Hautlence Retrovision 85 Innovation
Innovation

Hautlence Retrovision 85 Innovation

By quattro · Apr 10, 2025 · 22 replies
quattro
WPS member · Independents forum
22 replies2478 views17 photos
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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, introduces the Hautlence Retrovision 85, a timepiece that masterfully blends high horology with nostalgic 1980s toy aesthetics. His detailed post highlights the watch's unique ability to transform from a sophisticated wristwatch into a robot table clock, showcasing Hautlence's innovative spirit and technical prowess. This article delves into the Retrovision 85's intricate design and the community's enthusiastic reception.

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MTR's Linear 2 from Hautlence was recently awarded the Watch of the Month prize in the April automotive WristScan: a well-deserved accolade, which made me realize that Hautlence's latest creation, the Retrovision 85 had not been mentioned on our site.

Have you ever dreamed of a high-end mechanical watch that could transform into a robot like some toy watches from the 1980s? Well, Hautlence made it real!

The Retrovision 85 ref. ED31-TI00, powered by self-winding caliber D31 is nothing less than a double-hairspring Tourbillon with a wandering hours time display.  The large case (64.0 x 60.0 x 11.8 mm) detaches from its strap and transforms into a robot that can be placed on a stand: from a wristwatch to a 1980s-looking robot table clock... 

Limited edition of 8 pieces: all the technical details are below the photos.

Best, Emmanuel


The Wristwatch








(credit: hautlence)


The Robot









(credit: the 1916 company (1), @@benjamin_relojes (2) & deployant (3-4))


Self-winding D31 caliber 


(credit: hautlence)


The Watch Face & intermediate dial






(credit: the 1916 company (1) & hautlence)


The Strap




(credit: the 1916 company)


The source of inspiration

The Retrovision was probably inspired by the Kronoform models produced by Japanese toy manufacturer Takara. Hodinkee has spotted one of these Takara Kronoform on the wrist of Madonna in 1984: Madonna Wearing A Kronoform Robot Watch (1984)




(credit: @Want2BTheVeryBest on reddit)


Technical details of the Retrovision 85

Movement
  • D31 self-winding mechanical movement
  • Tourbillon with double hairspring
  • Wandering hours and minutes
  • Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
  • Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
  • Number of components: 217
  • Number of jewels: 39

Dial
  • Base dial: titanium with frosted finish
  • Intermediate dial: rhodium-plated brass with blue and purple PVD
  • Minute disc: sapphire with applied numerals and Globolight® rings

Case
  • Case, bezel, and crown: titanium created using 3D printing, with partial copper-coloured PVD coating
  • Engraved HAUTLENCE logo on the crown
  • Crystal: bevelled extra-hard rectangular sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment
  • Back: sapphire crystal,
  • Dimensions:
  • – as a wristwatch: 64.0 x 60.0 x 11.8 mm
  • – as a table clock (robot standing on a platform): 70.0 x 96.0 x 43.0 mm
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Strap
  • Black rubber
  • Buckle: steel pin buckle
  • Quick attachment system
  • Engraved on the support with Möbius, “HAUTLENCE”, “Retrovision ‘85”, “SUISSE”, and “5 ATM”

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AU
AuHavrePro
Apr 10, 2025

This would have literally been the greatest toy-timepiece imaginable - I would have played with it during school lessons to no end x)). By the way, I'm getting close to finishing your Schopenhauer critique, loving it so far.... Finally have a couple of days off of work after a whirlwind of changing between jobs, and also spending copious amounts of time listening to, reading and watching W&W coverage! Cheers, Filip

KM
KMII
Apr 10, 2025

Need a lot more of this type of thinking in the industry 😊

VI
VinnieD
Apr 10, 2025

just a high end hommage to my first watch when I was 5... and maybe the reason I fell into the hobby

AU
AuHavrePro
Apr 10, 2025

Transformers, Gundam or Zone of The Enders! Then they could really tweak the designs to highlight different elements and details....

QU
quattro
Apr 10, 2025

Was a Goldorak fan. I'm glad you enjoy my Schopenhauer presentation: thanks for reading! Cheers, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
Apr 10, 2025

As a child, I would have been quite excited by such a timepiece. Cheers, Emmanuel

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