Afro Pops: HYT Introduces the S1 5N Gold Titanium Limited Edition “Fally Ipupa”

Best known for its fluidic time display, HYT has always been a cutting-edge watchmaker. So, it should come as no surprise that the Maison marches to the beat of its own drummer when it comes to marketing as well.

For example, did you know the brand has never teamed up with an international celebrity? No race car drivers nor movie stars have ever appeared on HYT’s “friends” list. That is, until recently, when the launch of the S1 5N Gold Titanium Limited Edition “Fally Ipupa.”

This collaboration marks a strategic milestone for HYT, marrying the innovation of its hydromechanical timepieces with the global cultural influence of Congolese musician, dancer, and actor Fally Ipupa, who, like the brand, transcends traditional boundaries in his field.

In music, art, fashion, and film, African culture is incredibly diverse. And with this new watch, HYT aimed to capture the vitality of this particular artist on the wrist. This is how they did it.

Fally Ipupa first came to the world’s attention as a member of the critically acclaimed Congolese rumba band Quartier Latin International. As a solo artist, Ipupa’s popularity quickly spread across Africa and the African diaspora around the world. Then, in 2007, he became the first Congolese artist of his generation to play to a sold-out house at the Olympia Hall in Paris.

Often dressed as regally as any prince, but always paired with his signature sunglasses and trainers, HYT couldn’t help but note that Ipupa’s dynamic personality matched the brand’s boundary-pushing style quite nicely. Still, when the collaboration was first announced in January 2025, there was a bit of apprehension about how the watch would turn out.
 

After all, the world doesn’t need another luxury watch collab with just the brand ambassador’s signature etched onto the caseback (although it does have that).

Here’s the good news: the resulting timepiece, named the S1 5N Gold Titanium Limited Edition “Fally Ipupa,” merges HYT’s signature fluidic technology with the star’s distinctive personal style, resulting in a watch that should appeal to HYT collectors and Ipupa fans alike.
 

“Fally represents movement, culture, and fearless expression – all values we share at HYT,” said Vahe Vartzbed, CEO of HYT Watches, in a press release. “This timepiece is more than a watch – it’s a symbol of how precision and passion can co-exist in extraordinary form.”

When his most recent record, “Alliance,” was released in 2025, Ipupa told the French press, “I prefer to be the guide rather than the follower.” Perhaps that’s why he gravitated toward working with HYT’s newly released S1 Series of sport watches.
 

Featuring the S1’s open-worked dial that allows the kinetic hydromechanical caliber 501-CM to take center stage, the new Limited Edition “Fally Ipupa” model has a sculptural and ergonomic 45mm 5N gold and titanium black DLC case softened by a shimmering satin finish.

This watch also hints at HYT’s ambitions for the future. The brand says that this is only the first in an ongoing partnership with Ipupa and a forerunner of a future sports watch collection.
 

Even the finishing touches, such as its pure black Velcro strap with a loop buckle and a pin buckle-equipped Pure Black rubber strap, serve as a nice metaphor for Ipupa’s versatility as a performer. Both blend in perfectly with the lines of the case and offer a seamlessly integrated, streamlined look. And thanks to its ingenious quick-release, strap-change system, one can exchange them in a matter of seconds.
 

“This project allowed me to explore time in a new way,” said Ipupa of the partnership. “HYT’s innovative vision aligns perfectly with the rhythm of my own creative journey. Together, we’ve created something timeless.”

The S1 5N Gold Titanium “Fally Ipupa” is limited to just eight pieces and is priced at CHF 78,000. For more information, check out the HYT website.