The RETROVISION ’85 watch, recently unveiled by HAUTLENCE, represents a fascinating blend of technical sophistication and artistic ingenuity. This limited edition timepiece is a nod to nostalgia and a showcase of modern horological craftsmanship entwined with the iconic aesthetic sensibilities of the 1980s, offering the contemporary watch collector an artefact steeped in both historical and technical significance, and inviting an exploration of fine watchmaking’s capabilities.
A Fusion of Materials and Colours
At the heart of the RETROVISION ’85 is its meticulously crafted dial, which combines a titanium base with a frosted finish, providing both robustness and an optical depth that echoes the complex inner workings of the watch. An intermediate dial of rhodium-plated brass, adorned with blue and purple PVD, enhances this visual experience with contrasting shades that evoke a retro-futuristic impression. The dial’s centre features a sapphire minute disc equipped with applied numerals and Globolight® rings, offering a functional yet elegant approach to time telling.
An Engineering Feat
Driving the RETROVISION ’85 is the D31 self-winding mechanical movement. This calibre demonstrates horological precision through its incorporation of a tourbillon with a double hairspring, ensuring exceptional timekeeping accuracy and reducing positional errors. The watch employs a wandering hours complication for its innovative time display, a system where the discs rotate in synchrony, challenging traditional perceptions of time-telling. Operational at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasting a power reserve of a minimum of 72 hours, the HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85 offers reliability and enduring performance embodied within its 217 component construction.
Innovative Form and Function
An embodiment of contemporary design, the RETROVISION ’85’s case is fashioned from titanium via advanced 3D printing technologies. This material choice conveys both strength and lightness, augmented by partial copper-coloured PVD coating that introduces a subtle, yet sophisticated lustre. The case dimensions, measuring 64.0 x 60.0 x 11.8 mm when worn as a wristwatch, transform impressively into a table clock form of 70.0 x 96.0 x 43.0 mm when positioned as a standing robot on its platform. Complementing these unique dimensions is the inclusion of a sapphire crystal, both on the front and back, treated with anti-reflective coating to ensure clarity and protection. With water resistance rated at 5 ATM, the watch combines durability with artistic expression.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
The RETROVISION ’85, with its limited release of just 8 pieces, challenges traditional boundaries within the field of Haute Horology by merging playful design with high technical standards, without compromising on either. It stands not only as a testament to 1980s inspiration but also as a remarkable artefact of modern watchmaking, bridging the divide between past emotions and present innovations. A product of advanced mechanisation infused with artistic flair, the RETROVISION ’85 invites its wearer to experience a tangible connection to both nostalgic reverie and contemporary craftsmanship.
HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85
REFERENCE ED31-TI00 – 8 pieces
Movement
- D31 self-winding mechanical movement
- Tourbillon with double hairspring
- Wandering hours and minutes
- Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Number of components: 217
- Number of jewels: 39
Dial
- Base dial: titanium with frosted finish
- Intermediate dial: rhodium-plated brass with blue and purple PVD
- Minute disc: sapphire with applied numerals and Globolight® rings
Case
- Case, bezel, and crown: titanium created using 3D printing, with partial copper-coloured PVD coating
- Engraved HAUTLENCE logo on the crown
- Crystal: bevelled extra-hard rectangular sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment
- Back: sapphire crystal,
- Dimensions:
– as a wristwatch: 64.0 x 60.0 x 11.8 mm
– as a table clock (robot standing on a platform): 70.0 x 96.0 x 43.0 mm - Water resistance: 5 ATM
Strap
- Black rubber
- Buckle: steel pin buckle
- Quick attachment system
- Engraved on the support with Möbius, “HAUTLENCE”, “Retrovision ‘85”, “SUISSE”, and “5 ATM”
About 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.