Exhibiting creativity and technical mastery in abundance, the Vagabonde Series 4 watch by independent watchmaking company Hautlence is an excellent example of a contemporary sports Haute Horlogerie wristwatch. Featuring an endlessly fascinating wandering hour display, this stunning 28 piece limited edition model demonstrates the company’s panache for unconventional time indications, and its unveiling represents a new era for Hautlence, a sister company of H. Moser & Cie.

The watch carries a TV-screen watch case, so-named as it recalls the profile of retro television screens, and measures 50.8mm across and 43mm end to end. Manufactured from stainless steel upon which brushed and polished finishing has been applied, it has a streamlined architecture and at 11.9mm high on the wrist it is secured via a fully integrated blue rubber strap.

The bezel of the case is stepped and has been topped with bevelled sapphire crystal which when viewed side-on enhances the unique aspect of the dial which is not simply beautifully executed but also spectacular in its arrangement.

The base of the dial is of rhodium plated brass, decorated with a frosted finish. Against this textured background, the minutes are indicated on a sapphire disc via brilliant white numerals and markers. Rotating in a clockwise direction, the minutes disc is elevated above a trio of hour satellites, each nuanced with vivid blue accents. As the current hour is revealed within its window, its numeral is accompanied by an arrow pointer for the minutes, thus the time can be read instantly and intuitively.

The compelling dial side panorama is achieved by an equally impressive mechanical movement, the in-house B30 automatic movement, which is revealed through a central sapphire section in the caseback. Beating at a frequency of 21’600 vib/h (3Hz), and with a reserve of power of 72 hours, the movement is entirely modern in its arrangement, with dark grey rendering on the plates and bridges and with a darkened, partially openworked rotor embellished with the brand’s signature logo.

Released in a limited series of 28 pieces, the Hautlence Vagabonde Series 4 watch is presented on a blue rubber strap secured with a steel pin buckle.