Hautlence Linear Series 2: Black Is The New Black?

In September 2022, HAUTLENCE embarked on a new chapter in its history with the Linear Series 1. At this year's Watches & Wonders 2023 Geneva trade show, the brand debuted the Linear Series 2. The Linear Series 2 model is further evidence of the brand's dedication to innovation, as it features a redesigned case with a black PVD coating that provides a stunning contrast with the coloured elements of the movement, a new calibre, and a novel time reading display.

Following on from the jumping hour disc, the half-trailing hour chain and the jumping hour that spins on a sphere, the avant-garde brand now presents a linear retrograde jumping hour. By returning to its revolutionary approach to reading time, HAUTLENCE has reestablished its identity. The hours are displayed via a graduated scale on the left side of the Linear Series 2's dial, much like those found on precision measuring instruments. HAUTLENCE's first movement, the calibre HL, was released in 2004, and it features a similar large, very slim linkage. The vertical scale's hour is represented by a tiny white pointer at its end. When the snail reaches the number 12, it will release the energy stored in the probe. The connection then skips ahead one number and loops back around to it. The Linear Series 2 has a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock, whose balletic movement can be viewed through the transparent blue skeletonized bridge in addition to the linear retrograde jumping hour.

Linear Series 2 watches have a PVD-coated steel case that is jet black, with blue accents on the minute hand, tourbillon bridge, and linkage. The graduated scale is jet black. This coating emphasises the cutting-edge style of the updated, ultra-durable case that is resistant to water up to 10 ATM. The signature TV screen shape of HAUTLENCE has been updated with the addition of relief forms on the sides, giving it more volume and dynamism. The PVD-coated notched bezel has a black rubber band that matches the strap.

The dial, as is customary at HAUTLENCE, is multi-tiered. On top of the vertically satin-finished base dial is a separate sapphire dial with the minute numerals. The main dial is cutaway so that the inner workings of the watch can be inspected. One component visible through the opening is the minute cam. This works in tandem with the minute hand, which moves around the dial once an hour to raise the minute sector as time passes.
Once an hour has passed, the minute sector recedes, giving control to the hour star and its associated hour cam. The Linear Series 2 is powered by the calibre D50 self-winding movement. It was conceived, designed, and built entirely within HAUTLENCE, making this the eighth different type of movement produced by the brand.

The 72-hour power reserve and 3-hertz oscillation frequency are provided by a module developed in tandem with Agenhor. The beautifully chased moving weight is reminiscent of the brand's signature Moebius mechanism. This one-of-a-kind timepiece is powered by a component that is both technically and aesthetically flawless, marking an undeniable moment of renewal for the HAUTLENCE brand.

HAUTLENCE was a forerunner in the development of progressive independent watchmaking and a pioneer in the field of modern, architectural horology.

A new era in HAUTLENCE's storied past

HAUTLENCE, an anagram of Neuchâtel, was founded in 2004 as a tribute to the city that is widely regarded as the cradle of the watchmaking industry. Collectors and enthusiasts of fine timepieces from all over the world have praised the brand for breathing new life into the industry.

Combining design, architecture, and movement, HAUTLENCE is expanding the boundaries of conventional watchmaking codes by fusing them with novel mechanical solutions and a boundless universe borrowed from different artistic disciplines. 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. HAUTLENCE creates timepieces with novel shapes and dimensions, with an eye towards honouring the efforts of everyone involved in the process.

Technical Specifications:

LINEAR Series 2, Reference AD50-ST01
Calibre D50 self-winding mechanical movement
Linear retrograde jumping hour and 1 minute flying tourbillon
Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
Regulating organ: 21,600 vibrations per hour;
Number of components: 239
Number of jewels: 39;
Case: Case middle and horns: satin-finished and polished steel with black PVD coating;
Bezel: satin-finished and polished steel with black PVD coating.
Crown: polished steel with black PVD coating and black rubber ring; engraved HAUTLENCE logo
Glass: extra-hard bevelled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment;
Back: sapphire crystal engraved with "HAUTLENCE", "10 ATM WATER RESISTANT",
"Horlogerie Suisse";
Dimensions: 43.0 x 50.8 x 11.9 mm/10.9 mm excluding sapphire crystal
Dial: Base dial: skeletonised rhodium-plated brass with vertical satin finish. Engraved minute track.
Intermediate dial: sapphire with printed minute track in white.
Strap Black rubber
Clasp: steel with black PVD coating.
Water resistance 10 ATM
Limited edition 28 pieces