Boasting unparalleled uniqueness and compelling time indications, the Hautlence HL2.1 watch brings to its wearer the opportunity to become immersed in the mechanical ingenuity which brings this piece alive on the wrist. Designed to offer an unrestricted and fascinating view of the calibre and the passage of time, this model is a stand-out example of contemporary Haute Horlogerie watchmaking.

From every angle, the HL2.1 is a stunning wristwatch with meticulous, loupe-worthy hand-finishing.  The piece carries a 42mm x 50mm 18-carat white gold case with alternating sand-blasted, satin-brushed and polished finishes. Enveloping this pristine housing, a curvaceous sapphire crystal spills over the left-hand side providing a vitreous showcase which reveals the heart and soul of this remarkable timepiece.

Taking up position at the centre of the dial, a rhodium-plated arc for the retrograde minutes display dominates.  As the vibrant little rhodium-plated minutes hand, with its orange Super-LumiNova-enhanced arrow-tip makes its way along the arc, tracing the minutes marked with black Arabic numerals in 15 minute increments, a gentle, almost hypnotic passage ensues. However, on reaching the 60-minute mark, the logo-inscribed hub at its centre, bursts into an extraordinary flurry of energetic activity, spinning seemingly out of control, as it regulates the pace of the move on to the next hour.

On the upper dial, the signature, Hautlence half-trailing hour display provides an unusual, poetic view of the transition of time. Unlike a traditional instant jump hour mechanism, with which the activity can be missed in the blink of any eye, with the Hautlence system, the hour digits, which are placed on individual pallets on a twelve-link track, advance in a leisurely pace over 3-4 seconds, giving the wearer a satisfying eye-pleasing experience.

Adding to this fascinating dial arrangement, the entire balance and escapement assembly is mounted on a mobile bridge.  Rotating in sync with the hour track and passing through 60° each time, it provides an exquisite and mesmerising panorama as it rotates four times every 24 hours.  Elsewhere, a graduated indicator on the lower dial keeps check on the impressive 45 hour power reserve.

To engender such impressive indications without the loss of accuracy requires the application of an equally exceptional calibre.  Giving power to this model, the astounding in-house HL2.0 automatic calibre beats at 18,000vph and utilises two barrels - a primary barrel which is fed directly from the automatic winding system, which then distributes power to a secondary barrel which is devoted to driving the complex functions.

The meticulous satin-brushed, hand-bevelling and mirror-polished elements of the calibre can be appreciated through the rear sapphire, where one can also view the reverse aspect of the hour digit pallets and the mobile bridge.

Forming part of the acclaimed Concepts d’Exception Collection the Hautlence HL2.1comes presented on a hand-sewn, rolled-edge, large scale Louisiana alligator leather strap with folding clasp in Titanium and Palladium.  The model is limited to just 28 pieces offering its wearer assured exclusivity.