March 2018 – Creating new approaches to time display has been HAUTLENCE's vocation since it was founded in 2004. The HL
Vagabonde model is firmly in line with this philosophy. The Neuchâtel watch brand's timepieces have played a major role in making independent, contemporary watchmaking what it is today, a driving force for innovation, and this latest piece, available in two versions, takes its inspiration from satellite systems. Three discs, openworked to display the hours, orbit around the central minute disc. The effect is magical: the circular dance of the numbers is hypnotic. This creation is driven by a new self- winding calibre, the HTL 205-1, developed from the HMC200 movement created by H. Moser & Cie., HAUTLENCE's sister company.
Set on different levels, four discs add volume to the dial, which provides a deep black background. The largest, made of sapphire adorned with HAUTLENCE's signature HONEYCOMB pattern, displays the minutes within a 240° sector. Orbiting around this central point, and spread out across the dial in perfect harmony, are three smaller skeleton discs, openworked to allow the hour numerals to be seen once they come into the correct alignment. The font used for the hours has been chosen to resemble digital numerals made mechanical. This move is typically HAUTLENCE; the brand simply loves to confound expectations.
Certain components required cutting edge expertise. Manufacturing and finishing the intermediate sapphire dial, shaped from sapphire, and the openworked hours discs, took advanced technical skill and precision. If there is one world in which the details are anything but, it is Haute Horlogerie. HAUTLENCE knows this, and pays special attention to the tiny things that make all the difference.
The HL Vagabonde model is available in a choice of two versions. The HL Vagabonde 01, a classic monochrome version, which showcases tones of grey, black and white, and the HL Vagabonde 02, a more sporty and dynamic version in black and vibrant orange. Highlighting the minute display sector, a thin white or orange line contours the disc. The 240° angle of the sector ensures outstanding precision from a technical point of view. Driving the rotation of the discs, the HTL 205-1 bidirectional self-winding movement guarantees a minimum power reserve of 3 days. HAUTLENCE has made modular developments to a manufacture movement created by H. Moser & Cie. to create the calibre HTL 205-1, a beautiful version of the mechanism.
Made from titanium or DLC-coated titanium, the HL Vagabonde case boasts the TV screen shape so dear to HAUTLENCE. The case has been specially reworked for these pieces, reinterpreting the brand's signature codes. Enlarged and equipped with a wider opening on the dial, it truly showcases the complication. With its balanced proportions, the HL Vagabonde model sits perfectly on the wrist. The fluted crown is made from polished grade 5 or DLC-coated titanium, and is engraved with the HAUTLENCE logo. A black alligator leather strap with full square scales adds a very masculine finishing touch.
The result is a very fine HAUTLENCE piece equipped with a high-flying automatic movement and a proprietary module, and a complication which is both enchanting and cutting-edge. A watch full of character which bears all the hallmarks of HAUTLENCE limited editions, at an extremely competitive price.
A brand-new chapter in HAUTLENCE history
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.
With annual production of around 200 pieces, HAUTLENCE has seven calibres designed and developed in- house, whilst also relying on external partners for the movements used in certain collections. It offers a collection of 33 models, organised into five different sub-collections: Atelier, Concept d’exception, Signature, Playground, inspired by mechanical toys, and, launched in 2018, Objets d’exception.
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