A stunning evolution on an already beautiful model ..
[Press Release] The HL2.0 Collection Represents the Second Generation of Hautlence Watches
The HL 2.0 models display half-trailing jumping hours, retrograde minutes, and a power-reserve indicator. The collection also includes an automatic movement for the first time. Constructed around the retrograde minutes function, the jumping hours mechanism consists of a 12-link chain activated by a connecting-rod/crank as in the HL collection.
The retrograde minutes are indicated on a 180° sector of the dial. An ingenious mechanism governs the movement of the assembly with a speed control that protects the components from any shocks arising from its operation.
The chain rotates the mobile bridge through 60° each hour, compensating for the effect of gravity. To provide sufficient energy, the principal barrel, wound by the automatic system, winds a second barrel, which drives the display complication. Developed and produced by the Neuchâtel brand’s own teams, this collection is the first to offer a Manufacture mechanical movement with automatic winding. Two models are currently available, each limited to 28 pieces: the HL 2.1 in 18kt white gold and the HL 2.2 in 18kt rose gold.
Three Patents for an Exceptional Timepiece : the first patent concerns the half-trailing hours chain (as opposed to an instant system that is too fast to appreciate, or a dragging system that cannot be read correctly between the hours): every 60 minutes the chain advances in 3-4 seconds without jumps or loss of energy, making it possible to admire the beauty of the movement and its mechanisms in action. The second patent relates to the regulating organ integrated into the mobile bridge movement. Its constantly changing position, driven by the display, compensates statistically for the effect of gravity, enhancing its precision. The third patent covers the operation of the movement’s two barrels. The principal barrel is wound by the automatic system and transmits the energy needed to wind a second barrel that is devoted exclusively to driving the complication. It is kept fully wound by the main barrel to ensure that an optimal level of energy is available to change each hour. This means the complex systems are powered independently without affecting the precision of the watch.
The Functioning of the Movement : when the retrograde minutes hand returns to zero to begin the next hour, the connecting-rod mechanism drives 1 revolution of the system by means of the function star. This is when the mechanical magic of the Hautlence HL 2.0 starts to work: The mechanisms come to life simultaneously, powered by the energy in the complication barrel. The speed control that allows the chain links to advance the hours in 3-4 seconds begins to function and completes 48 revolutions at high speed (as opposed to instantly). The half-trailing hours display advances one revolution powered by the system’s gear train. A coupler transmits the kinematics of the chain to the mobile bridge movement incorporating the regulating organ, which rotates through 60°. The kinematics of the full HL 2.0 movement are structured in three dimensions by the use of special bevelled gears. These bevelled gears are produced with uniquely shaped tools to achieve optimal efficiency in gear-train transmission. This timepiece also includes a power-reserve indicator as well as an oscillating weight in 18-carat gold. All numerals and indicators are luminescent to ensure excellent readability at night.
Technical Specifications
Display: Hours, retrograde minutes and power reserve. Caliber: 2 barrels: one finishing barrel (power reserve for the entire watch movement including power for the second barrel) and a complication barrel. Hours displayed by a 12-link chain hinged on a pallet system. The speed regulator ensures that the hours display changes in 3-4 seconds instead of instantly. It completes 48 revolutions at each hour change. Hours system activated by a one-revolution mechanism composed principally of a connecting rod and rack. Mobile bridge movement comprises the regulating organ and rotates through 60° at each change of hour. Movement kinematics incorporate 90° changes of direction by means of special bevelled gears.
Automatic movement with oscillating weight in 18-carat white gold. Identification and numbering plate: HL 2.1 Dimensions of the movement: 37.8 mm x 33.2 mm x 12.35 mm Number of components: 552 Number of jewels: 92 Regulating organ: 18,000 vibrations/hour Power reserve: 45 hours Finishing: fine-watchmaking type (satin-brushed, hand-drawn, hand-bevelled, ruthenium-anthracite coating and polished-blocked steel elements). Manufacturing technology: multi-axis micro-machining, wire electro-erosion. LIGA photolithography.
Case: 18kt white or rose gold Dimensions: 50 mm x 42 mm x 17.8 mm Crystal: 3 three-dimensional sapphire crystals, scratch-resistant, produced by multi-axis grinding. Alternating finishes: sand-blasting, satin-brushing and hand-polishing. Crown: 18kt gold with micro-machined Hautlence logo. Horns: screwed, 18kt gold. Horn and case-back screws: 18kt gold. Weight: 192 grammes
Dial: Ruthenium and rhodium-plated, black numerals and luminescent dots for readability in the dark. Hour numerals: rhodium-plated with luminescent numbers. Minutes hand: rhodium-plated with a luminescent tip for readability in the dark. Power-reserve hand: steel with luminescent indicator.
Strap: Brown or black Louisiana alligator skin, large square scales, full wrapped, hand-stitched. Spring bar for changing the strap.
Folding buckle: titanium and 18-carat white gold Water-Resistance to 30 meters.
What do you make of this new Hautlence HL Classic?
[Press Release] Architectured around a retrograde minute, the jumping hour comprises a 12-link chain triggered by a connecting rod system identical to those found in Hautlence HL collections. An ingenious system, unique in the world of wristwatches.This allows the whole ensemble to be shifted in a controlled manner thanks to a speed regulator that preserves the components from any unwanted shocks caused by the workings of the timepiece. It features a dedicated barrel, whose sole purpose is to provide enough energy for the entire system. This new milestone in terms of time display places HAUTLENCE among the brands bringing a new dynamic to the watchmaker’s art by breaking new ground in terms of display, giving the profession a new, three-dimensional vision of time.
In order to meet the objectives listed above, HAUTLENCE has separated the energy necessary for chronometry from that necessary for animation, with the addition of a second dedicated barrel to the complication. This is initiated by the return to zero of the retrograde minutes, with a connecting-rod, sensor and spiral system (like the HL model) which frees the energy of the barrel of the complication. The speed of this barrel is controlled by a speed regulator (at the centre of the retrograde minutes).
