As the festive season approaches, the HONORIS I model is enriched with two new shades, reaffirming its timeless and refined character. Encased in an 18-carat rose gold case meticulously polished by hand, this creation by HAUTE-RIVE features a sumptuous grand feu enamel dial in midnight blue, crafted by the master artisans of the 2b8 workshop in Marin, Switzerland.
Each dial, meticulously fashioned from a solid gold plate, reflects an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. The plate is painstakingly prepared to form delicate cells, or ‘alvéoles’, which hold the enamel powder—a traditional technique known as ‘champlevé’. This process brings the cells to life, endowing the dial with depth and radiance. Achieving this exceptional finish requires between 10 and 15 firings at 800°C, with every stage a testament to exacting skill and precision.
Rose gold, the unifying thread of this creation, extends to its emblematic details. At noon, the luminous and sculptural wheel of time captures the gaze, while at six o’clock, the mysterious flying tourbillon cage reveals a mechanism that is both subtle and daring. By juxtaposing visible elements with others discreetly integrated, Stéphane von Gunten achieves a contemporary and intriguing architecture.
The reverse of the watch is equally remarkable. A deep blue indicator disc showcases the extraordinary power reserve of 1,000 hours. This remarkable feat is achieved by a unique barrel spring, measuring an unprecedented three meters in length—the longest ever created for a wristwatch. Encased in a harmonious and comfortably wearable design, this masterpiece redefines the boundaries of what can be accomplished with a single spring mechanism.
The model is further elevated by a hand-stitched strap in glossy large-scale midnight blue Alligator Mississippiensis, adding the ultimate touch of sophistication.
A Grand Feu Enamel in eggshell white for a luminous variation
Complementing this release, the HONORIS I is also presented in a gentle and luminous version, featuring a grand feu enamel dial in eggshell white. This subtle tone extends to the indicator disc on the reverse, creating an understated and harmonious composition. This variation is paired with a glossy large-scale brown Alligator Mississippiensis hand-stitched strap, offering a natural and discreet elegance.
HAUTE-RIVE HONORIS I in Rose Gold Technical Specifications
Movement
- Reference: HR01
- Winding: Manual, via the rotating bezel
- Power Reserve: 1,000 hours (41 days), single barrel, with a mainspring over 3 meters long
- Regulator: Mysterious flying tourbillon with one-minute rotation, inclined anchor escapement, variable inertia balance
- Functions: Hours, minutes, function selector, power reserve indicator on the case back
- Diameter: 38.45 mm (17’’’)
- Thickness: 7.75 mm
- Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
- Components: 288
- Jewels: 35
- Mainplate and Bridges: Sandblasted, satin-finished, and hand-polished
Case
- Material: 18-carat rose gold
- Dimensions: 42.5 mm in diameter
- Height: 11.95 mm
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Case Back Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
Dial
- Base Plate: 18-carat rose gold
- Enamel Grand Feu with Champlevé: Available in blue night or eggshell white
Hands
- Type: Leaf-shaped, convex, polished
- Material: 18-carat rose gold
Strap
- Material: Hand-stitched alligator leather in blue night or brown with tone-on-tone stitching
- Buckle: 18-carat rose gold ardillon buckle
Exclusive Production
- Approximately 10 watches per year
Price
- 148,000 CHF (excluding VAT)
HAUTE-RIVE: Reinventing Heritage
Founded in 1888 by Irénée Aubry, a visionary watchmaker and exceptional innovator, HAUTE-RIVE has epitomised boldness and ingenuity since its inception. Renowned for creating the Hebdomas, the mechanical watch boasting an eight-day power reserve, Aubry also made history with an extraordinary pocket watch designed for Pope Leo XIII, offering an unparalleled autonomy of 40 days.
Today, this pioneering spirit resonates anew through his great-great-grandson, Stéphane von Gunten. A master watchmaker in his own right, he carries forward this family legacy while infusing it with a contemporary flair. The holder or co-inventor of nearly thirty watchmaking patents, he has honed his expertise at esteemed houses such as Patek Philippe and Ulysse Nardin.
Faithful to his roots yet resolutely modern, Stéphane von Gunten reimagines his family’s watchmaking heritage, blending it seamlessly with cutting-edge techniques and daring designs. Every creation by HAUTE-RIVE embodies a subtle dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, thus celebrating the timeless excellence of a craftsmanship handed down through generations.