Hautlence: history, models and value

Founded

2004

Founder(s)

Guillaume Tetu, Renaud de Retz and partners

Headquarters

Neuhausen am Rheinfall

Owner / group

Independent (MELB Holding, Meylan family)

Hautlence: origins and founding

Hautlence was founded in 2004 in Neuchâtel by a team of five, led by Guillaume Tetu and Renaud de Retz. Both had worked in the watch industry before, at brands such as Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre and TAG Heuer. The name "Hautlence" is an anagram of Neuchâtel, a nod to the region's watchmaking history. From the start, the idea was to show the time in new, mechanical ways rather than with classic hands.

Hautlence history and milestones

• 2005: The first HL collection, with the HL calibre and a jumping hour.
• 2009: Renaud de Retz leaves; the HLQ calibre appears.
• 2010–2011: The HLC and HL2.0 calibres. The HL2.0 shows the hours on a moving chain of small plates.
• 2012: MELB Holding, the Meylan family company that also owns H. Moser & Cie., takes over. Hautlence keeps its own identity.
• 2013: Destination, the first Hautlence with two time zones.
• 2015: Vortex, with a half trailing hour chain and a retrograde minute.
• 2016: The Playground collection with playful pieces such as Labyrinth and Pinball.
• 2022: Linear and a new Vagabonde in sportier steel cases.
• 2023: Sphere Series 1, with a rotating three-dimensional hour sphere and a retrograde minute, wins the Innovation prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.

Famous Hautlence models

• HL collection: The original jumping-hour watches in a rectangular case.
• HL2.0: Hours shown by a chain of plates, with the escapement moving along with it.
• Vortex and Sphere: Sculptural "Concept d'Exception" pieces.
• Labyrinth: A playful watch with a ball maze on the dial.
• Linear and Vagabonde: Newer, sportier models in steel.

Movements and technique

The first models used a Peseux 7001 base. Since 2005 Hautlence has developed its own calibres, nine according to the brand, and it also uses external movement partners for some collections. A known feature is a retrograde minute driven by a connecting rod, a principle borrowed from steam locomotives.

Hautlence today

Hautlence belongs to MELB Holding together with H. Moser & Cie. and makes about 200 watches a year. It is a niche independent-style brand in the high-price segment. Many models are limited series.

Hautlence prices on the pre-owned market

Hautlence is a small brand with a niche following, so pre-owned pieces sell slowly and often well below their original price. Complicated models, limited editions with low numbers and watches with box and papers tend to find buyers more easily. The price depends a lot on finding the right collector.

How to recognise a genuine Hautlence

Hautlence watches have unusual mechanical displays that are hard to copy, and the movement is typically visible. Check that the reference and serial number on the case match the papers, and that limited-edition numbering is consistent. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch has general advice.

What is your Hautlence worth?

For a first value indication, upload photos of your Hautlence and its papers for a free watch value estimate. For insurance or estate purposes, you can order a written watch appraisal.

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