An exceptional example of contemporary Haute Horlogerie, the Hautlence HL2.3 wristwatch carries its unique time indication mechanisms within a sculptured, vitreous housing.  For this edition, Hautlence have combined darkened components with resplendent pink gold elements, and in doing so, they have created a technically accomplished timepiece, endowed with stunning contrasting aesthetics.

Forming part of the brand’s Concepts d’Exception Collection, the Hautlence HL2.3 carries a stealthy 42mm x 50mm DLC-coated Grade 5 Titanium case. Meticulous sand-blasted, satin-brushed and hand-polished finishes enhance its profile. Tucked in neatly on its side, a crown created from polished 18-carat pink gold and embellished with a micro-machined Hautlence logo, adds distinction.

Surrounding the case, almost in its entirety, a three-dimensional sapphire crystal reveals the exquisite anatomy of the unusual indications and the micro-mechanics which bring them to life.

At the centre of the dial, an arc for the retrograde minutes display instantly demands attention.  Upon it, the white Super LumiNova® enhanced Arabic numerals and arrow-tipped minutes hand standout against a darkened, glossy background.  In the middle, a golden logo-inscribed hub is waiting.

The minutes hand traces each marker, making its way along the arc in a gentle, compelling manner.  However, the instant it reaches the 60-minute mark the central hub bursts into an animated flurry, spinning seemingly out of control,  as it regulates the pace of the move on to the next hour.

Juxtaposed with this dynamic motion, the passing of each hour is agreeably poetic, enabled by the Hautlence half-trailing hour system.  Here, black varnished hour numerals placed on a twelve-link track advance at a leisurely place enabling the wearer to appreciate the moderate transition which takes 3-4 seconds.

To the left of the arc, where the sapphire spills over the case-side, a full exposé of the mobile balance and escapement assembly provides another mesmerising panorama.   Rotating in sync with the hour track and passing through 60° each time, it rotates four times every 24 hours.  Elsewhere, a graduated indicator on the lower dial keeps check on the impressive 45 hour power reserve.

The piece is powered by the in-house HL2.0 Calibre, which beats at 18,000vph.  The movement utilises two barrels - a primary barrel which is fed directly from the automatic winding system which then distributes power to a secondary barrel keeping it fully wound, so that the optimal level of energy is available to enable the hour change.

Despite its technically advanced arrangement, the movement has been decorated to Haute Horlogerie standards, with meticulous satin-brushed, hand-bevelling and mirror-polished elements. This fine finishing is revealed through the rear sapphire, where one can also appreciate the reverse perspective of the hour pallets and the mobile bridge.

With the reassuring exclusivity of a 28 piece release, the Hautlence HL2.3 comes presented on a a hand-sewn, rolled-edge, large scale Louisiana alligator leather strap with folding clasp in Titanium and 4N pink gold.