Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Very Monochromatic and Yet Spectacular Hautlence Sphere Series 2
The spherical display of jumping hours returns in a dramatically black and grey-toned suit.
Until the introduction of the Retrovision ’47 with its distinctive green Bakelite, radio-like case, black and blue had been the favourite colours of the re-launched Hautlence, part of the MELB Luxe Group, which also owns H. Moser & Cie yet remains an independent brand. In 2023, Hautlence presented the Sphere Series 1, featuring its emblematic and impressive spherical jumping hour display, highlighted by a bright blue globe to indicate the hours, a blue minutes hand, a blue rubber crown ring, and a matching blue rubber strap. As anticipated, an almost all-black version soon followed, and now we are excited to present this striking new variant of the Hautlence Sphere line, crafted in black with subtle shades of grey, the Hautlence Sphere Series 2.
The Hautlence Sphere Series 2 focuses on offering a distinct aesthetic. While it’s not a stealthy timepiece, the absence of bright colours lends it a more discreet appearance. The TV-screen-shaped case, a classic of the brand now revisited, measures 43.0mm x 50.8mm x 15.6mm, with around 4mm thickness attributed to its extra-hard sapphire crystal, complete with anti-reflective treatment and a domed part to accommodate the hours sphere. Water-resistant to 100m, the polished and satin-finished angular case is crafted from steel, with the middle section, lugs, and bezel featuring an anthracite PVD coating. The exhibition caseback provides a view of the movement through its sapphire crystal.
The two-part dial has the same design as the Sphere Series 1 and showcases a polished, PVD-treated titanium sphere on the left, featuring engraved numerals filled with Super-LumiNova. Under the domed part of the crystal, the sphere – the show-stopper – rotates at the end of each hour, revealing a new one with the help of four conical gears, partially visible through the openings between the two components of the “magic ball.” On the right side, the retrograde minutes take centre stage. The satin-finished grade 5 titanium minute hand, treated with anthracite PVD and filled with white Super-LumiNova, moves along a 180° arched sapphire crystal track outlined in black. The dial’s aperture exposes the gear train that controls the minute hand’s return to zero and the mechanism enabling the jumping hour function. The minute track’s white numerals, made from Globolight, emit a blue glow in the dark.
As the Series 1, the Sphere Series 2 watch is driven by the in-house, manually wound Calibre A80, consisting of 218 components, including 37 jewels. It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a minimum power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound. The exhibition caseback reveals the two-part layout, like the dial, with one side showcasing the hour sphere and the other revealing movement elements, such as the balance wheel, openworked barrel, and the ratchet wheel engraved with the limited edition marking.
The Hautlence Sphere Series 2 is worn on a black rubber strap, closed with a pin buckle. The brand will make only 28, and the price is CHF 69,000. For more, visit hautlence.com.
