Baselworld/SIHH

Baselworld 2016: Is Hautlence Playground Labyrinth a watch? Or not?

 

Hautlence is actually an anagram of the city the company is based in, Neuchâtel. Once an independent watchmaking company, it is now part of the H. Moser & Cie group. Hautlence breaks away from tradition and gives new definition to the interpretation of timepieces. It is not coincidentally that Hautlence's motto is "Cross the Line". What they brought to Baselworld this year would definitely raise some brows. Sandro Reginelli, CEO of Hautlence, described the piece as a reminisence of the outdated games he played when he visited his grandparents. So the Labyrinth is not a watch, but a mechanical game made with the craftsmanship of a watchmaker. One cannot help but start to tilt the platinum ball back and forth thorugh the maze, that was the dial, finished in 18K rose gold and encased in a polished titanium case. Then in what way is it mechanical you might ask? When the maze is completed and the ball exits the dial, a turn of the crown will send the ball back up through a small mechnical lift and you can start the fun all over again.

If you do not fancy rose gold, there is another model that has the maze finished in 18K white gold and the ball in 18K rose gold. The case can be finished in either brushed or polished titanium. And the piece is complete with alligator straps, so that it can be worn and enjoyed. A limited 18 examples of each model will be made at 12,000 Swiss francs each. Many might not see the point in a piece like that. But to those who appreciate and find value in art pieces like this, it is not a fundamentally useless object. While conventional timepieces tell or give you the time, the Labyrinth takes your time as it evokes your memories and transports you back. Photo source: Hautlence
Written by Z-one This message has been edited by ZoneTecnico on 2016-03-21 09:23:47 This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2016-03-23 13:59:43