Hautlence introduced the HL-RQ 02 and HL-RQ 03 in 2013 as the first two versions of its round HL-RQ line. Their central difference is visual: the HL-RQ 02 pairs polished steel and titanium with pale-blue details, while the HL-RQ 03 uses black-DLC-coated steel elements and burnt-orange accents. Both share a 44 mm case, layered sapphire display, and hand-wound jumping-hour and retrograde-minute movement.
How the HL-RQ 02 and HL-RQ 03 differ
The two launch models share their size and time display; case finish and accent color distinguish them. Europa Star’s January 2013 account, based on Hautlence material, describes steel and a black-DLC-and-titanium version. Monochrome provides the clearer variant-specific color details.
| Feature | HL-RQ 02 | HL-RQ 03 |
|---|---|---|
| Case treatment | Grade 2 titanium middle and back, with polished steel elements; described by WatchPaper’s October 2013 reproduction of Hautlence press material. | Grade 2 titanium middle and back, with polished steel elements coated in black DLC; described by WatchPaper’s October 2013 reproduction of Hautlence press material. |
| Dial accents | Pale-blue hour and minute chapter rings, according to Monochrome Watches. | Burnt-orange indexes and numerals, according to Monochrome Watches. |
| Case diameter | 44 mm, according to the Hautlence-sourced Europa Star account. | 44 mm, according to the Hautlence-sourced Europa Star account. |
| Display and movement | Layered sapphire dial; hand-wound in-house mechanical movement with jumping hours, retrograde minutes and calendar, as described in the Hautlence-sourced Europa Star account. | Layered sapphire dial; hand-wound in-house mechanical movement with jumping hours, retrograde minutes and calendar, as described in the Hautlence-sourced Europa Star account. |
Both watches were presented as part of the Avant-Garde HL-RQ round-watch line. The difference is not a distinct complication or movement configuration in the cited launch descriptions, but a shift from the 02’s lighter steel-and-titanium look to the 03’s dark finish and warmer dial accents.
How the layered display works
The sapphire dial is functional as well as visually prominent. In Monochrome’s explanation, a rotating disc carries an aperture that reveals the current hour, while the minutes are shown on a retrograde arc. Connecting rods actuate the retrograde-minute indication; a cam and lever return it to zero when it reaches the end of its travel. This is Monochrome’s account of the mechanism, not an independent test of the movement.
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#1 Best Overall
- Japan Quartz Movement
- Stainless Steel Back
- Stretch Band
- Super Large Case - Easy to Read
Europa Star notes that the overlapping discs and larger horns contribute to a stepped visual effect. Together, the visible layers and exposed mechanical arrangement make the unusual display part of the watch’s design rather than a conventional dial with standard hands.
Materials and launch details
WatchPaper’s October 2013 article reproduces a Hautlence press release describing grade 2 titanium case middles and backs for both variants. The 02 combines those parts with polished steel elements; the 03 uses polished steel elements with black DLC coating. The press material also specifies a sapphire dial and an alligator strap with either a titanium pin buckle or folding clasp.
Rank #2
- 25mm silver-tone case
- 7.5 inch silver-tone expansion band
- Mother of Pearl dial
- Mineral Glass lens
- Water resistant up to 30 meters
Europa Star reported that the models were expected to become available in summer 2013. In October of that year, WatchPaper reproduced the announcement of their international commercial launch and the naming of authorized points of sale worldwide. Those are launch-era availability details, not confirmation of present stock or dealer status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What they cost when launched
Monochrome reported a starting price of CHF 33,500 per model, including tax, in 2013. It also reported that Hautlence expected the series to be unlimited. Neither figure establishes a current price, production status, or availability; the cited coverage does not document present-day market conditions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Silver-Tone Classic: A white dial and an adjustable black leather strap combine for a timeless, easy-to-read everyday style
- Adjustable Leather Strap: A 12mm genuine leather band with a secure buckle closure fits comfortably up to a 7.5-inch wrist
- Indiglo Backlight: A quick push of the button illuminates the dial in the dark, whenever it's needed most, day after day
- Effortless Style: A brass case with a mineral glass crystal keeps the dial simple, durable, and easy to read every single day
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Rank #4
- Crisp Silver-Tone Style: White dial and silver-tone 38mm case pair with an adjustable black leather strap for a clean, versatile look
- Adjustable Leather Strap: A 20mm genuine leather band fits up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for secure, comfortable everyday wear
- Durable Construction: A 38mm brass case with a mineral glass crystal is built for everyday reliability through years of daily wear
- Indiglo Backlight: A quick push of the button illuminates the dial in the dark, whenever it's needed most, day after day
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Rank #3
- FastWrap Strap: White dial pairs with a black hook-and-loop FastWrap strap for quick, easy on-and-off everyday wear each day
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band with a secure closure fits wrists up to 8 inches for a personalized, everyday feel every time
- Indiglo Backlight: A quick push of the button illuminates the dial in the dark, whenever it's needed most, day after day
- Effortless Style: Date window at 3 o'clock, full Arabic numerals, and a mineral glass crystal keep the dial simple and easy to read
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Which one is the better fit?
- Choose the HL-RQ 02’s design if the appeal is the contrast of polished steel and titanium with pale-blue chapter rings.
- Choose the HL-RQ 03’s design if a black-DLC treatment with burnt-orange indexes and numerals is more appealing.
- For the mechanical display, they are alike: the launch accounts describe the same 44 mm format, layered sapphire dial, jumping hours and retrograde minutes for both.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
