NEUHAUSEN AM RHEINFALL, 25th August 2022 – HAUTLENCE embarks on a new chapter of a story that began in 2004. The brand originally founded in Neuchâtel has been completely revamped, with new positioning and a new structure headed by Samuel Hoffmann. To celebrate this major development, HAUTLENCE unveiled the Linear Series 1 model at the Geneva Watch Days. A new calibre, a reworked case water resistant to 10 ATM, an integrated rubber strap and, most importantly, a brand new way of reading the time. Reconnecting with its original DNA and returning to its roots, HAUTLENCE continues to revolutionise time reading by adding a new dimension to time itself. Following on from the jumping hour disc, the half-trailing hour chain and the jumping hour that spins on a sphere, it now presents a linear retrograde jumping hour.
A fresh new wind of change is blowing through HAUTLENCE. With a new structure based in Schaffhausen and operational support from its sister company, H. Moser & Cie., the brand is now being headed by Samuel Hoffmann, who has also introduced a new brand concept and product strategy. Samuel has injected a new dynamism and fresh ideas, while ensuring continuity with the brand’s direction over recent years. The result is the Linear Series 1 model, which kicks off this major new step for the Maison.
On the left of the dial, a graduated scale resembling those used on precision measuring instruments indicates the hours using a linkage. This large, very slim linkage recalls the one used in the first movement developed by HAUTLENCE in 2004: the calibre HL. On the Linear Series 1 model, a small white pointer on the end of the linkage indicates the hour on the vertical scale. Once the 12 numeral is passed, the snail disengages the probe to release the accumulated energy. The linkage then jumps and returns to the 1 numeral. In addition to the linear retrograde jumping hour, the Linear Series 1 is equipped with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, whose balletic movement can be admired behind its blue skeletonised bridge.
As always at HAUTLENCE, the dial is constructed on several levels. An additional sapphire dial featuring the minute numerals sits on top of the base dial in rhodium-plated brass with a vertical satin finish. The main dial is partially open to allow parts of the movement to be seen. One component visible through the opening is the minute cam. This is integral with the minute hand, which rotates once per hour and lifts the minute sector as the hour elapses. After 60 minutes, the minute sector falls back, driving the hour star which includes the hour cam.
The reworked steel case adopts HAUTLENCE‘s signature TV screen shape, but with a modernised aesthetic. Relief forms on the sides add volume and dynamism. As part of the sporty personality – a new departure for HAUTLENCE – the watch offers water resistance to 10 ATM and exceptional durability. The fluted bezel features a rubber band in the same blue as the integrated rubber strap, to facilitate time setting. The Linear Series 1 model is a compact watch with balanced proportions that can be perfectly adjusted on the wrist, making it suitable for any occasion.
The calibre D50 self-winding movement is the motor that drives the Linear Series 1. Equipped with a module created in collaboration with Agenhor, it comprises 239 components, oscillates at a frequency of 3 hertz and offers a power reserve of 72 hours. The finely chased oscillating weight recalls the brand’s famous Moebius. Technically and aesthetically perfect, the component drives this unique timepiece which marks an unmistakable moment of renewal for the HAUTLENCE brand.
HAUTLENCE: a pioneer of modern, architectural horology and a catalyst for progressive independent watchmaking.
HAUTLENCE Linear Series 1 model Technical Specifications
Reference AD50-ST00 – Limited edition 28 pieces
Movement
- Calibre D50 self-winding mechanical movement
- Linear retrograde jumping hour and 1 minute flying tourbillon
- Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
- Regulating organ: 21,600 vibrations / hour;
- Number of components: 239
- Number of jewels: 39;
Case
- Case middle and horns: satin-finished and polished steel;
- Bezel: satin-finished and polished steel
- Crown: polished steel with engraved HAUTLENCE logo
- Glass: extra-hard bevelled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment;
- Back: sapphire crystal engraved with “HAUTLENCE”, “10 ATM WATER RESISTANT”, “Horlogerie Suisse”;
- Dimensions (excluding dome): 43.0 x 50.8 x 11.9 mm / 10.9 mm excluding sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
- Base dial: skeletonised rhodium-plated brass with vertical satin finish. Engraved minute track.
- Intermediate dial: sapphire with printed minute track in blue and white.
Strap
- Blue rubber;
- Clasp: steel.
Biography Samuel Hoffmann
Samuel Hoffmann was born in 1991. A Swiss-American dual national, he was educated predominantly in the USA, obtaining a Bachelor›s Degree in Marketing and Applied Economics from Florida State University, followed by a Master›s Degree in Marketing from the NEOMA Business School in France. Passionate about technology and new media, he opted to specialise in Digital Marketing and disruptive strategy at Oxford University.
Samuel enjoyed a 14-year career in watchmaking, with a number of successful roles in operations and strategy. During his studies, Samuel co-founded a content creation company, dividing his time between Switzerland and the USA for several years and enjoying the freedom of independence. He then took a role at Ulysse Nardin, acquiring international experience. Following this, he joined TAG Heuer, where he gained a solid grounding in customer service while developing the company›s Central Europe after-sales service and implementing new online systems and processes. After working for several large corporations, he took the decision to complete his career at independent family-run companies. Following a stint in public relations and communications at MB&F, he joined H. Moser & Cie. in 2018, bringing his experience to the Marketing department. Attracted by the company’s performance and business strategy, he also worked as an E-Business Analyst at H. Moser & Cie.
In 2022, Samuel took over as Brand Manager at HAUTLENCE. His multidisciplinary expertise, pragmatism and entrepreneurial spirit made him a natural leader, and saw him roll out a brand new strategy for the company. Leading a small team, he implemented a range of solutions to meet short-, medium- and long-term business objectives.
In his spare time, Samuel enjoys restoring vintage cars, a pastime that satisfies his passion for technology and mechanical engineering. He also holds a pilot›s licence, using his travels to employ his talents as a photographer and videographer.
A brand new chapter in the history of HAUTLENCE
Founded in 2004, HAUTLENCE – whose name itself is an anagram of Neuchâtel – pays tribute to the birthplace of watchmaking art. The brand has been praised by watch collectors and aficionados from across the world for bringing a new dynamism to the art of fine watchmaking.
In 2022, HAUTLENCE embarked on a new chapter in its history. While continuing to refine and develop the brand’s signature codes, HAUTLENCE adopted a brand new, more contemporary and sporty approach. Featuring a new structure, a more exclusive distribution network and a visual identity aligned with the brand’s positioning, HAUTLENCE now has the resources to confirm its status as a leading independent.
With an annual production of around 200 pieces, HAUTLENCE has eight calibres designed and developed in-house, whilst also relying on external partners for the movements used in certain collections.
In strategic terms, HAUTLENCE can count on support from MELB Holding, an independent family watchmaking group which has been offering its experience and network since 2012, with the synergies between HAUTLENCE and the group sure to grow.
HAUTLENCE is pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking codes, uniting them with innovative mechanical solutions and an unlimited universe borrowed from the various arts, combining design, architecture, and movement. The brand takes its inspiration from this to create new approaches to time display, which it uses to elevate the two key dimensions of space and time. Ever conscious of a functional relationship with beauty, HAUTLENCE invents timepieces with completely new contours and depths, respecting every stage and every person involved in their production.