Hautlence / Retrovision ’85

Key Highlights

• Robot-inspired timepiece that transforms from an oversized wristwatch into a table clock, echoing an iconic 1980s Japanese toy.
• Powered by the self-winding D31 calibre from the Vagabonde Tourbillon, with flying tourbillon, double hairspring and wandering hours display.
• 3D‑printed titanium case with copper‑coloured PVD accents, sapphire crystals front and back, and 5 ATM water resistance.
• Central sapphire minute disc surrounded by three rotating hour satellites for a wandering reading of time.
• Limited to just 8 pieces, in line with Hautlence’s avant-garde Playground philosophy.

A robot from the 80s, reimagined in haute horlogerie

Hautlence’s Retrovision ’85 channels the 1980s fascination with transformable robot watches into a contemporary mechanical sculpture. Inspired by a Japanese toy icon, it turns childhood fantasy into a fully fledged haute horlogerie object that can be worn on the wrist or displayed as a table robot.

The case, bezel and crown are made of 3D‑printed titanium with copper‑coloured PVD elements that discreetly recall the warm metallic tones of 80s toys and arcade machines. A bevelled, extra‑hard rectangular sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment frames the display, while a sapphire caseback opens onto the movement inside.

True to the original concept, the Retrovision ’85 is made to transform. As a wristwatch it measures 64.0 x 60.0 x 11.8 mm, a deliberately architectural presence on the arm. When converted into a table clock, standing on its platform, it grows to 70.0 x 96.0 x 43.0 mm, becoming a kinetic object for a desk or cabinet while retaining 5 ATM water resistance.

The multi-layered dial enhances the retro‑futuristic feel. A frosted titanium base supports a rhodium‑plated brass intermediate dial with blue and purple PVD treatment, colours reminiscent of arcade screens and early home consoles. Above them, a sapphire minute disc with applied numerals and Globolight® rings adds depth and luminous contrast as it rotates.

The D31 calibre: a playful wandering of time

Inside the Retrovision ’85 is the D31 self‑winding mechanical movement, shared with the Vagabonde Tourbillon. It combines a flying tourbillon, double hairspring and a wandering hours and minutes display, uniting visual drama with chronometric intent. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the calibre is made of 217 components and 39 jewels and delivers a minimum 72‑hour power reserve.

The wandering display defines the watch’s personality. Three hour satellites orbit a central minute disc, each satellite turning on itself in what Hautlence describes as a hypnotic dance. The ease of the motion hides a complex system of gearing and indexing that fits the brand’s ambition to rethink how time can be shown on the wrist and beyond.

Details for the few who will own it

The Retrovision ’85 is produced in a limited edition of 8 pieces, underlining Hautlence’s small‑scale, independent approach. It is delivered on a black rubber strap with steel pin buckle and quick attachment system, so the watch can be detached and placed on its support with ease. On that support, the engravings “Hautlence”, “Retrovision ‘85”, “Suisse”, “Möbius” and “5 ATM” underline origin, collection and water resistance.

Hautlence has been challenging classic watchmaking codes since 2004, developing nine in‑house calibres and keeping annual production around 200 pieces with the backing of MELB Holding. The Retrovision ’85 condenses this philosophy into a single object, treating timekeeping as a field for design, narrative and playful interaction rather than a purely functional display.

Why it matters

By recasting a beloved 1980s robot watch in the idiom of haute horlogerie, the Retrovision ’85 proves that technical sophistication and a sense of play can coexist in a serious collectors’ piece. For enthusiasts of independent watchmaking, it offers a rare combination of nostalgia, sculptural presence and wandering time display, limited to numbers that preserve real exclusivity.

For GCC collectors interested in independent voices with a strong design narrative, the Retrovision ’85 stands out as a striking conversation piece and a concise expression of Hautlence’s Playground spirit.