Some watches do more than just tell time. They tell stories. The HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’47, limited to 20 pieces, is one of those. Launched to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary, this timepiece is a bold nod to the aesthetic of the 1940s, blending vintage style with technical innovation. But beware, it’s not a simple re-edition of a past model—it’s more of a reinvention. You might be wondering why it caught so much attention at Watches & Wonders 2024. Well, let’s dive into the fascinating details of this watch that’s both from another time and yet entirely modern.
A Radio-Phonomechanical Inspiration?
With the RETROVISION ’47, HAUTLENCE didn’t just draw inspiration from old televisions, but from a more singular object: the General Television & Radio Corp. Chicago Madel 5A5 radio receiver from the 1940s. This radio, with its sculptural design featuring separate dials and speakers, not only influenced the shape of TVs of that era but now also this watch. Yes, you read that correctly: a watch inspired by a radio!
The titanium case of the RETROVISION ’47 replicates the marbled green and white bakelite style of the original radio receiver. But don’t think of it as just a quirky gadget. It’s a precision timepiece that integrates carefully chosen design elements, like the radio’s handles, which are reimagined as elegant lugs. And to further enhance the vintage flair, a red leather strap completes the look.
A Flying Tourbillon and Hypnotic Hands
Beneath its vintage appearance, the RETROVISION ’47 hides a modern soul. One of its most mesmerizing features is undoubtedly its flying tourbillon, which you can admire through the “speaker grille” on the left side of the case. This complication, rarely seen in watches with 1940s-inspired designs, adds a touch of kinetic magic to the piece, as if the radio itself were coming to life with every second.
The dial is a tribute to simplicity. Adorned with red hands that look like they’ve come straight from a frequency selector, it’s divided into two sections: the right side shows the hours and minutes, while the left side features the speaker grille that gives way to the stunning tourbillon. All of this is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, ensuring nothing disrupts your view of time.
Where the Past and Present Collide
The RETROVISION ’47 isn’t just a stylistic exercise. It’s a reflection on what HAUTLENCE could have been if it had been founded in the 1940s. But today, it also represents the brand’s evolution over the past 20 years. This model symbolizes the meeting point between past and present, blending nostalgia with modern technical prowess.
Indeed, behind its retro design lies an automatic D20 movement developed in-house, offering a 72-hour power reserve. This 21,600 vph caliber, housed in a 39.2 x 44.4 mm case, bridges tradition and innovation—just like this watch itself.
Technical Specifications of the RETROVISION ’47
- Case: Grade 5 titanium, hand-painted, 39.2 x 44.4 x 12.1 mm
- Lugs, speaker grille, dial: Grade 23 titanium
- Crystal: Rectangular sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
- Dial: 2N gold-plated brass with vertical satin finish, black Super-LumiNova® minute markers
- Movement: Automatic D20 caliber with 1-minute flying tourbillon, double hairspring
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Strap: Red calfskin leather
- Limited edition: 20 pieces
The RETROVISION ’47 is not just a watch—it’s a time-traveling masterpiece wrapped in a titanium case, celebrating both the 1940s and 20 years of HAUTLENCE’s innovative spirit.
