Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date FC-716BL3NH6 | Veloce
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Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date FC-716BL3NH6
By Nick·October 21, 2026· 5 min read
Frederique Constant unveils the Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture FC-716BL3NH6. Discover its new FC-716 movement with a 72-hour power reserve and a striking dial where the sunray finish radiates from the moonphase display.
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Frederique Constant just dropped a new Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture, and it's bringing an in-house caliber with a seventy-two-hour power reserve. This is the FC-716BL3NH6, and it combines a moonphase and pointer date in a thirty-nine millimeter steel case. The US retail price is five thousand five hundred ninety-five dollars.
The Highlife collection, first launched in nineteen ninety-nine, is known for its integrated strap and bracelet system. This new model builds on that with a more complex display and an upgraded in-house automatic movement. It signals a clear focus on combining daily wearability with classical watchmaking complications. The package includes both a five-link stainless steel bracelet and a blue Saffiano calfskin leather strap, with a one-click release system for tool-free changes.
At the core of this watch is Frederique Constant’s new automatic movement, the FC-716. Its main update is an optimized mainspring barrel that delivers a seventy-two-hour power reserve. This means the watch can sit unworn for a three-day weekend and still be running on Monday morning. The movement operates at twenty-eight thousand eight hundred vibrations per hour and has twenty-six jewels. A transparent sapphire case back shows off the perlage and Côtes de Genève stripes on the bridges.
The midnight blue dial features a moonphase and pointer date combined into a single, large sub-dial at six o’clock. The sunray finishing on the dial actually radiates from this moonphase display, not the center hands. The moon is textured against a starry background, and a slim silver hand indicates the date on a track around the sub-dial's perimeter. The "thirty-one" is printed in red. Applied hour markers and polished hands have white luminous material for legibility.
The three-part stainless steel case measures thirty-nine millimeters in diameter and twelve point eight-two millimeters thick. It's rated for one hundred meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The convex sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating.
You can read the full breakdown of this release on the Veloce Journal.
Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date FC-716BL3NH6 — watch the reel or listen to the full narration.
The Frederique Constant Highlife collection now includes the Manufacture Caliber FC-716, a movement bringing a 72-hour power reserve to the brand’s integrated-attachment design. Reference FC-716BL3NH6 pairs this new engine with a moonphase and pointer-date complication in a 39mm steel case. The US retail price is currently listed at $5,595.
39mmCase
$5,595Price
72hPower Reserve
100mWater Res.
First launched in 1999, the Highlife collection is defined by its integrated strap and bracelet system, giving the case a seamless, hornless profile. This latest model builds on that foundation, incorporating a more technically complex display and an upgraded in-house automatic movement. It signals a clear focus on combining daily wearability with classical watchmaking complications.
The package includes both a five-link stainless steel bracelet and a blue Saffiano calfskin leather strap. A one-click release system allows for tool-free changes between the two, altering the watch's character from sporty to formal.
The Manufacture Caliber FC-716
At the core of this watch is Frederique Constant’s new automatic movement, the FC-716. Its key technical update is an optimized mainspring barrel that delivers a 72-hour power reserve. This three-day autonomy means the watch can be taken off on a Friday and will still be running on Monday morning.
The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and is built with 26 jewels. A transparent sapphire case back puts the caliber on display. Visible finishing includes perlage (circular graining) and Côtes de Genève stripes across the bridges.
This commitment to in-house movements at an accessible price point is a consistent theme. We saw a similar approach with the Oris Artelier S, which centered its identity around the Calibre 400. Both watches demonstrate a trend of brands bringing their own movement architecture to the sub-$6,000 category.
A Dial Built Around the Complication
The midnight blue dial features a layout that directly integrates its functions. The moonphase and pointer date are combined into a single, large sub-dial at 6 o’clock. This unified display serves as the visual anchor for the entire watch face.
A subtle but clever detail is the sunray finishing. Instead of radiating from the center of the dial, the pattern originates from the moonphase display itself. This decision ties the texture of the dial directly to the complication.
The sunburst pattern on the dial radiates from the 6 o'clock moonphase sub-dial, not the center hands. This is an unusual design choice that makes the complication the true focal point of the watch.
The moon is rendered with a textured, realistic surface against a starry background. A slim silver hand indicates the date on a track around the sub-dial's perimeter. As a final touch, the "31" is printed in red, marking the end of the month.
Applied hour markers and polished hands are filled with white luminous material for legibility in low light. The overall effect is balanced, avoiding the need for a separate date window which would disrupt the dial's symmetry. Fellow dialheads will note how this integration contrasts with the more traditional, separated displays seen on watches like the Longines Master Collection.
Case Architecture and Versatility
The three-part stainless steel case measures 39mm in diameter and 12.82mm in thickness. These dimensions place it in a versatile middle ground—not as large as many modern sports watches, yet substantial enough to have presence. Surfaces alternate between brushed and polished finishes.
The watch is rated for 100 meters (10 ATM) of water resistance. This is sufficient for swimming and snorkeling, giving the watch a practical capability that many moonphase models lack. The convex sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating.
Its most significant design feature is the included strap and bracelet. The blue Saffiano leather strap offers a dressier look, while the five-link steel bracelet provides a sportier, more casual feel. The quick-change system makes switching between them a simple process that requires no special tools.
The Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture: Full Specifications
The FC-716BL3NH6 is a regular production model and is not identified as a limited edition. It comes with a five-year manufacturer warranty. The combination of its specifications presents a complete package for daily or occasional wear.
Reference
FC-716BL3NH6
Movement
Frederique Constant Manufacture Caliber FC-716
Type
Automatic
Power Reserve
72 hours
Frequency
28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels
26
Functions
Hours, minutes, central seconds, moonphase, pointer date
Case
39mm x 12.82mm, brushed and polished stainless steel
Crystal
Convex sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Case Back
Transparent sapphire
Water Resistance
100 meters / 10 ATM
Dial
Midnight blue with sunray finishing
Strap
Blue Saffiano calfskin strap and a five-link stainless steel bracelet
The Frederique Constant Highlife FC-716BL3NH6 combines a manufacture movement with a three-day power reserve, a poetic moonphase-date complication, and a versatile 39mm case. Supplied with both a steel bracelet and leather strap, it is positioned for the buyer who wants an in-house caliber and integrated design without committing to a purely dress or sport context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture?
The official retail price for the reference FC-716BL3NH6 in the United States is $5,595. This includes the watch head, a stainless steel bracelet, and a blue Saffiano leather strap.
Is the Frederique Constant Highlife movement in-house?
Yes, the Caliber FC-716 used in this model is a Manufacture movement. This means it was designed, developed, and assembled in Frederique Constant's own facilities in Geneva, Switzerland.
How does the strap change system work on the Highlife?
The Highlife collection uses a one-click interchangeable strap system. A small pusher on the back of the strap or bracelet end-link allows you to release it from the case without any tools, making it easy to swap between the included options.
What is the water resistance of the Highlife Moonphase Date?
The watch has a water resistance rating of 100 meters, or 10 ATM. This level is suitable for surface swimming and snorkeling, though the Saffiano leather strap is not intended for use in water.
How long is the power reserve on the FC-716 movement?
The FC-716 automatic caliber has a power reserve of 72 hours, or three full days. This is a practical benefit that allows the watch to keep running over a weekend even when not worn.
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WRITTEN BY
Nick
I originally started VELOCE to put my skills to work, hone my app design and web development practices, and dive deeper into the world of horology. I wanted to learn more about the watches, the brands, and the incredible people behind them - the creators, the designers, and the collectors. I love discovering new timepieces and sharing their stories with the world. VELOCE is my ultimate passion project and hobby, the creative space I head to after my full-time job to build something I truly care about.
By Nick·October 21, 2026· 5 min read
