HAUTLENCE releases the Tourbillon 01
Contemporary watchmaker HAUTLENCE creates a new chapter for the brand this year as it unveils its very first tourbillon: The Tourbillon 01
Ever since its foundation in 2004, HAUTLENCE has been dedicated to bringing a new dynamic into the art of watchmaking, thus gaining the recognition of watch collectors and connoisseurs the world over. This 2015, the brand embarks in another first as it expands its Atelier collection with the addition of the Tourbillon 01.
Following the aesthetics of the HL05 timepieces, the Tourbillon 01 offers a three-dimensional dial with a multi-level reading of time. Demonstrating HAUTLENCE’s avant-garde approach to design, this new timepiece is housed in a round 44mm two-tone case crafted out of rose gold and black PVD-coated titanium. The horns and bezel of the Tourbillon 01 flaunts the 18-carat 4N pink gold polish, same as its crown with the engraved HAUTLENCE logo. The watch’s glass is extra-hard beveled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. The caseback boasts black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium with four polished 18-carat 4N screws as well as “HAUTLENCE” and “Horlogerie Suisse” engravings.
Built on several levels, the dial highlights a black enamelled base embellished by Côtes de Genève decoration. Rose gold numerals and hour markers appear to be floating above the base thanks to the addition of an intermediate sapphire crystal dial, resulting in a mesmerising structural effect.
Equipped with a dual-time function, one-minute tourbillon, three-day power reserve, water resistance to 3 ATM and mechanical automatic movement with pawl-winding system, the Tourbillon 01 introduces new synergies between two brands owned by the Meylan family company, MELB Holding. HAUTLENCE has chosen to partner with Schaffhausen-based watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. and movement component designer and producer Precision Engineering AG (PEAG), both owned by MELB Holding. Thus, this elegant tourbillon features the H. Moser & Cie.’s exclusive Calibre Tourbillon HMC 802 beating at its heart.
The Calibre HMC 802 is manufactured in-house by H. Moser & Cie. with a regulating organ produced by PEAG, a specialist in developing and building high-quality escapement components. With 29 jewels as well as double Côtes de Genève motif and hand-chamfered bridges, each of the movement’s parts have been finished and decorated by hand, turning the Tourbillon 01 into a beautiful wristwatch from the inside out.
In addition to displaying a tourbillon at six o’ clock, the timepiece also indicates the second time zone through a smaller rose gold hour hand that is hidden behind the main hour hand. The second time zone hand remains out of sight as long as the dual-time function is not in use, staying below the hour hand as it rotates around the dial.
Strapped in a black hand-sewn rolled-edge, rubberised padded Louisiana alligator leather with large square scales and graphic black padded carbon-pattern leather, this new numbered collection encapsulates HAUTLENCE’s DNA while offering a modern take on horology’s magical and highly esteemed tourbillon.
