Hautlence Helix Series 1: A Cylindrical Tourbillon for the New Era

Key Highlights

• Rectangular grade 5 titanium case with domed sapphire crystal and 10 ATM water resistance
• Central cylindrical tourbillon framed by retrograde hours and minutes
• In-house D51 automatic calibre with micro-rotor, 235 components and 65-hour power reserve
• Skeletonised rhodium-plated dial with blue-coated retrograde scales and Globolight® numerals
• Limited edition of 28 pieces from an independent, architecture-driven Swiss maison

Architecture in motion

The Helix Series 1, reference CD51-TI00, treats the wrist as a stage for mechanical architecture. Its newly designed rectangular case in grade 5 titanium measures 37.0 x 45.10 x 11.8 mm, combining satin-finished and polished surfaces with a weight advantage inherent to the material.

A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment rises above the case, creating visual depth and directing focus to the central cylindrical tourbillon beneath. The geometry—rectangular case against the curved crystal—defines the watch’s visual language.

The cylindrical tourbillon sits vertically at the dial centre, its spiral cage creating a visual axis that differs from traditional flat tourbillons. Retrograde hours and minutes occupy positions on either side, advancing in discrete jumps rather than continuous sweep. This layout rejects the conventional three-hand layout in favour of display clarity and visual movement.

The D51 calibre: compact power

The Helix Series 1 is powered by the D51 automatic mechanical calibre, designed and manufactured in-house by Hautlence. A micro-rotor sits off-centre, enabling the compact rectangular case proportions while delivering full winding efficiency. The movement comprises 235 components, 36 jewels, and oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, providing a minimum 65-hour power reserve.

The skeletonised, rhodium-plated brass dial exposes the calibre’s architecture. Hour and minute retrograde indicators receive a blue ALD coating against the rhodium-plated brass substrate, while Globolight® numerals mark the dial perimeter. The sapphire caseback is engraved with “HAUTLENCE”, “10 ATM” and “Suisse”.

Limited, deliberate, independent

The Helix Series 1 is limited to 28 pieces. Hautlence maintains annual production around 200 pieces across its collection, reflecting a deliberate approach to scarcity and brand identity. Water resistance is rated to 10 ATM, appropriate for daily wear and incidental submersion but not diving.

The watch ships on a grey rubber strap with navy blue textile inserts and a grade 5 titanium buckle, equipped with a quick-release system. The case height excluding the domed crystal is 10.5 mm.

Founded in 2004 and named in tribute to Neuchâtel, Hautlence reinterprets fine watchmaking through alternative complications and display systems. The maison relocated to Schaffhausen and operates under the support of independent family group MELB Holding. To date, Hautlence has developed nine in-house calibres across its collections.

Why it matters

The Helix Series 1 channels Hautlence’s architectural approach into a rectangular titanium platform without compromising technical ambition. By orienting the tourbillon vertically and deploying retrograde time indications in a contemporary sport case, the watch signals the brand’s continued focus on mechanical novelty and scarcity-driven collecting.

For GCC collectors drawn to independent manufacture, unconventional complications, and limited production runs, the Helix Series 1 articulates Hautlence’s position in contemporary haute horlogerie.