HAUTLENCE HLQ Classic
Once again, HAUTLENCE is reinforcing the exclusivity of its products by offering lovers of beautiful time pieces the opportunity to choose between two dial types for the same case reference. The first HLQ versions, which belong to the HL family of timepieces, were of a “skeletonised” aesthetic. Thanks to the “Classic” dial taken directly from the HLC collection, in 2011 HAUTLENCE brings a touch of sobriety and elegance to the HLQ model.
The design of this evolution, displayed in the perfect union of the curves, allows the minutes sector and jumping hour to be highlighted, in pure symmetry. The number of pieces in this limited edition remains 88 per reference.
With its calibre HLQ, HAUTLENCE enters the world of brands that have made their mark on history. By offering a second movement in its collection, developed and produced entirely independently, the young Manufacture proves that it is here to stay.
In order to maintain the connection between the oldest hand-wound calibre and the new movement, the team of HAUTLENCE developers worked together, coming to the conclusion that the new heart of the HLQ must maintain its visual associations, without in any way attempting to reuse the same kinematics for the time display.
In this configuration, which integrates a date disc, the round hand-wound calibre therefore uses a gear train of sectoral development coupled with a pinion with calibrated micrometric teeth, connected to the axis of the motion-work.
This layout allows space to be optimised and the minute display sector to be increased. The jumping hour and retrograde minute continue to be commanded by the bold HL patent, combining a sliding translation motion under the effect of the backwards movement of the spiral sensor with a gold inertia block that acts as a fly for inertia, allowing the necessary energy to be brought to the jumping disc.
Finally, in order to simplify the setting of the date, the internal creators have incorporated an instant corrector, judiciously positioned and accessible to the lug at 12 o’clock.
By continuing the circle effect right up to the minutes-display crescent, the round HLQ Classic redesigns its face, ingeniously alluding in its geometry to the repetitive nature of infinity.
The 44 mm case has been reconstructed according to the essence of the HL, conserving the latter’s pure lines. The cylindrical form of the case, architectured to optimise the aperture, orients the design towards a deconstructed construction; the 4 horns are therefore screwed onto the exterior of the casemiddle, thus optimising the adaptation of the bracelet, which swivels closer to the wearer’s wrist.
This curved watch possesses the ability to instantly attract the gaze, using the volumes of its dial in order to give its owner an incredible sensation of restraint through its various skilfully-worked curvatures. It therefore becomes a convergence of trends, between modernity and artistic craftsmanship, embodying a new breed of timepiece in which understated strength and originality are a symbol of excellence.
Technical details
Model: HAUTLENCE HLQ Classic
Jumping date, Jumping hour, retrograde minute and second
Limited, numbered edition of 88 pieces per model
Mechanical hand-wound movement
40-hour power reserve
Rotation: 21,600 vibrations per hour
32 jewels
Case-middle dimension: 43.8mm x 10.65mm
Back: Hand-bevelled bridges
Etching in black lacquer
Plate bearing the number and identification code of the timepiece
Alligator-skin strap: Square scales, folded edges with a metal insert, hand-stitched
Water-resistant to 30 metres (3 atm)
