GENTLEMEN AT THE WHEEL

Over the years, the Vintage Rally collection has seen a number of fast-paced vintages. However, the 2021 edition is one of the rarest, with three models on offer. Still, there isn’t necessarily one for everyone: true to their tradition of rarity, each of the three Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds is released in an edition of just 888 pieces, and all bear the original ›Healey‹ logo on the dial.

The green version is probably the most iconic of them all. The rich hue is reminiscent of the legendary Austin-Healey colour and takes over the entire dial. This ›English green‹ is rich in contrast and synonymous with a return to the roots of one of the most legendary colours of rally cars, which also characterized early Austin-Healey models that are particularly sought after by collectors today. For this model, Frederique Constant has opted for applied, silver luminescent indices that are larger than the others at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock – one of the features of the Vintage Rally collection.

An off-centre small second can be seen at 9 o’clock. This particularly classic complication has only been seen once in almost 20 years. A date window at 3 o’clock provides visual compensation. Around the dial, the watch is fitted with a chapter ring for the 60-minute scale. The case has a diameter of 40 mm, which is particularly popular with collectors due to its timeless character.

Finally, special attention has been paid to the perforated strap: on this ›English green‹ model, it is made of brown leather. This colour, which cannot be found anywhere else on the watch, is as reminiscent of the seats of vintage cars from the 1940s to 1970s as it is of the gloves of the gentlemen at the wheel who set off into the distance.