC, a Ball 'hold its own' in this good company? Oh, and by the way, the chronometer Christopher Wards easily stack up and offer better value (especially with the new Sealander' cross purpose'.). Ball do too, albeit marginally more expensive. But their in house Chronometer Marvelight knocks this out the ball park (pun left in). Love the channel, love the Tudor S and G vid.

@ThinkingAndInkingLtd

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, and by the way, the chronometer Christopher Wards easily stack up and offer better value (especially with the new Sealander' cross purpose'.). Ball do too, albeitbut marginally more expensive. But their in house Chronometer Marvelight knocks this out the ball park (pu left in).

It's seems like a great package but the case shape and protruding links seem like a weird choice. It's like it's got everything it should have for the money but it doesn't do anything for me.