Marking an exciting new chapter for Hautlence, the Linear Series 1 is a spectacular example of technically accomplished contemporary Haute Horlogerie. Featuring a compelling dial architecture defined by innovative engineering and nuances of avant-garde styling, this is a visually satisfying piece with an exceptional wrist presence.

Founded in 2004 and acclaimed for their unconventional time indications and masterful micro-mechanics, Hautlence, now a sister company of H. Moser & Cie, marks its renaissance in quite spectacular style with the Linear Series 1 watch. A limited release of only 28 pieces this Haute Horlogerie comes presented in the company’s iconic TV-shaped watch case, secured to the wrist by an integrated rubber strap, reaffirming its resolutely sporty character. A beautifully finished and complex piece, the model is equipped with an openworked dial which showcases the mechanisms of its retrograde jumping hour indication and a splendid fully exposed flying tourbillon.

Measuring 50.8mm across and 43mm end to end, the TV-screen watch case, so-named as it recalls the profile of retro television screens, has been crafted from stainless steel. More streamlined than previous models, considerable attention has been devoted to the profile and finishing of the housing, with recesses on the sides and contrasting brushed and polished techniques employed on the surfaces to accentuate its unique architecture. Resting just 11.9mm high on the wrist, a full integration of the strap ensures an ergonomic wear, and conforming to the colour accents of the strap and dial elements, a blue band on the crown brings the styling of the piece together splendidly.

The bezel is stepped and topped with bevelled sapphire crystal revealing an extraordinary dial arrangement. On the left sector, a scale rendered in white upon a blue background displays the linear jumping hours, driven by an elongated blued lever fully visible at the centre of the dial. As it progresses up the scale each hour can be read via a petite white pointer and on passing the 12 o’clock, the mechanism disengages enabling the pointer to return instantly to the number 1.

The minutes are read in a more traditional manner via a needle-like hand and brilliant white three-dimensional numerals upon a sapphire dial at the centre. Joining this uniquely fascinating indication of time, the fully exposed flying tourbillon at the six o’clock location is clasped beneath a blued bridge. By day the time-telling display is intuitive and compelling, but in dimmer light conditions the indices, minute hand and hour pointer come alive, in an illuminated and striking spectacle.

Beating at a frequency of 21’600 vib/h (3Hz), and with a reserve of power of 72 hours, the D50 in-house automatic movement comprises of 239 components. Highly modern in its arrangement, the bridges are rendered in dark grey with a finely brushed surface while the partially openworked rotor has been embellished with the brand’s signature logo.

A stunning return to the independent watchmaking landscape, the Hautlence Linear Series 1 is limited to just 28 pieces, and is presented on a blue rubber strap with a steel clasp.