Published by Pierre-Paul Godts
Vintage Rally “Healey” Collection
How do you truly know when a classic is…well…genuinely a classic? It’s easy, really. It’s when the classic item instils, inspires and evokes the same irresistible passions it stirred when it was first launched, whether 40 years, 60 years or a century has passed.
The Healey NOJ is, beyond any shadow of a doubt, just such a car. This amazing, iconic automobile became all but extinct when one of the last of its kind was almost completely destroyed in an horrific crash while participating in a legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Thankfully, classic cars also inspire true and unquenchable devotion, and on May 8, a press conference was held at Bonham’s Auction House to reintroduce the elegant, awe-inspiring Healey NOJ, which has been lovingly restored to its original glory. And once this legendary motor car has been reacquainted with an adoring public, it will once again make its way to a number of vintage rally events, including what will undoubtedly be an emotional return to a Classics event at Le Mans in 2014.
As beautifully constructed and classic as the Healey NOJ car that inspired their creation, the Frédérique Constant Vintage Rally “Healey” Collection is designed for those whose passions rise every time they hear the roar of a finely tuned engine. With functionality that is every classic car rally enthusiast’s dream, this watch clearly encourages you to Live your Passion!
Frédérique Constant has for many years been associated with vintage rallys which have included and featured Healey cars. In May 2013, the 4th European Healey Rally will be held in Scotland, and once again, Frédérique Constant will be honoured to be the Official Timekeeper of this meeting.
Thanks to the company’s long association with classic Healey cars, we are delighted to present three new Healy watch models, each of which will be manufactured in a strictly limited edition of 1,888 pieces. The new range includes two automatic models and one automatic chronograph.
A classic design for a classic name
The sporty appearance of each of the new models gives them that unmistakable race car driver look, from the unique “O-Rings” leather strap, to the unmistakable Healey logo on the dial.
The chronograph model – the FC392HVG6B6 – is an exceptionally stunning watch. The 43 mm stainless steel case is protected by convex sapphire crystal over a striking silver dial with handsome guilloché design.
As durable and reliable as it is attractive, this watch is water resistant to 100 metres and offers an impressive 46-hour power reserve. The minutes, seconds and chronograph functions are displayed within integrated individual counters with Healy green, and there’s a date display at the 6 o’clock position.
The hour and minute hands are rose gold, as are the hand-applied indexes. Finally, the black leather strap is hand finished with wonderfully contrasting white stitching.
The two automatic versions – the FC-303HS5B6 and the FC-303HV5B6 – are driven by the FC-303 calibre movement, offering unrivalled accuracy and reliability. Both are presented with a gleaming 40 mm diameter stainless steel case and offer an exceptional 38-hour power reserve and water resistance to 50 metres.
Functions include hours, minutes, seconds and a date display at the 6 o’clock position, beautiful silver dials with guilloché design and the Healey logo located just above the date display. The HS5B6 has striking hand-applied black indexes and hands with luminous, beautifully complementing the black strap with white stitching. The HV5B6 features elegant rose gold plated indexes and a chocolate dark brown strap with white stitching.
Finally, each of the new models is delivered in a specially designed gift box, and inside, you’ll find a wonderful miniature replica of the iconic Healey NOJ393, a car that inspired a whole new generation of Healey fanatics when it was launched back in the 1950’s.
