With complex and mesmeric methods of indicating the time, the Hautlence HL2.2 is a wristwatch which goes way beyond mere functionality.  Created by the quintessentially independent watchmaking brand, Hautlence, the piece demonstrates the technical ingenuity and prowess of this youthful company whose name re-assembles the letters of Neuchatel in anagrammatic style, as if to declare to the world the authenticity of their horological DNA.

From every angle the HL2.2 is a stunning collector’s timepiece which is brimming with originality.  With Haute Horlogerie finishing throughout and the incorporation of luxurious 18-carat pink gold elements, this is a contemporary watch for the most discerning collector with a penchant for avant-garde uniqueness.

The piece is housed within a 42mm x 50mm 18-carat rose gold case which has been meticulously finished with polished, sand-blasted and satin-brushed techniques.  Revealing a superb exposé of the remarkable mechanisms contained within it, the case features a generous sapphire crystal which envelopes its entire left side, enabling its wearer to have an outstanding anatomical view of the fascinating dial arrangement.

Taking up position at the centre of the dial, the golden retrograde minutes display dominates.  While the motion of the arrow-head pointer is hypnotic as it moves along the arc, on reaching the 60-minute mark the logo-inscribed hub at its centre bursts into a flurry of mind-blowing activity, spinning rapidly, as it regulates the pace of the move on to the next hour.

On the upper dial, the Hautlence half-trailing hour display provides a poetic view of the transition of time. Here the hour digits, which are placed on individual pallets on a twelve-link track, advance in a much more satisfyingly slow pace than can be achieved by an instant jump hour mechanism.

Adding to this fascinating dial composition, the entire balance and escapement assembly, which is mounted on a mobile bridge, is fully revealed on the left-hand side.  Rotating in sync with the hour track and passing through 60° each time, it provides an exquisite carrousel 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.

At the heart of the piece is the astounding HL2.2 automatic calibre, which has been engineered to carry the unusual indications and kinematic features of the watch without any loss of power, which would impact on accuracy. Beating at 18,000vph it 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.

Forming part of the acclaimed Hautlence Concepts D’Exception Collection, this Hautlence HL2.2 comes presented on a hand-stitched large-scale Louisiana alligator leather strap and is an exclusive limited release of 28 pieces.