Jumping hours, chain-link indicators, Hautlence long since left indicators as prosaic as ‘hands’ behind. They’re just too… normal. Even by their standards however, the new HL Sphere is something else.
The titular complications is a simple concept but near-impossible on a horological level. It’s the kind of thing I imagine a designer pencilled down simply to give Hautlence watchmakers nightmares. The sphere itself has randomly placed white, lacquer-filled numbers dotted across it; these are then navigated to using an intricate system of conical gears and crossed spindles.
The sphere is only anchored on one side so that, like a flying tourbillon, it seems to float in space before jumping to the next hour in sequence. Finished in blue PVD-treated titanium, it’s a gloriously excessive complication. But that’s not all.
The right-hand side of the dial is balanced by a 180-degree retrograde minute indicator. The dial beneath it is cut away to reveal the calibre HTL 501-1 movement underneath. It’s Hautlence’s eighth in-house movement and they’re rightly proud of it; as well as the openworked retrograde minutes, the smoked sapphire dial shows a good amount of it underneath.
The entire arrangement is set inside the manufacturer’s TV-shaped, white gold case which, at 39mm x 46mm is a substantial piece. Limited to just 28 pieces, it’s relatively well-priced for what it is at CHF 99,000 – just under £75,000.
Price & Specs:
- Model Name: Hautlence HlL Sphere 01
Ref: HL SPHERE 01 - Case/Dial: 39mm width x 46mm height x 12mm thickness / 3.75 mm dome, 18k satin-finished and polished white gold, skeletonised and rhodium-plated with engraved minute track dial
- Movement: Calibre HTL 501-1 hand-wound mechanical
Frequency: 21,600 vph - Functions: Spherical hour and retrograde minute on a 180° sector
- Power Reserve: 3 days
Water Resistance: 30m - Price: CHF 99,000, limited to 28 pieces
- Model Name: Hautlence HlL Sphere 01
For more information visit Hautlence’s website.
