There's been a lot of hype surrounding this novelty. Now we're telling why.

 

The company is introducing its new Linear Series 1 model. As the name suggests, it's the first of its kind. Sure, it features new elements, but the designers have also worked in some recognizable features of the brand founded in 2004, successfully acquired by Melb Holding in 2012.

 

What's been left (almost) unchanged? Firstly, its wide TV-shaped case spanning 50.80 mm on the wrist. Many previous models have stood out for the same recognizable square case. You could even say Hautlence has made this shape its own in the world of watchmaking.

 

But the Linear Series 1 is marketed as a luxury sports watch, hence why it's been given a dynamically sharpened edge, doing away with the relaxed lugs: the bracelet is now integrated. The watch has also held onto the favorite Hautlence single-hand retrograde minute indication.

 

Solid Globolight numerals are placed on the transparent scale. The scale is backed by a plate with an impressive vertical satin finish. The minutes have a new neighbor: the linear retrograde jumping hour indication. This mechanism was developed in the Agenhor workshop.

 

The well-known AgenGraphe chronograph movement was created within the same walls. It’s is also the place where interesting complications for many other models have been developed: a perpetual calendar module for Hermes, moving figures (automata) for Van Cleef and Arpels, an off-center dial for Chaumet and the fanning tail feathers of a peacock for Fabergé.

 

A place is reserved at the bottom of the dial of the Linear Series 1 for the flying tourbillon. This gives us a clue about the base movement chosen to create Caliber D50. You can see the same tourbillon in the Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack model by H. Moser & Cie. that debuted a day earlier. 

The D50 is based on the Moser HMC 804 movement with its tourbillon at 6 o'clock (Moser & Cie. and Hautlence were both acquired by MELB Holding in 2012).

 

The transparent caseback reveals a rotor bearing the Hautlence logo and offers a view of some of the 239 components contained in the movement which ensures a 72-hour power reserve. The case housing the movement measures 11.90 mm in height. For all its serious dimensions, it still sits comfortably on the wrist at 43 mm in length.