Watchatlas

Hautlence

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 2004

Founded by Guillaume Tetu

Hautlence is a Geneva-based independent watchmaker founded in 2004, known for its highly distinctive jumping hour displays and three-dimensional movement architectures. The brand is a sister company of MB&F and shares that brand's commitment to experimental and collector-focused watchmaking.

Founded
2004
Headquarters
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Vagabonde — Hautlence Vagabonde is the brand's wandering-hours collection, combining satellite-style hour displays with architectural dials and, in tourbillon references, an exposed flying tourbillon at six o'clock. Key references: AD30-ST02, AD30-ST03, AD30-ST00, AB30-ST01.
  • HL — Core collection featuring retrograde minutes and jumping hours displayed via a chain-and-fusee mechanism visible through the dial.
  • Sphere — Hautlence Sphere is the brand's three-dimensional jumping-hour collection, pairing a rotating hour sphere with retrograde minutes and openworked architecture in highly theatrical independent-watchmaking form. Key references: DA82-TI01, DA82-TI00, BA80-ST01, BA80-STOO.

Timeline

  • 2004 — Guillaume Tetu founds Hautlence in Neuchâtel, Switzerland — the brand name is an anagram of 'Neuchâtel.'
  • 2005 — First collection launches with a distinctive chain-and-snail retrograde minute display inspired by railway mechanics.
  • 2012 — The Meylan family (MELB Holding) acquires Hautlence, relocating it to Schaffhausen alongside H. Moser & Cie.
  • 2023 — Hautlence relaunches under the Meylan stewardship with the Vagabonde and Sphere collections, emphasising unconventional time display.
  • 2025 — Exhibits at Watches & Wonders 2025 and WatchTime New York with the new Sphere Series 3 and 4, featuring a more compact and architectural case design.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hautlence

What does Hautlence mean?
Hautlence is an anagram of 'Neuchâtel,' the Swiss city where the brand was founded in 2004. It reflects the brand's roots in the heart of Swiss watchmaking territory.
Who owns Hautlence?
Since 2012, Hautlence has been part of MELB Holding, owned by the Meylan family. It operates alongside H. Moser & Cie. from Schaffhausen, Switzerland, under the leadership of Edouard Meylan.

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