At the 2017 SIHH, Swiss watchmaker Hautlence introduced the Playground Labyrinth — though strictly speaking, this is not a traditional wristwatch, but rather a wrist-worn mechanical maze game encased in a watch case. It allows you to play this classic puzzle game anytime you feel bored.
Hautlence describes the concept as one meant to “remind you of the games you used to play with your grandparents”, but realized here through the craftsmanship and techniques of haute horlogerie — including gem-setting, casting and cutting, polishing, and brushing — to create a luxurious game box for the wrist. To play, the wearer tilts the case to guide a small gold ball through the maze using gravity, aiming to drop it into a small hole positioned at 6 o’clock. Once the ball reaches the goal, the crown can be turned to release the ball, allowing the game to begin anew.
The “game box” measures 43.5mm x 37mm and is 13mm thick. In this particular version, the maze walls are set with brilliant-cut diamonds, making the piece even more striking and visually captivating.
We tried it ourselves — the maze isn’t particularly difficult, more of a light and playful challenge. But the question remains: would you wear a game on your wrist?
Specifications — Hautlence Playground Labyrinth
Case: Titanium, 37 × 43.5mm, 13mm thick, Bezel: 18K rose gold set with diamonds, Crystal: Sapphire front and back, Dial: Rose gold maze with ruby ball, Strap: Alligator leather with titanium buckle, Water Resistance: 30 meters.
Specifications — Hautlence Playground Labyrinth
Case: Titanium, 37 × 43.5mm, 13mm thick, Bezel: 18K rose gold set with diamonds, Crystal: Sapphire front and back, Dial: Rose gold maze with ruby ball, Strap: Alligator leather with titanium buckle, Water Resistance: 30 meters.
