Hautlence is all about finding new and fascinating ways to display time. The name Hautlence is an anagram for the brand’s birthplace – Neuchatel. The Hautlence HL2.3 was released earlier this year at Basel for their annual watch fair and exposition. The Hautlence HL2.3 definitely ranks up there as one of the most memorable pieces for this year’s fair.
The case is crafted from DLC black titanium. This metal choice makes the watch both light with a weight of 49 grams, and exceptionally durable. The first thing one notices about the case is the sapphire crystal dial window which extends down the middle case on the left hand side of the watch revealing the masterfully constructed regulating organ which beats at 18,000 VpH. The sapphire crystal is finished with multi axis grinding which gives the crystal a three dimensional appearance.
The case carries dimensions of 50mm X 42mm and stands high on the wrist with a case height of 17.8mm. The crown is made from 18kt 4N rose gold and it features a micro-machined Hautlence logo. The strap used for this model is a black alligator hand stitched leather with large square scales. The strap is secured with a folding clasp made from titanium and 4N 18kt rose gold. The strap comes with one other amazing feature – a spring bar for convenient strap changes.
The movement on this superb timepiece is protected by three Hautlence patents. There are two barrels one for the general timekeeping functions, and another for the complications. The hours are displayed in a jumping hour format with a 12 piece chain link that has been hinged on a pallet system. Though this is a jumping hours the motion from hour to hour takes 3-4 seconds instead of instantaneously like other models with this rare complication. Amazing about this piece is the mobile bridge movement which rotates 30 degrees every hour change. This immaculate watch features a power reserve of 45 hours and is fitted with an oscillating rotor made completely from 18kt rose gold which winds the main spring, making this movement of the self-winding ilk. The movement is decorated with a number of fine watchmaking techniques including satin finished, hand-drawn, hand-beveled, ruthenium-anthracite coating.
The dial is made from sapphire and holds a forward thinking retrograde minutes display in the center indicated by a rose gold toned triangle. In the very center of this complication is the brand’s logo. Between the 5 and 6 o’clock positions there is a power reserve indicator. The Hautlence HL2.3 is water resistance to 30 meters (3 Bar). All of the numerals and indicators are luminescent to ensure that this watch is legible at night.
This watch is the first timepiece from Hautlence to carry an in hose movement, and as such, is limited to a very exclusive series totaling 28 pieces worldwide. This fine timepiece is backed by a three year warranty and comes in a special leather travel box with a watch magnifying glass.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Exhibition Case Back, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Limited Edition, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Retrograde, Retrograde Minutes, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Skeleton Watch, Swiss Made, Titanium Watches, Water Resistant