Hautlence HL Newton

With the HL Newton model, the Neuchâtel based independent luxury Swiss watch brand HAUTLENCE has added a new calibre to its collection, featuring an idiosyncratic reworking of the jumping hour mechanism that introduces a new time display principle.

Using a system based on gravitational force, the HL Newton indicates the time only when required. The watch enters mechanical standby mode whenever the passing minutes are of no interest.

Equipped with a new self-winding manufacture calibre, the HL Newton timepiece uses the jumping hour principle, with the caveat that the usual criteria have been entirely revisited by the Neuchâtel brand. Instead of the hour jumping in a static window, HAUTLENCE opted for a moving window that approaches the hour numeral. It all happens under the effect of gravity, using a mobile window supported on three bearings with an off-centre weight.

On a mechanical level, a central wheel skeletonised in the form of the famous Moebius symbol, drives the blued minute hand, which is tipped with a white arrow. It also actuates the silvered opaline disc featuring the skeletonised hours. While the hours and minutes follow their inexorable trajectory, a mobile central flange with a blue DLC coating is driven by a snail, which performs a full revolution every 60 minutes.

This weighted flange, which bears the brand’s logo, features the minute track numerals and a window that displays the time, when desired by the wearer. The flange then moves to the correct location, bringing the window to the hour and the minute track opposite the hand. The movement is gentle, thanks to a brake that prevents shocks. When the wrist is in a random position, the time is not visible and the minute track is out of phase with the minute hand’s travel.

The HL Newton model features the TV screen shape so dear to HAUTLENCE. The titanium 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 while preserving the harmonious proportions.

The fluted crown is made from titanium and bears the engraved HAUTLENCE logo. The opaline base dial is equipped with silvered inserts engraved with the brand’s characteristic HONEYCOMB pattern, which adds a second layer to the dial. An alligator leather strap with full square scales in the same shade of blue as the mobile window adds the finishing touch.

Technical details

Model: HAUTLENCE HL NEWTON 01

Features
Jumping hours using a gravitational on-demand time display, with the minutes on a 330° sector

Movement
HTL 201-1 movement
Hours and minutes, self-winding mechanical movement
Power reserve: Minimum of 3 days
Regulating organ: 2600 vibrations per hour
Front face finish: Sand-blasted module, components decorated and finished by hand
Reverse finish: Double Cotes de Genève, components decorated and finished by hand

Case
Case middle, horns and bezel: Titanium
Screws: Titanium
Crown: Titanium
Crystal (TOP): Extra-hard bevelled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Back: Satin-finished and polished titanium. 4 screws, Engraved with “HAUTLENCE”, “3 ATM WATER RESISTANT”, “Horlogerie Suisse”
Crystal (BOTTOM): Extra-hard sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Dimensions: 39 x 46 x 12 mm
Water resistance 3 ATM

Dial
Base dial: Opaline with silvered inserts engraved with honeycomb pattern
Silvered opaline hour disc with skeletonised numerals
Mobile window with blue DLC, white transfer minute numerals

Strap
Blue Louisiana alligator; domed, rubber-lined, full square scales, rolled-edge
Interchangeability spring bars
Folding clasp: Titanium with satin-finished steel plate

Price
26,900 CHF – including tax