The Hautlence Sphere Series 3 arrives as a compelling refinement of the brand’s most acclaimed mechanical achievement, condensing its kinetic ingenuity into a package that sits with genuine wearability on the wrist whilst sacrificing none of the visual drama that made its predecessor a GPHG Innovation Prize winner.
A Dial Conceived as Theatre
The architectural approach to dial construction places the Sphere Series 3 firmly in the realm of mechanical sculpture. At its foundation lies a skeletonised rhodium-plated brass base dial finished with frosted textures that catch the light whilst maintaining legibility. This serves as the stage upon which the mechanism performs its hourly ballet. Overlaying this base sits an intermediate sapphire dial carrying applied minute numerals executed in Globolight, a composite material blending ceramic with Super-LumiNova that emits a distinctive blue glow in darkness. The construction creates a three-dimensional depth that allows the eye to travel through layers of transparency and solidity, with the skeletonisation giving the impression that components float suspended within the case architecture.
The left portion of the dial is dominated by the spherical jumping hours display, composed of two polished Grade 5 titanium hemispheres united to form the sphere. Each half shell receives a striking purple coating, with hour numerals engraved into the titanium and filled with white Super-LumiNova for nocturnal legibility. This sphere rotates on three axes through the orchestration of four conical gears that move around two crossed axes inclined precisely at 21 degrees. The geometry of this arrangement transforms linear rotational motion into the seemingly random three-dimensional tumbling movement that reveals each successive hour. On the opposing right side, the retrograde minute hand traces a 180-degree arc across the sapphire minute track before executing its controlled snap-back to zero. Fashioned from satin-finished Grade 5 titanium treated with purple PVD, the hand carries white Super-LumiNova and moves above the exposed mechanism where the snail cam, freewheel and gearing remain visible through the openwork. The retrograde action employs the classic snail cam principle, where the gradually increasing radius of the cam progressively tensions a spring over the course of the hour until the mechanism reaches the cliff edge, releasing stored energy to drive the instantaneous return.
The Calibre A82: Engineered for Compactness
Beneath this theatrical display beats the hand-wound Calibre A82, a movement specifically engineered for the Sphere Series 3’s reduced case dimensions. This represents a complete reworking of the architecture rather than simple miniaturisation, condensing the mechanism whilst preserving the functional complexity of the spherical jumping hours and retrograde minutes complications. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), a classical frequency that balances precision with power consumption. Its construction incorporates 160 components, including 31 jewelled bearings that provide low-friction pivoting points for the gear trains. The power reserve extends to a minimum of 72 hours, offering three full days of autonomy between windings. Critical to the movement’s operation is the hairspring produced by Precision Engineering AG, Hautlence‘s sister company specialising in regulating organs. This component governs the oscillation rate of the balance wheel, directly influencing the movement’s chronometric performance.
The barrel and ratchet receive full skeletonisation treatment, exposing the mainspring to view and allowing an intuitive reading of the remaining power reserve through visual assessment of spring tension. This transparent approach to power indication eschews traditional gauge mechanisms in favour of direct mechanical observation. A built-in security mechanism protects the movement from damage during incorrect manipulation, particularly reverse time setting. This pragmatic engineering solution prevents the snail cam and retrograde mechanism from jamming or breaking when subjected to counter-clockwise adjustment, demonstrating Hautlence‘s focus on functional robustness alongside aesthetic ambition.
Hautelence Television Set
The case adopts Hautlence‘s signature rectangular television-screen profile, executed entirely in Grade 5 titanium with alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces. The case middle, horns, bezel and crown all receive this mixed finishing treatment, creating contrast through texture rather than material variance. Dimensional proportions measure 37.0mm in width and 45.0mm in length, establishing a footprint that remains substantial without veering into unwearable territory. The thickness reaches 17.4mm at its tallest point, though this measurement includes the domed sapphire crystal that accommodates the protruding sphere. Without the crystal, the case body stands 11.5mm tall.
The front crystal employs extra-hard sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and bevelling at its edges. This bevelling serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, softening the visual mass of the crystal whilst eliminating sharp edges. The case back features sapphire construction engraved with “Hautlence,” “10 ATM” and “Suisse” designations. The transparent back allows observation of the movement architecture and finishing, though the primary visual theatre unfolds on the dial side. Water resistance reaches 10 ATM, equivalent to 100 metres depth rating. Whilst this specification positions the watch well beyond splash resistance, the complex dial construction and numerous apertures suggest this timepiece finds its natural habitat in the boardroom rather than the swimming pool.
The crown carries an engraved Hautlence logo and provides the sole interface for winding and time setting. Side reliefs echo the rectangular design language that has become fundamental to Hautlence’s visual identity, creating subtle surface articulation that breaks up the titanium flanks. The watch sits onto the wrist via a purple suede leather strap secured with a titanium folding clasp. The material choice connects aesthetically with the purple coating on the sphere and minute hand whilst offering suppleness against the skin.
Conclusion: Architectural Horology Refined
The Sphere Series 3 demonstrates how reduction in size need not correlate with diminishment of impact. Where the original Sphere series measured 50.8mm by 43mm, establishing itself as a bold wrist statement, this third iteration achieves a footprint that accommodates a broader range of wrist sizes. The movement represents genuine engineering work rather than simple downsizing, with the Calibre A82 conceived specifically for these proportions. Ref. DA82-TI00 is limited to 28 pieces and priced at CHF 69,000. So the Sphere Series 3 positions itself within the upper echelons of contemporary independent watchmaking, where mechanical innovation intersects with sculptural ambition. It succeeds as both wearable timepiece and kinetic art object, elevating time display beyond pure function into the realm of mechanical theatre. I was mindblown when the first Sphere was launched and this “woah” remained through each iteration. I am happy to see Hautlence keeping the spirit that was loved by the collectors from the very beggining – kinetic art for the wrist with (in this case) an unusual time telling way.
Hautlence Sphere Series 3 Technical Specifications
Ref. DA82-TI00 – CHF 69,000, limited to 28 pieces
Movement
▪ Hand-wound mechanical movement A82
▪ Spherical hours and retrograde minute on a 180° sector
▪ Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
▪ 21’600 vibrations/hour
▪ Number of components: 160
▪ Number of jewels: 31
Case
▪ Case middle and horns, bezel and crown: satin-finished and polished grade 5 titanium
▪ HAUTLENCE logo engraved on the crown
▪ Crystal: extra-hard sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, and beveling
▪ Back: Sapphire crystal , engraved «HAUTLENCE», «10 ATM», «Suisse»
▪ Dimensions: 37.0 x 45.0 x 17.4 mm / 11.5 mm without sapphire crystal
▪ Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
▪ Base dial: skeletonized and rhodium-plated brass with a frosted finishing
▪ Intermediate dial: sapphire with applied minute numerals in Globolight®
▪ Hour sphere: polished grade 5 titanium with purple coating, engraved hour numerals with white Super-LumiNova® filling
▪ Minute hand: satin-finished grade 5 titanium with purple PVD treatment, white Super-LumiNova®
Strap & Buckle
▪ Purple suede leather
▪ Folding clasp: titanium
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 an annual production of around 200 pieces, HAUTLENCE has ten 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 that 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.