The New Hautlence Linear Series 2 In Black PVD (Live Pics & Price)

In September 2022, Hautlence opened a new chapter in its history. After a few relatively quiet years, with hardly any new models presented, the MELB Holding (also the owner of H. Moser & Cie.) decided to relaunch the brand with a new collection, with a style that was coming back to the fundamentals of this indie watchmaker – TV-shaped case and original displays. This took the shape of two watches, the Vagabonde Series 4 with wandering hours and, the most striking of the two, the Linear Series 1, a watch that takes on the classic cues of the brand. And now, it’s back in black, with the Hautlence Linear Series 2.

Hautlence used to be one of the most prolific independent watchmakers of the 2000s, with quite stunning and very expressive creations such as the HL series and rectangular case, opening up on original displays often consisting of retrograde and jumping indications. Distinctive and unique, it made quite an impact, yet the brand slightly fell into oblivion. But last year, the owners decided it was time for a grand comeback, which has been done (mostly) with the Hautlence Linear watch.

Unmistakably Hautlence, the Linear Series relies on a reworked TV-shaped case with a sportier, sleeker and overall more modern design. It retains the classic rectangular design emblematic of the brand, yet with more refinement and slender proportions – it’s not small, but it is relatively thin – measuring 43mm × 50.80mm, with a height of 11.90mm. It shows multiple finishings, with brushed surfaces and polished bevels. Also, as part of its sportier personality, the Linear Series 1 offers water resistance to 100m. The crown has a rubber insert. For the occasion of the launch of this new Hautlence Linear Series 2, the stainless steel case has been coated in black PVD.

The dial of the Hautlence Linear Series 2, just like last year’s model in steel and blue, is all about depth and layers. Traditionally, Hautlence watches relied on jumping indications and retrograde hands, with full exposure of the mechanism driving these complex displays. This hasn’t changed in the newest collections. The Linear Series 2 combines features a scale on the left side, displaying the hours in a linear way, thanks to an exposed linkage. A small white pointer on the end of the linkage indicates the hour on the vertical scale. Once the 12 numeral is passed, the snail at the centre of the dial disengages the probe to release the accumulated energy. The linkage then jumps and returns to the 1 numeral. Minutes are displayed centrally in a classic way, and read on a sapphire crystal disc with raised white numerals. And of course, the lower part is dominated by the one-minute flying tourbillon under a blue openworked bridge. The dial here follows the theme of the case, with most areas coated in grey or black, with only a few parts in the brand’s signature blue colour.

The display module was created together with Agenhor. It is mounted on top of the calibre D50, also known as the automatic tourbillon calibre HMC 804 when encased in Moser watches. The whole assembly consists of 239 components. The movement beats at 3Hz and stores 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The decoration is unique to Hautlence and modern, with brushed and dark grey coated bridges, and an oscillating weight that is shaped after the brand’s Moebius logo.

The Hautlence Linear Series 2 Black PVD is released as a limited edition of 28 pieces. The retail price will be CHF 63,000 including taxes. For more details, please visit www.hautlence.com.