10/31/2014

Halloween exclusive: Count Dracula discusses his new HYT

It took many attempts, but we finally got an appointment with Count Dracula. He spoke freely of his passion for watchmaking and the new HYT H1, which bears his name.

By Marco Gabella

Chairman & Executive Publisher

Last Wednesday, the world's most famous nobleman received me at his château in Transylvania. In spite of my unease at the distinct feeling that time had stopped, as it turned out, the interview lasted an hour. He was ice-cold at first, but suddenly granted me – with great difficulty – a lugubrious smile that indicated we were connecting. I did take note of the fact that he had two teeth that were longer than the others. This suggested a person who took big bites out of life. And soon I found a genuine collector, a connoisseur, and undoubtedly one of the oldest fans of watchmaking among us. And maybe among you?

HYT H1 Dracula DLC

MG: My dear Count, thank you for inviting Watchonista for an interview. Where did you get your passion for watchmaking?

Count Dracula: Thank you for coming all the way here! Others in the past have hesitated to wander into this region, considered by some to be rather inhospitable. I have always been fascinated by science and the discoveries that I found in the various epochs I have lived through. But in fact it happened after I received a clepsydra following the execution of a condemned man. You figure out the liquid it ran on. So it all started then with a clock I ordered for my castle in 1463… As you know, for me the setting sun and the equation of time are critical points .... vital, I daresay.

MG: So you began your collection 551 years ago? How do you see watchmaking today?

CD: At the beginning of the 2000s, I was immediately drawn to the style that some commentators call nouvelle horlogerie. I read your site very carefully, your series about those watches that look like UFOs in the watchmaking universe. And it's with great interest that I keep abreast of all the new materials that represent some serious potential for the evolution and conception of new movements.

MG: When you talk of new materials, what do you think of the use of silicon in watchmaking?

CD: It's an inert, cold material.I love it!

MG: Which is your favorite complication?

CD: I'd say without hesitation: the perpetual calendar, because from my angle, I have all the time in the world to observe time frittering away. Nevertheless, I have to plan on bringing my latest acquisition to a watchmaker in 328 years, a watchmaker able to correct that famous absent day that appears every 400 years. Otherwise, let me see, I also value the GMT models highly, the ones with a day-night indicator, as well as the large moon phases ... for practical reasons, naturally.

MG: Can you tell us a bit about the HYT H1 that you are wearing on your wrist? How did you discover that brand?

CD: In 2012, I paid close attention to the launch of the HYT and was impressed by the technical wizardry that is concealed in this watch. It is really very impressive. Besides, I also read your articles on the subject, with great interest, I might add...

MG: Can you tell us a bit about the HYT H1 that you are wearing on your wrist? How did you discover that brand?

CD: In 2012, I paid close attention to the launch of the HYT and was impressed by the technical wizardry that is concealed in this watch. It is really very impressive. I also read your articles on the subject, with great interest, I might add... (Editor's note: Creation and launch of the project and Functions and constraints)

MG: This model was named after you! What was your reaction when you found out?

CD: Ever since that fake, Bram Stoker, had the nerve to rewrite my story, my image has been regularly associated with products derived from plastic and are in terrible taste. So I was quite flattered that a watch brand as innovative as HYT should decide to name a quality watch after me.

MG: This model was named after you! What was your reaction when you found out?

CD: Ever since that fake, Bram Stoker, had the nerve to rewrite my story, my image has been regularly associated with products derived from plastic and are in terrible taste.So I was quite flattered that a watch brand as innovative as HYT should decide to name a quality watch after me.

MG: A sensitive question: considering your schedule, did you go pick up the watch in person?

CD: Oh, no need to feel uncomfortable, your question is perfectly legitimate, my boy.I have certain habits at some retailers, who are quite prepared to open their doors to me after nightfall. After having sent their most appetizing salesgirls home. Of course, they do not know the reasons for my requests. But getting back to this HYT, it was a gift from my gentle Mina. She was certain that the color would appeal to me.

MG: What do you like particularly about this watch?

CD:As I said before, the very real innovation that this product boasts seduced me immediately.I must admit that this red liquid that flows with the advance of time reminds me of my first clepsydra and does give me a feeling of excitement.