Hautlence Vortex Gamma Magma

Quick specs Hautlence Vortex Gamma Magma
Price: CHF 170,000 | approx. € 145.400 | approx. £ 129,000 | approx. $ 174,300
Size: 52 x 50 mm
Reference: H1370-1403

This new Hautlence Vortex Gamma Magma cannot be missed. Not only due to its massive size of 52 x 50 millimeters, but also with its black and bright orange case. We will speak about the impressive dial and movement in a bit. First the composite material that Hautlence used for the case.

It is called HLLightColor which is a composite material also used in automotive and aerospace industries. And yes, we sense a yawn coming on; yet another high-tech material with a name you cannot pronounce. But this one is pretty straightforward. As straightforward ceramic nanotube particles can be.

What is HLLightColor?

HLLightColor is charged with ceramic nanotube particles and its properties are identical to those of a conventional watch industry metal. It is highly resilient, yet four times lighter than titanium. It also can be machined with the same precision and to within the same tolerances. Thus enabling extremely complex finishing, alternating brushed, polished and sand-blasted surfaces.

It also can be intrinsically tinted rather than coated. Tinted with every color you would like from the complete Pantone color spectrum. Solid colors that is, but that is still over 1,500. In addition the Vortex Gamma Magma case is made from six three-dimensional sapphire crystals. To emphasize the architectural lines of the Vortex case and accentuating them, Hautlence has drawn inspiration from the style seen in the sci-fi film TRON.

The Hautlence Vortex Gamma Magma has a power reserve of 40 hours

Inside the watch we find the Hautlence caliber HL2.0 with an orange hour chain. Every 60 minutes, the chain turns in 3 to 4 seconds to the subsequent hour on the 12 hour chain. Next to it is the minutes counter and a power-reserve indicator. The movement is also equipped with two barrels. The second barrel, dedicated exclusively to driving the complication, is continually reset by the main barrel. So that the optimal level of energy is available each time the hour changes. This double barrel system ensures the complex mechanisms are supplied independently, without affecting the ability of the watch to keep accurate time.

All in all, a watch that seems to balance extreme design and haute horlogerie pretty well. The Hautlence Vortex Gamma Magma comes on a black Louisiana alligator leather strap.