Thursday, January 28, 2016

HAUTLENCE – VORTEX PRIMARY by Eric Cantona Black PVD Titanium Limited Edition
















HAUTLENCEConcepts d'exception VORTEX PRIMARY by Eric Cantona Black PVD Titanium Limited Edition NEW

HAUTLENCE UNVEILS IN PARTNERSHIP 
WITH ERIC CANTONA - VORTEX PRIMARY

SIHH 2016

Contemporary watchmaker HAUTLENCE strengthens its partnership with its dynamic ambassador, ex-footballer Eric Cantona, with the launch of a new multi-coloured and three-dimensional VORTEX PRIMARY. Unveiled on the first day of the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH – Carré des Horlogers), the VORTEX PRIMARY combines Cantona’s strong passion for art with HAUTLENCE’s unique reinterpretation of time, resulting in a timepiece that is sculptured like a mechanical piece of art.

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Following the launch of the INVICTUS Morphos in 2014, HAUTLENCE’s first chronograph co-designed with Cantona, this incredible duo chose to reveal the second part of their collaboration with a new innovative timepiece in the Concept d’Exception collection. Stunningly designed from the inside out, the VORTEX PRIMARY is built on HAUTLENCE’s second Concept d’Exception, the VORTEX, introduced in July 2015. This new timepiece features the same spectacular mechanism while flaunting a whole new look made out of coloured glass structures, turning it into an astonishing creation.

A sculptural case inspired by stained glass windows and three-dimensional mosaic

Inspired by post-modern architecture and deconstructivism, the three-dimensional case of the VORTEX PRIMARY showcases facetted structures embellished with coloured glass that allow a view of the complex movement from all sides. Recalling the splendour of stained glass windows, this state-of-the-art case is crafted out of black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium and highlights a total of 19 different coloured glass panels, creating an eye-catching mosaic of shades. HAUTLENCE and Cantona chose a mix of materials in primary colours to create this vibrant design, which includes five transparent sapphire crystals, two semi-transparent sapphire crystals, four red ruby glass panels, five blue spinel glass panels and three yellow corundum glass panels. These windows reveal parts of the impressive movement from all sides of the case and let light through to focus on the mechanism. Besides its creative design, the case also weighs a remarkable 48 grams, making the timepiece both attractive and comfortable to wear.

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Commenting on the mosaic-inspired design of the VORTEX PRIMARY, HAUTLENCE Co-Founder Guillaume Tetu shares, “When we first started sketching the watches that Eric Cantona had in mind, we were looking for designs that symbolized the expression or reinterpretation of time. Eric asked if we could work with three- dimensional glass panels, which would allow a partial view of the mechanism powering the watch. The idea was to craft the timepiece sculpturally, in the same way one would design a three-dimensional mechanical piece of art.”

Sharing his thoughts on the VORTEX PRIMARY, Cantona comments, “My collaboration with HAUTLENCE allows me to bring a new dynamic to the expression of time while drawing on my passion for art. Through the VORTEX PRIMARY, I wanted to take a deeper look at the symbolism of passing time. The coloured glass panels make us question our own relationship with time, with light flowing through the case to highlight the movement in an almost mystical way. The primary colours used to embellish the case structure and balance out the complex mechanism that is at the heart of the watch. The VORTEX PRIMARY is a mechanical masterpiece housed in an astounding case, and I am so proud of the result.”

A dynamic display of time

In addition to its colourful exterior, the VORTEX PRIMARY stands out from the rest of the collection thanks to its lack of a dial. The retrograde minutes are placed directly on the sapphire crystal of the case, with the half-trailing hours indicated through HAUTLENCE’s signature jumping hour chain system that advances as time passes by. A power reserve indicator is portrayed in red at three o’ clock, while the movement’s regulating organ is on full display at six o’ clock as it rotates 60 degrees every 60 minutes. Such a dynamic design gives the timepiece a new look every hour.

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Three patents for an exceptional timepiece

Powering the VORTEX PRIMARY is the same movement as the VORTEX, a reinterpreted and redesigned version of the innovative in-house automatic calibre HL2.0 presented in the first Concept d’Exception in 2010. Angled at 90 degrees, the new in-house automatic calibre HLR2.0 is protected by three HAUTLENCE patents. The first patent pertains to the 12-link chain of the half-trailing hours, which smoothly turns in 3 to 4 seconds every 60 minutes to display the hour. Such a system differs from an instant system that switches the hours too quickly for one to truly appreciate and from a dragging system whereby time cannot be easily read between the hours. The half-trailing hours system rotates effortlessly without losing energy and displays the beauty of the movement and its mechanisms in action.

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The second patent relates to the regulating organ integrated into the mobile bridge-type movement. Its constantly changing position, driven by the display, compensates statistically for the effects of gravity, thus enhancing its precision. The third patent is linked to the operation of the movement’s two barrels. The main barrel is wound by the automatic-winding system of the movement and transfers the necessary energy to wind a second barrel that is dedicated exclusively to driving the complication. The main barrel continuously winds the second barrel so as to ensure that energy remains at an optimal level to change each hour. This ensures that these complex systems remain powered independently without impacting the precision of the watch.

The VORTEX PRIMARY is available with six different straps that can be easily interchanged with a screwdriver that is included in the box. The straps come in a choice of black Louisiana alligator leather or five different coloured rubber straps, each fitted with a folding clasp in grade 2 titanium with a satin-finish steel plate.

Limited to 18 exclusive pieces, the VORTEX PRIMARY combines Cantona’s powerful artistic eye with HAUTLENCE’s daring vision and boundless creativity. More than simply a wristwatch, the VORTEX PRIMARY is a true chef d’oeuvre — one that pushes horological boundaries while respecting watchmaking traditions.

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HAUTLENCE
Ever since its foundation in 2004, HAUTLENCE has been dedicated to bringing a new dynamic into the art of
watchmaking, thus gaining the recognition of watch collectors and connoisseurs the world over. The brand has
a portfolio of four calibres designed and manufactured in-house and relies on external partners for the
movements of certain collections. HAUTLENCE launched the HL calibre in 2005, followed in 2009 by the
HLQ calibre, with the brand’s third calibre, the HLC, hot on its heels in 2010. The following year saw the
introduction of the high-flying HL2.0 calibre in a variety of different versions. Since 2012, HAUTLENCE has
enjoyed the support of MELB Holding, which has made its experience and network accessible to the brand
with the aim of developing effective synergies between HAUTLENCE and the group as a whole.
Like its name, an anagram of the brand’s hometown of Neuchâtel, HAUTLENCE is renowned for turning
things upside down. The brand has challenged the boundaries of traditional watchmaking designs by drawing on
its architecturally-inspired roots and uniting them with innovative mechanical solutions borrowed from other
industrial worlds. Acutely aware of the two essential dimensions of time and space, HAUTLENCE is driven to
design timepieces with original lines and multi-level dial constructions that provide incredible depth.
Its Gentlemen Rebels approach to watchmaking is perfectly embodied in its choice of brand ambassador, Eric
Cantona, and its challenging communication message "CROSS THE LINE"

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Technical Specifications

Collection: Concepts d'exception

Model: VORTEX PRIMARY by Eric Cantona Limited Edition of 88 Pieces

HAUTLENCE HRL2.0 in-house calibre including gear train and automatic winding system.
Half-trailing hours displayed by a chain, retrograde minutes, mobile bridge-type calibre.

CALIBRE
Calibre description :
2 barrels: one going train barrel (power reserve for the entire watch calibre including
power for the second complication barrel) and a complication barrel.
Hours displayed by a 12-link chain hinged on a pallet system. The speed regulator ensures
that the hour display changes in a controlled and jerk-free manner in 3-4 seconds instead of
instantly. It completes 48 revolutions at each hour change. Hour system activated by a one-
revolution mechanism mainly composed of a connecting rod and a rack.
Mobile bridge-type calibre comprising the regulating organ and rotating through 60° at each
change of hour.
Movement kinematics featuring 90° changes of direction by means of special bevelled gears.
Automatic calibre with oscillating weight in 18-carat white gold
This innovative calibre is protected by 3 HAUTLENCE patents.
    Dimensions : 37.8 x 33.2 x 12.35 mm
    Manufacturing technology : multi-axis micro-machining, wire EDM. LIGA photolithography
    Number of components : 552
    Power reserve : 40 hours
    Regulating organ : 21,600 vibrations/hour
    Number of jewels: 92
    Finishing: fine-watchmaking type (satin-brushed, hand-drawn, hand-bevelled, black rhodium
coating and mirror-polished steel elements);
    Identification and numbering plate: HLR2 PRIMARY X/88.
CASE
    Case : Black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium
    Horns : Black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium, screw-in
    Crown : Satin-finish black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium with micro-machined HAUTLENCE logo
    Glass : 19 three-dimensional coloured sapphire crystals, scratch-resistant, produced by
multi-axis grinding;
    Alternating finishes : sand-blasting, satin-brushing and polishing
    Horn and case-back screws : Black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium
    Dimensions : 52 x 50 x 17.8 mm
    Weight of the timepiece: 148 grams
DIAL
Minutes displayed directly on the case sapphire. No dial;
Hours indicator : rhodium-plated underplate with black galvanic coating and white Super-
LumiNova® hours numerals ;
Minutes hand : rhodium-plated galvanic coating with red varnished tip;
Power-reserve hand : steel with red varnished tip 
WATER RESISTANCE   3 ATM
STRAP
Black hand-sewn rolled-edge, rubberised padded Louisiana alligator leather, large square
scales;
Black rubber; red rubber; blue rubber; yellow rubber; white rubber
Interchangeability spring bar and screwdriver;Folding clasp: grade 2 titanium with palladium plate

LIMITED EDITION 18 timepieces

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Press Release
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Contact us for any further information:
Guillaume Tetu, CEO and Co-founder - g.tetu@hautlence.com
Caroline Büchler, Marketing & Communication Manager - c.buechler@hautlence.com
Feel free to contact us for any further information:
Press@hautlence.com 
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BLANCPAIN – Women Ladybird Ultraplate Limited Edition













BLANCPAIN WOMEN Ladybird Ultraplate 2016 Limited Edition NEW

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2016, year of the Ladybird
Pre-Baselworld 2016

Blancpain displays its attachment to feminine watches more vividly than ever by launching a 60-piece limited edition marking the 60th birthday of the Ladybird.


At the time of its launch in 1956, the Ladybird was equipped with the smallest round movement on the market. This was a period when dainty sizes were all the rage, and the Blancpain master-watchmakers had demonstrated amazing ingenuity in successfully miniaturising the components of a mechanical watch: an authentic technical feat.

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2016 is the year this model turns 60. To mark the occasion, the brand has dreamed up several versions of the Ladybird, starting with the romantic Saint Valentine’s Day model was in February. The Baselworld display windows will be hosting a new interpretation by the artisans of the Manufacture, featuring a dial graced with luminous contrasts and displaying an elaborate foliage motif. The strap of the Ladybird is exclusively crafted from the small scales of Louisiana crocodile leather, thus creating a particularly refined aesthetic effect.

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For the 60th birthday of the Ladybird, the watch is issued in a 60-piece limited edition. Its bezel is set with 32 diamonds. Adorned with eight of these sparkling gems, the dial is swept over by drop-shaped hands framed by a 21.50 mm-diameter white gold case that houses a self-winding movement with a silicon balance spring.

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Blancpain –Women Collection
References:  0063E-1954-55A
Model: WOMEN Ladybird Ultraplate Saint-Valentin 2016
  • Limited edition of 60 piece
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Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR: Aude Rosati
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3636
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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