Weekly Watch Photo – Hautlence HLQ 04

When discussing Hautlence, a young and innovative watch brand from the Neuchâtel region, most people will think of the typical TV screen cases of the HL collection. The iconic case shape was also used for the HLs collection and later a rectangular case was added for the über-impressive HL2, which we showed you here and here. Besides these rectangular cases, Hautlence also introduced several round models, like the HLQ and HLQ Classic, and the recently introduced HL-RQ collection. 

The HLQ 04, which features as Monochrome’s Weekly Watch Photo this week, is a perfect showcase for all typical Hautlence style elements. The retrograde minute hand that indicates minutes on a 180 degree arc and the jumping hour indication. Another typical Hautlence characteristic is the honeycomb dial, that was first used on a wrist watch by Hautlence, which offers a glimpse on the movement while it also serves as dial. Like lace, it hides most of what lies beneath, yet it reveals a glimpse as well.

Photographer Marc Gysin captured the mystical beauty of the HLQ 04 in a very seductive way. The black DLC coated titanium case measures 44 mm in diameter, which is similar in size to the new HL-RQ models that were introduced in January of this year.

At the 7 o’clock position is the date and the small seconds are positioned at 5 o’clock. The triangular tip of the hour hand, minute hand, second hand and a small triangle besides the date aperture, are all equipped with orange luminescent material.

On the dial, just below the minute track, is a plate with the brand’s name and logo. The Hautlence DNA is immediately recognizable, down to the small screws that hold the crystal in place.

On Thursday the 25th of April Hautlence will introduce three new models of an entirely new collection. The new collection will be less technical, which reflects in the price level. This can be very interesting, so stay tuned!