HAUTLENCE whirls into the future with the VORTEX
VORTEX, the highly anticipated HAUTLENCE timepiece propels the brand into the future with a distinctive three-dimensional case that offers a view of the impressive movement from all sides. As the cage of the regulating organ rotates 60 degrees every 60 minutes, the impressive case transforms, offering a new look every hour, making the VORTEX a unique mechanical masterpiece
Despite being fairly new in the horology industry, the Neuchâtel-based contemporary watchmaker first appeared in the market in 2004 and has since then, flourished into an incredible brand that caters for Swiss watch aficionados who enjoy unique time-telling machines that are a step apart from traditional designs. This year, with the much-awaited launch of the VORTEX, comes the second installation of HAUTLENCE’s Concept d’Exception range, where the brand has proven once again its ingenuity in crafting mechanical solutions.
With its latest timepiece unveiled in the market, the brand continues to push mechanical boundaries while still respecting traditions. While remaining true to the design codes, such as the multi-level display of time, the VORTEX plays on transparency, nonconformist geometry and creates a harmonious link between mechanics and aesthetics. A product of collaboration with Parisian design studio, BBDC, Berra Blanquer Design Consultants, the VORTEX has gained the respect of watch connoisseurs with its striking and ultramodern appeal that is inspired by contemporary architecture. The watch displays half-trailing hours, retrograde minutes and a power-reserve indicator. Its futuristic and lively design changes every hour, while its power comes from the innovative in-house automatic calibre HLR2.0, making it a remarkably ergonomic and modern timepiece.
Taking a closer look at the new HAUTLENCE timepiece, one can’t help but notice the breathtaking case that flaunts dynamic lines, sharp structures and avant-garde shapes. Made from robust grade 5 titanium, its impressive case presents six three-dimensional sapphire crystals that highlight the complexity of the movement’s kinetic construction from all sides. These sapphire crystals offer a glimpse of the mobile bridge-type calibre and the transparent and protective cage of its regulating organ.
The cage of the regulating organ is a reinterpreted version of the one presented in the first Concept d’Exception – the HL2.0 – redesigned in order to increase the visibility of the movement. The bridges of the rotating cage of the calibreboast a futuristic look that stands out from traditional watchmaking. With its tense lines and angular shapes, the cage contrasts beautifully against the refined roundness of the regulating organ. Furthermore, the inclined ring is embedded in the bridges of the cage in order to provide a clear sight of the regulating organ as it rotates 60 degrees every 60 minutes.
Meanwhile, the dial of the VORTEX displays two areas for time reading without compromising the readability of the watch’s functions. The hour aperture houses a metal plate with black rhodium-plated galvanic coating, while the hour numeral is displayed using white Super-Lumi-Nova. The sturdy minutes hand is finished with a rhodium-plated galvanic coating and features a white Super-LumiNova tip for easy legibility when dark.While there is a hint of colour found in the red-varnished power indicator, the dial’s overall look appears in a grey palette that heightens the allusion to a metallic and mineral environment.
What further defines the VORTEX as a distinctive timepiece is its in-house mechanical automatic movement; the calibre HLR2.0. The automatic calibre is crafted in 18-carat white gold and its kinematics movement features a 90 degrees change of direction by means of special beveled gears. Finished with a satin-brushed, hand-drawn, hand-bevelled, rutheniumanthracite coating and mirror-polished steel elements, its power reserve can last for 40 hours.
Like its descendant HL2.0, three HAUTLENCE patents protect this calibre. The foremost patent protects the 12-link chain of the half-trailing hours which smoothly turns every 60 minutes to display the current hour. This half-trailing hour system rotates effortlessly without losing energy, and offers the view of the movement and its mechanisms in action through the sapphire crystal on the left side of the case. The second patent relates to the regulating organ, which is integrated into the mobile bridge-type movement. The constant change in its position, driven by the display, compensates statistically the effects of gravity, thus enhancing its precision. The last patent concerns the operation of the two barrels in the movement. An automatic winding system winds the main barrel in the movement, and transfers energy to drive the complication barrel. This moving train barrel continuously winds the second barrel to ensure energy remains at an optimal level to change the counter for each passing hour.
VORTEX is available in three different elegant straps that can be easily interchangeable by a screwdriver that is also included in the box. The choices for straps include a black Louisiana alligator leather strap with large square scales, a black hornback crocodile leather strap with red topstitching and a black rubber strap. Each strap is equipped with a folding clasp in grade 2 titanium with a palladium plate.
Since its establishment, HAUTLENCE is committed to adding new dynamics in the art of watchmaking. With the VORTEX, the brand has created another mark in adding to its excellent portfolio of calibres and extraordinary timepieces. Displaying HAUTLENCE’s bold vision and ceaseless imagination, the VORTEX is created and produced under the influence of the purest Swiss watchmaking tradition. It is limited to 88 numbered pieces, and features a 30 meter water resistance when submerged in water. Turning the watch over allows a glimpse of the words, “HORLOGERIE SUISSE,†that is stamped onto the case-back.
