NEUHAUSEN AM RHEINFALL, 16th March 2023 – In September 2022, HAUTLENCE embarked on a new chapter in its history with the Linear Series 1. Now, the brand is set to launch the Linear Series 2 at this year’s prestigious Watches & Wonders Geneva trade fair. Featuring a redesigned case with a black PVD coating that offers a stunning contrast with the coloured elements of the movement, as well as a new calibre and a unique time reading display, the Linear Series 2 model further demonstrates the brand’s commitment to keep pushing boundaries.
Following on from the jumping hour disc, the half-trailing hour chain and the jumping hour that spins on a sphere, the avant-garde brand now presents a linear retrograde jumping hour. HAUTLENCE has reconnected with its DNA by pursuing its revolutionary approach to time reading, this time with an added dimension. On the left of the Linear Series 2’s 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. The small white pointer on its end 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 2 is equipped with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, whose balletic movement can be admired behind its blue skeletonised bridge.
The deep black graduated scale echoes the intense black of the steel case on the Linear Series 2, which is entirely covered with PVD to contrast with the linkage, the tourbillon bridge and the minute hand in blue. This finish underscores the distinctly contemporary aesthetic of the redesigned, ultra-durable case, which offers water resistance to 10 ATM. Relief forms on the sides add volume and dynamism to HAUTLENCE‘s signature TV screen shape, but with a modernised aesthetic. The notched bezel, which is also covered with PVD, features a black rubber band that echoes the strap.
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 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 calibre D50 self-winding movement is the motor that drives the Linear Series 2. It has been entirely developed, designed and produced in-house, bringing the number of HAUTLENCE manufacture movements to eight. 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 movement. 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 2 Technical Specifications
Reference AD50-ST01 – Limited edition of 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 per hour;
- Number of components: 239
- Number of jewels: 39;
Case
- Case middle and horns: satin-finished and polished steel with black PVD coating;
- Bezel: satin-finished and polished steel with black PVD coating.
- Crown: polished steel with black PVD coating and black rubber ring; 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: 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 white.
Strap
- Black rubber;
- Clasp: steel with black PVD coating.
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 the 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 annual production of around 200 pieces, HAUTLENCE has nine 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.