Where tradition, invention, and 1,000-hour autonomy meet.

HAUTE-RIVE is a family story reimagined for today. Revived by Stéphane von Gunten, a fifth-generation watchmaker and engineer, the brand draws on a heritage that dates back to 1888, when his ancestor Irénée Aubry first established the name. The goal is simple yet ambitious: unite high watchmaking, tradition, and innovation on equal footing — in mechanics, aesthetics, comfort, and performance.

The Founder

Before launching HAUTE-RIVE, Stéphane von Gunten spent years at Ulysse Nardin, rising to Director of Research & Innovation, contributing to dozens of patents and landmark complications. That background now channels into a fiercely independent practice with a clear engineering vision.

The Signature — Honoris I

The first HAUTE-RIVE creation, Honoris I, is a statement of intent:

• 1,000-hour power reserve engineered for serene, long-distance timekeeping.
• A patented flying “mystery” tourbillon, suspended to appear weightless on the dial.
• Dials worked in grand feu enamel with hand-engraved precious metal bases.
  

In 2025, HAUTE-RIVE introduced Honoris I Lagoverde — 8 singular pieces whose translucent green enamel reflects the color and spirit of Lake Neuchâtel. It’s a poetic nod to place, powered by silent, thousand-hour endurance.

Why It Matters

HAUTE-RIVE balances intellectual watchmaking with warmth and provenance. It’s a brand where a century-old family name meets contemporary research; where the aesthetics of métiers d’art meet inventive construction. For collectors, that means deeply considered timepieces built in tiny numbers, with a viewpoint few can emulate.

Highlights at a glance

• Heritage revived from 1888; named for founder’s ancestor Irénée Aubry.
• Stéphane von Gunten, ex-Ulysse Nardin R&I Director, leads the project.
• Honoris I: 1,000-hour power reserve, patented flying mystery tourbillon, grand feu enamel.