Founded in 2004 in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel, and now based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Hautlence– whose name is itself an anagram of Neuchatel – pays tribute to the birthplace of the watchmaking art. The brand has been praised by watch collectors and aficionados from across the world for bringing a new dynamism to the art of fine watchmaking and redefining the way we tell the time.
Hautlence has pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking codes, taking inspiration from the past and combining this with innovative modern mechanical solutions borrowed from other high-tech industries, with its architecture and designs displaying an unmistakable Bauhaus influence. This has inspired the brand to create new approaches to displaying the time, guaranteeing its place in the annals of watchmaking history.
To help ensure traditional watchmaking values are both preserved and elevated, the brand is creating brand new complications in its Atelier d'horlogerie contemporaine based on movements made entirely in-house. Led by Guillaume Tetu, one of the brand's founders and directors, a talented ten-strong team works to ensure that the spirit of Hautlence and its timepieces is continually evolving while remaining true to its signature.
Hautlence timepieces are designed, created and produced according to the very highest tradition of Swiss watchmaking, as witnessed by the legend "Horlogerie Suisse" stamped on the case-back. With the sole exception of the straps and some of the sapphire crystals, every component used in the timepieces is conceived, developed and assembled in-house and machined by the very best suppliers in the canton of Neuchâtel.
Today, Hautlence can boast 5 collections, all based on calibres developed in-house. The brand produces and sells several hundred pieces a year. It has a presence in around thirty markets, with 40 authorised points of sale.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Most processes are carried out in-house at Hautlence, in its contemporary watchmaking workshop at:
Research and Design
- Technical office: development of ideas, feasibility studies of projects and in-house movements, R&D, sketches, 3D design
- Prototyping: assembly, analysis and testing
Production
- Tri-axial digital machining for prototyping.
- Production of components in brass and steel.
Assembly 100% in-house
Quality
- Quality control
- After-sales service
By moving to La Chaux-de-Fonds in 2011, Hautlence is now closer to a number of talented partners, including profile-turners, case-makers and dial-makers, who work with the company to create the models of the future. It also benefits from the expertise of exceptional craftsmen in the arts of finishing and decoration such as hand-bevelling, guillochage and engraving.
WHY LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS?
La Chaux-de-Fonds has a worldwide reputation for watchmaking and micro-technology. Located in the Canton of Neuchâtel, it was recognised in 2009 as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional horological urban development. In the 17th century, mountain farmers began to carry out manual production of clock components during the long winters, starting the tradition of peasant-watchmakers. This continued until the 18th century, when the first workshops brought several watchmakers and machines together in the same place.
The town has a special creative atmosphere and several of its sons have made a mark on their times such as the architect Le Corbusier, the writer Blaise Cendrars and the car manufacturer Louis Chevrolet. It also attracts a host of exceptional craftsmen, particularly in the special world of watchmaking. Generations of talented artisans, who practice their arts with devotion and subtlety.
Just like Hautlence.
