In 2004, amidst a sea of conventional timepieces, Hautlence emerged in Neuchâtel with a bold vision: to redefine how time is displayed. Guillaume Tetu and his team, drawing inspiration from train mechanisms and architectural design, sought to create watches that were not just instruments of time but expressions of mechanical artistry.

Guillaume's passion lies deeply in the mechanics of watchmaking. As he once shared, "We decided to reinvent the way to tell the time, and play with it in the mechanical approach." This philosophy is evident in every Hautlence piece, where traditional hands are often replaced with innovative mechanisms like rotating chains and retrograde displays.

At a time when few brands ventured beyond the conventional, Hautlence stood out, marking the renaissance of independent, disruptive timekeeping. Each Hautlence watch is a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories in horology.

When discussing Hautlence, there's always an anticipation of the unexpected—a mechanical surprise or a novel way of marking time. The challenge remains: to continually venture into new directions, crafting timepieces that celebrate individuality and defy the norms of traditional watchmaking.

In 2012, Hautlence found a new home under the stewardship of the Meylan family, becoming part of MELB Holding alongside H. Moser & Cie. The Meylans, hailing from Le Brassus—a cradle of Swiss horology—have a lineage intertwined with watchmaking excellence. Notably, Philippe-Samuel Meylan, born in 1772, was a pioneering watchmaker who co-founded the esteemed firm Piguet & Meylan in Geneva, renowned for its intricate timepieces and automata.

Georges-Henri Meylan, former CEO of Audemars Piguet, and his sons, Edouard and Bertrand, have continued this legacy. Their passion for horology is evident in their hands-on approach to both brands. Edouard, now CEO of H. Moser & Cie., has been instrumental in infusing contemporary innovation while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

In 2020, a strategic decision was made to consolidate Hautlence's operations in Schaffhausen, aligning closely with H. Moser & Cie. This move fostered synergies, particularly with Precision Engineering AG, the group's component manufacturing arm, enhancing in-house capabilities.

The fruits of this integration became evident with the launch of new collections in 2022, showcasing Hautlence's commitment to avant-garde design and mechanical mastery. Each timepiece, limited to a maximum of 28 pieces, embodies the brand's ethos of exclusivity and innovation. The logo, featuring a Möbius strip subtly incorporating the numbers 2 and 8, symbolizes this philosophy.

At Hautlence, the journey is as significant as the destination. With the Meylan family's guidance, the brand continues to challenge conventions, crafting timepieces that resonate with individuality and daring spirit.