Hautlence is reconnecting with its original identity by going back to basics and offering an innovative way to display the time. Following on from the jumping hour disc and the half-trailing hour chain, it now presents a jumping hour that spins on a sphere.

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A blue sphere occupies the left-hand portion of the case, magnificently showcased by a sapphire crystal with a small dome, attracting everyone's attention. It features twelve engraved numerals and rotates on itself through three rotation axes to reveal the current hour. This hypnotic dance, which initially appears totally random, actually follows a strict choreography, dictated by four conical gears that move around two crossed spindles inclined at an angle of 21 degrees. Two polished titanium cases featuring a blue PVD treatment adorn this conical differential to create a yin and yang watchmaking composition that forms a sphere.

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To the right of the sphere is a retrograde minute display with a hand that travels along a fine and elegant minute track that opens onto the movement and partly reveals the balance. This aperture brings the gear train into view, which slows down the course of the minute hand when it returns to zero, regulating its speed so as to reduce impact forces. The differential and snail used to trigger the jumping hour can also be seen beneath the minute hand. The minute track and the applied silvered diamond-polished minute numerals are fixed to an intermediary sapphire crystal dial with a smoked metallic finish that adds to the piece's transparency.

The white gold case of the HL Sphere adopts Hautlence's signature TV screen shape. Reworked to reinterpret the brand's signature codes, the case has been enlarged and equipped with a wider opening on the dial, to truly highlight the complication. With its balanced proportions, the HL Sphere model sits perfectly on the wrist. The white gold notched crown, engraved with the Hautlence logo, is used to wind the watch and set the time. An alligator-leather strap, in the same blue shade as the sphere, adds the final touch to the piece.

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The HTL 501-1 hand-wound calibre beats at the heart of the HL Sphere model. Entirely developed, designed and produced by Hautlence's watchmakers, this movement is the perfect culmination of technical and aesthetic expertise. The skeletonised balance bridge allows the owner to admire the oscillations of the proprietary balance spring produced by Precision Engineering AG, Hautlence's sister company. The equally skeletonised drum and ratchet reveal the barrel spring, thereby providing a simple yet ingenious visual indication of the power reserve. The reliable HTL 501-1 calibre is fitted with a safety mechanism that prevents incorrect manipulation during reverse time setting, leading the movement to simply rotate freely without any risk of damaging the mechanism.

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Hautlence HL Sphere

Technical specifications:

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Model details:

·       Spherical hour and retrograde minute on a 180° sector

·       HTL 501-1 hand-wound mechanical movement

Display: Spherical hour and retrograde minute on a 180° sector

Calibre:

·       HTL 501-1 hand-wound mechanical movement

·       Spherical hour and retrograde minute on a 180° sector

·       Hand-wound mechanical movement.

·       Power reserve: minimum of 3 days

·       Regulating organ: 21,600 vibrations / hour;

·       Number of jewels: 38;

·       Front face finish: sand-blasted, components decorated and finished by hand

·       Back face finish: sand-blasted, components decorated and finished by hand

Case:

·       Case middle and horns: satin-finished and polished white gold;

·       Bezel: satin-finished and polished white gold

·       Screws: steel, with polished heads

·       Crown: polished white gold with engraved Hautlence logo

·       Crystal (TOP): extra-hard sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, bevelling and dome;

·       Back: satin-finished and polished white gold, 4 screws, engraved "HAUTLENCE", "3 ATM WATER RESISTANT", "Horlogerie Suisse";

·       Crystal (Bottom): extra-hard sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment;

·       Dimensions (excluding dome): 39 x 46 x 12 mm / 3.75 mm dome

Dial:

·       Base dial: skeletonised and rhodium-plated with engraved minute track.

·       Intermediate dial: Smoked metallic sapphire crystal and curved, diamond-polished rhodium-plated appliques.

·       Hour sphere: Polished grade 5 titanium with blue PVD treatment, laser engraved numerals and white lacquer filling.

·       Minute hands: Satin-finished grade 5 titanium with blue PVD treatment and white lacquer filling.

Strap:

·       Blue Louisiana alligator; domed, rubber-lined, full square scales, rolled-edge;

·       Interchangeability spring bars;

·       Folding clasp: grade 5 titanium with satin-finished steel plate.

Water resistance: 3 ATM

Limited edition: 28 pieces

The price for the Hautlence HL Sphere CHF 99,000.

For more information visit Hautlence Online.