Hautlence

The HAUTLENCE brand was created in 2004, with the first wristwatches ready for September 2005, and the first collection by 2007.

Approximate Cost: 20 278.00 GBP

The company has set up a watch-maker’s college in Neuchatel — in Switzerland’s famous watch valley. They developed their own new movement, built around the caliber, with all the technical elements exposed to view.

Like Richard Mille, Hautlence is a very young company, but unlike Mille, Hautlence does not seek a new approach with computers and new materials, nor does it seek to break into the top end of the market. Instead Hautlence seems to be competing with the likes of Jaquet Droz or even FP Journe by aiming at the lower end of a market that has for so long been dominated by Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Gucci, etc.

While Hautlence cannot be compared with such valuable and exclusive timepieces as those created by Roger Dubuis, Patek Philippe, Parmigiani, Girard-Perregaux, Chopard, Blancpain, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, or IWC, the styling and traditions of such watches may be seen to be available now at an affordable price by Hautlence.

• Hautlence.com
• Wristwatch information