Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, for today we display a marvel that melds the past and the future with unparalleled finesse. I present to you the HAUTLENCE Retrovision ’47, a timepiece that transcends eras and brings forth the exquisite charm of the 1940s infused with contemporary horological mastery. Inspired by the quaint yet captivating radio broadcast receivers of the 1940s, this watch is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of HAUTLENCE. Let’s embark on a journey through its meticulous craftsmanship, exploring the details that make this limited-edition masterpiece a true collector’s gem.
A colourful design from the 40’s
The first thing that strikes you about the HAUTLENCE Retrovision ’47 is its distinctive case, a nod to the historical General Television & Radio Corp. Chicago Model 5A5 radio receiver. The handcrafted titanium case with a cuboidal form featuring soft, rounded corners exudes a sense of nostalgia. The marbled green shell is hand-painted and the white Bakelite look-alike are mimicking the aesthetic of its 1940s muse. The titanium attachments that serve as lugs resemble carrying handles, maintaining the balance and symmetry of the design, while the crown at 6 o’clock adds to the harmonious look.
Moreover, the case back is also modelled after the back of the Model 5A5 radio receiver. It features a specifically shaped plate engraved with the brand name and serial number. The round sapphire display back, inscribed with details such as “MODEL ED20,” “MADE TO OPERATE ONLY ON 21’600 A/h,” and “GUARANTEED AUTONOMY FOR 72 hours,” offers a window into the heart of the timepiece.
A daring red leather strap adorns this unusual timepiece. On the wrist, although a bold and strong presence, the watch offers an unexpected comfort. The extensive use of titanium and the decent dimensions of 39.2 x 44.4 x 12.1 mm makes it suitable for many wrist sizes.
Dial in the right time
Turning our attention to the dial, we find an exquisite blend of vintage and modern elements. The right side of the dial showcases a flat rectangular sapphire crystal with red hands taking on the three-dimensional form of a frequency selector dial, reminiscent of the old radio controls. This dial, made of brass and 2N gold, features an embossed pattern of the HAUTLENCE Möbius emblem, adding a touch of elegance and continuity to the design.
On the left side of the case, beneath a “speaker” grill, lies a mesmerizing 60-second double-hairspring flying tourbillon, visible through the intricate design. The dial itself is adorned with minute numerals in black Super-LumiNova®, ensuring readability in low light. The subtle art-deco filigree style Möbius background enhances the 40’s look. The speaker grill showcases radio waves in Super-LumiNova®, further enhancing its low-light spectacular appearance.
Contemporain technical masterpiece
At the heart of the HAUTLENCE Retrovision ’47 lies the D20 automatic calibre, a marvel of modern watchmaking. This self-winding mechanical movement boasts a double hairspring flying tourbillon and operates at a frequency of 3Hz, a low number in this age of wonder but more common for the era it mimics. With a power reserve of 72 hours, this movement ensures reliable performance, embodying the perfect harmony between functionality and mechanical artistry.
The movement consists of 178 components and 39 jewels, a testament to the intricate craftsmanship involved in its creation. The sapphire display back allows admirers to appreciate the meticulous details and engineering that go into every tick and tock of this horological masterpiece. As expected from this ultra-tech Maison, the finishes are modern, implying an industrial look with brushed and frosted surfaces.
Reinterpreting time, a Hautlence’s signature
In conclusion, the HAUTLENCE Retrovision ’47 is more than just a timepiece; it is a tribute to the golden era of the 1940s, reimagined with contemporary horological excellence. Limited to just 10 pieces, this watch is a celebration of HAUTLENCE‘s 20th anniversary and a testament to their commitment to innovation, creativity, and tradition. Each element, from the case to the dial to the movement, speaks of a bygone era brought back to life with modern technology and design. The Retrovision ’47 is a collector’s dream, a wearable piece of art that transcends time and showcases the brilliance of HAUTLENCE‘s craftsmanship. Ladies and gentlemen, the Retrovision ’47 is not just a watch; it is a journey through time, a connection between the past and the future, encapsulated in a timeless design.
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HAUTLENCE Retrovision ’47 Technical Specifications
Reference: ED20-SP00 – CHF 60,000 / $66,000 USD
Movement
- Hautlence Calibre D20: automatic winding,
- 21,600vph frequency,
- 72-hour power reserve,
- 39 jewels,
- 176 components
- Double-hairspring flying tourbillon
Case
- Grade 5 titanium with green hand-painted top layer
- Lugs, speaker grill, dial frame in grade 23 titanium
- 44.4mm × 39.2mm × 12.1mm
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Grade 5 titanium caseback with sapphire crystal
Dial
- 2N-gold-plated brass with a vertical satin finish,
- Minute numerals in black Super-LumiNova,
- Embossed pattern of the Hautlence Möbius emblem in the centre.
- Speaker: radio waves in grey Super-LumiNova on a black background
Strap
- Red calf leather
- Stainless steel buckle
About HAUTLENCE
Founded in 2004, HAUTLENCE — whose name 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 nine calibres designed and developed inhouse, 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.