Watches And Wonders 2024: Hautlence Presents A Steam-Punk Creation The Retrovision '47 Inspired By A Radio
2 min read
Hautlence is known for its unconventional designs, inspired by everything from landscapes to locomotives. Their signature rectangular case with rounded edges echoes the shape of a television. But for the Retrovision '47, they looked back to a time before television - the 1940s. At Watches & Wonders 2024, Hautlence unveils a special timepiece to celebrate their 20th anniversary: the Retrovision '47. This unique watch takes inspiration from a bygone era.
A Radio as the Inspiration
The General Television & Radio Corp. Chicago Model 5A5 radio's design, with its segmented sections and distinctive knobs, laid the groundwork for the look of future televisions. It was both functional and visually striking, a perfect match for Hautlence's philosophy. The Retrovision '47 captures the essence of the Model 5A5. Handcrafted with a cuboidal case in hand-painted marbled green and white, it mimics the radio's Bakelite material. White attachments resembling carrying handles serve as lugs, and a red leather strap completes the vintage aesthetic.
This unconventional timepiece features a traditional hour and minute dial with central hands. However, a small offset dial boasts a unique feature. Here, red hands take the three-dimensional form of the radio's frequency selector dial, set against a brass and 2N gold background with the Hautlence Möbius emblem. On the opposite side, a "speaker grille" reveals a mesmerizing 60-second flying tourbillon.
A Whimsical Design manifestation
The case back is modeled after the Model 5A5, featuring a specifically shaped plate engraved with brand details. A round sapphire window offers a glimpse of the automatic caliber powering the watch, which boasts a 72-hour power reserve. Whimsical, evocative and undeniably unusual, the Retrovision '47 celebrates Hautlence's 20th anniversary with a look back at what could have been - and a reminder of their enduring commitment to horological ingenuity and artistic timepieces. This special creation was displayed at the Hautlence booth at Watches and Wonders 2024.
