LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, June 2012 - Following on from the launch two years ago of the first models in the HLC line, Neuchâtel watch brand HAUTLENCE is launching an elegant rounded version, limited to 88 numbered pieces, which combines beauty and practicality while remaining true to the minimalist heritage of the very first line, the HL.
HAUTLENCE presents the rose gold HLC06, inspired by minimalist art and the famed maxim of architect Mies van der Rohe: “less is more”. A model stripped of all excesses;; it features an opaline chocolate dial in an 18-carat rose gold case measuring 41 mm in diameter. Taking the time display principle from its first calibre, the HL, the house movement has been rebuilt around the jumping hour and retrograde minute, both set harmoniously over 180 degrees. Playing with the repetition of the circles, right down to the sectors on the minute display arc, the redesigned face of the HLC represents a knowing geometric allusion to the repetition of infinity.
A complex piece with a streamlined aesthetic, the HLC06 displays almost architectural features, such as the skeleton hour and minute surrounds and semi-opaque hour disc. The jumping hour and retrograde minute are driven by the ingenious HL patented mechanism, which combines the sliding movement of the snail feeler spindle’s retraction with a gold inertia block acting as an inertia wheel and providing the energy required for the disc to jump. This mechanism is driven from the crown which, in keeping with an ergonomic and aesthetic whole, is situated at the 40-minute position.
This 3rd in-house hand-wound mechanical calibre, with its Côtes de Genève and hand bevelling decorations on the bridges, sees HAUTLENCE consolidating its position amongst the leading watch brands and demonstrating its long-term vision.
HAUTLENCE, CONTEMPORARY WATCHMAKING WORKSHOP IN LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS (CANTON OF NEUCHATEL, SWITZERLAND)
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.
HAUTLENCE has pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking codes, taking inspiration from the past and combining this with innovative mechanical solutions borrowed from other high-tech industries, with its architecture and designs displaying an unmistakable Bauhaus influence. This has inspired the brand to create new approaches to displaying the time, guaranteeing its place in the annals of watchmaking history.
Designing and developing all movements in-house, the company has its own contemporary watchmaking workshop in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking metropolis, La Chaux-de-Fonds.
SWISS WATCHMAKING
HAUTLENCE timepieces are created and produced according to the very highest tradition of Swiss watchmaking, and their case-backs are stamped with the legend “Horlogerie Suisse”. With the exception of the straps, all the components in the HL family are developed, produced and assembled in Switzerland - 90% in the canton of Neuchâtel.
EXCLUSIVITY & AVAILABILITY
Like the HL, HLS and HLQ lines, each HLC model is produced in a limited series of 88 numbered pieces. This piece is now available from approved retailers.
Technical sheet
MODEL NAME
HLC 06 – rose gold
MODEL SUMMARY
HAUTLENCE HLC 06 in-house movement. Jumping hour, retrograde minute. Manual winding mechanical movement.
DISPLAY
Jumping hours, retrograde minutes.
CALIBRE
Movement description :
Jumping hours, retrograde minutes with connecting rods system.
Number of components : 207
Power reserve : 40h
Regulation organ : 21␣600 vibrations/hour
Number of jewels : 24
Finishing : Traditional “Côtes de Genève” and hand angled bridges
CASE
Case: 18-karat rose 4N gold
Finishing : polished
Screwed lugs: 18-carat 4N rose gold
Dimension: diameter : 41mm / thickness : 9 mm
Glass: sapphire crystal with angled edges, multi layer anti reflecting treatment.
Back: screwed sapphire case back with stamps and officials engraving: “HAUTLENCE” and “Horlogerie Suisse”.
Crown: polished with HAUTLENCE logo: 18-karat 4N rose gold. Identificationandnumberingplate:HLC 06 – 01/88
DIAL
Base dial brown opalin with HAUTLENCE’s logo hand applied. Skeleton micro- machined hours & minutes dials, 4N gold. Jumping hour disc, semi-transparent: metallization made by a vapour deposition process to generate the concentric bands. Hands, laser-cut profile and polished 4N gold with superluminova arrow Connecting rods, hand angled and linear fine brushed and 4N gold plated.
STRAP
Brown hand sewn genuine Louisiana alligator strap with square scales. Interchangeability lugs. Buckle: pin or folding buckle, 18-karat 4N rose gold.
WATER RESISTANCE
30 meters (3ATM)
LIMITED EDITION
88 pieces
PACKAGING
Makassar ebony wood box containing :
- Identification and numbering plate
- Special leather travel box
- Watchmakers magnifying glass
- Instruction booklet
- Warranty card (3 years)
PRICE (TAXES INCLUDED)
Pin buckle: CHF 57’000.- - Folding buckle: CHF 60’000.-