Geneva Watch Days 2022: Hautlence presents Linear Series 1 and Vagabonde Series 4

Since 2004, independent watchmaker Hautlence has gone beyond the traditional concepts of reading time and pushed its boundaries in models like the HL, HL2, and HL Sphere. Not just that, Hautlence (an anagram of the Swiss watchmaking hub Neuchâtel) watches have also made their distinct presence felt through the TV-shaped case of its timepieces. Now, taking both these ideas forward at the ongoing Geneva Watch Days 2022, the watchmaker has unveiled the Linear Series 1 (Ref. AD50-ST00) with a new calibre, and Vagabonde Series 4.

Linear Series 1 (Ref. AD50-ST00)

The brand, now headed by Samuel Hoffmann, and with former Manchester United great Eric Cantona on board as the brand ambassador, has restructured itself, and the Linear Series 1 marks Hautlence's foray into sporty timepieces. A limited edition of only 28 pieces, the name takes after the singular line of hour markers seen on the left side of the dial in this 43mm steel watch.

The hours in the Linear Series 1 model are indicated with the help of a small white pointer at the end of the linkage on the vertical scale. Thanks to a jumping hours or retrograde setting, once the 12 numeral is passed, a snail disengages the probe to release the accumulated energy, making the linkage jump and return to the numeral 1. The dial has different layers, and here is an additional sapphire one featuring the Arabic numerals that mark the minutes. The minute cam rotates once every hour and is read through a blue and white hand. The 3D indexes all feature Globolight.

There are many layers on the dial of the Linear 1. The top of the base dial is rhodium-plated brass with a vertical satin finish, underneath which part of the skeletonised movement can be seen. At 6 o’clock is the flying tourbillon, placed behind a blue skeletonised bridge. Turning the watch reveals a sapphire crystal caseback engraved with 'Hautlence', 'Horlogerie Suisse' with eight visible screws, and a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, along with a finely chased oscillating weight. There is also a 'Limited' engraving, along with the individual watch number out of 28. The signature television-shaped case has also undergone reworking. The case middle, bezel and horns are satin-finished and polished steel.

The Linear Series 1 is powered by self-winding D50 movement, created in collaboration with Agenhor. It has a 72-hour power reserve. The watch sits on a blue rubber strap with a stainless steel clasp, and gets a water resistance of 100 metres.

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Vagabonde Series 4

Hautlence Vagabonde Series 4 has a TV case sized 43mm

Hautlence has unveiled its new Vagabonde Series 4, housed in a 43mm polished steel case. The watch gets a rhodium-plated frosted brass dial with a central minutes’ disc and three-hour satellites positioned inside the sapphire disc that are powered by the caliber B30 self-winding manufacturing movement with a power reserve of three days, developed in association with H. Moser & Cie.

So how does one read time on this exquisite timepiece? With the Vagabonde Series 4, Hautlence revisits its Wandering Hours concept. The hour ring rotates around the central staff that turns on it own axis, thus marking the passing hours. The minutes disc keeps turning, and the time is read via the hour numeral and the minute it points to via a small indicator on it.

Hautlence Vagabonde Series 4 Reference AB30-ST00

Hautlence new Vagabonde Series 4 gets a skeleton caseback with an oscillating weight

This is the modernized Vagabonde Series 4 also has a reworked case with bolder curves. At 3 o’clock, the limited edition watch gets a stainless steel crown with a blue rubber ring. Turning the watch reveals a sapphire crystal caseback engraved with 'Hautlence' and an oscillating weight. The watch sits on a blue rubber strap with a stainless steel clasp, and has a water resistance of 100 metres.

Images: Courtesy Hautlence

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