HAUTLENCE Celebrates 20 Years of Avant-Garde Watchmaking
Neuchâtel, Switzerland – HAUTLENCE, renowned for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, marks its 20th anniversary with a reflection on two decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity. Since its establishment in 2004 in Neuchâtel, the brand has distinguished itself with bold designs, intricate mechanical movements, and unconventional display mechanisms, earning a place at the forefront of the industry.
From its inception, HAUTLENCE has challenged the conventions of traditional watchmaking, pushing boundaries and redefining the art of horology. Co-founded by Guillaume Tetu and Renaud de Retz, the brand embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry, setting the stage for groundbreaking innovations that would follow.
The introduction of the HL Collection in 2005 marked a pivotal moment for HAUTLENCE, showcasing the distinctive HL caliber with a jumping hour display that captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. Subsequent years saw the brand’s evolution, with milestones such as the unveiling of the “Concept d’Exception” series in 2009 and the introduction of cutting-edge calibers like the HLQ and HL2.0.
In 2012, HAUTLENCE underwent a transformative period with its acquisition by MELB Holding, a move that provided the brand with enhanced resources and global reach while preserving its autonomy. This strategic shift positioned HAUTLENCE as a key player in independent watchmaking, culminating in the launch of the HL2.0 Collection in 2014, solidifying its reputation for innovation and craftsmanship.
The years that followed brought further innovation, with notable releases like the Vortex model in 2015 and the Playground collection in 2016, which reimagined the concept of time with playful designs inspired by mechanical games. The brand continued to push boundaries with the introduction of the Invictus collection in 2017, designed to appeal to a new generation of watch enthusiasts.
Under the leadership of Samuel Hoffmann in 2022, HAUTLENCE embarked on a new chapter, introducing fresh ideas and dynamism while staying true to its founding principles. This period of revitalization resulted in groundbreaking releases like the Sphere Series 1 in 2023, which garnered acclaim for its innovative design and craftsmanship.
As HAUTLENCE looks ahead to the future, the brand remains committed to its core values of innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, HAUTLENCE will unveil a special commemorative timepiece at Watches & Wonders Geneva, paying homage to two decades of pioneering spirit and watchmaking excellence.
Join HAUTLENCE in celebrating 20 years of innovation, creativity, and enduring legacy at Watches & Wonders Geneva, where the brand’s visionary timepieces will continue to inspire watch aficionados worldwide.
For more information, visit HAUTLENCE’s website.
