HYT H0 Diamond Black
SIHH
Aqua Timers: Hands-On With HYT’s Fluidic 2019 Creations
HYT really knows how to get our blood pumping.
By Josh Shanks
Contributor
From last year’s launch of the HYT H²0 Brown (read HERE) to downright mythical (in the watchmaking sense) creations released at SIHH 2019. Who would’ve thought, in less than a decade, HYT would be able to rewrite traditional watchmaking codes. At this year’s SIHH fair, HYT continued down this very innovative path with a bevy of new creations.
H0 – Fluid Diamonds
Let’s start with perhaps the most mind-blowing of all the HYT pieces we saw. This H0 model – set with 1,206 diamonds with an overall carat weight of 7.423ct. As my colleague Benjamin pointed out, HYT is on a "philosophical quest," and this piece is no exception. In fact, the marketing materials for this piece sees the brand references Greek philosopher Heraclitus, "No man ever steps in the same river twice as it's not the same river and he's not the same man."
Here the iconic H0 model is transformed into a jeweled masterpiece. Contrasting the blingy all diamond dial and subdials is the circular fluid module which is filled with red fluid. Other red accents are included with a red alligator strap and matching hand set.
There are two colors available in this model, black or red. The H0 diamond set model is priced at $89,000 USD
H0 - ‘Time is Precious’
The first thing you think about when you handle H0 - ‘Time is Precious’ is the kaleidoscope qualities of the dial. What looks like a shattered mirror is actually an intricately made marquetry dial — comprised of 63 individual pieces of monocrystalline silicon. Once on the wrist, this stunningly transparent model reveals itself from multiple angles. Encased in stainless steel with a side engraving which reads ‘Time Is Precious”. The domed sapphire crystal allows obstruction free viewing from any angle.
On the wrist, the H0 - ‘Time is Precious’ model certainly is an imposing model for this writer’s small(ish) wrists. A 48.8mm case size does skew on the larger size, but considering the technology packed inside this fluidic creation, we’ll give it a pass. The transparent rubber strap with titanium buckle makes for a comfortable fit.
The H0 - ‘Time is Precious’ is limited to 50 pieces and priced at $49,000 USD
H1.0 – New Models
Imagine yourself in a dystopian future, where cars fly, and robots run our lives. Now imagine what role watches would have in this not too distant reality. And while we don’t yet live in Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’ this new H1.0 is indeed the watch you'll want to be wearing when the robots take over.
The entirely new H1.0 takes the wearer to a new dimension in watchmaking. Skeletonization exposes nearly every facet of the incredible calibre which is mechanical at heart but coupled with HYT's proprietary microfluidic module. Exposed bellows at six o'clock help to pump liquid through a Borosilicate glass tube. A black DLC coated case perfectly complements the satin finished movement components visible through the domed sapphire crystal.
This new H1.0 is available in blue, red, and green color combinations. All models are priced at $49,000 USD.
H20 »TIME IS FLUID«
The brand continues to push the boundaries of modern watchmaking and applied fluid dynamics. Just five years ago, water was the enemy of any watch. Brands went to great lengths to protect their precious cargo through the use of seals, screws, and threads of all kinds.
HYT had turned the world on its head and re-adjusted the proverbial axis of watchmaking. With the new H20 »TIME IS FLUID« HYT takes this concept to its absolute limits. A completely 3D design which completely dynamites the very idea of time telling. Guilloche discs for the minute and seconds are offset and raised far above the main plate. The brand has developed a custom APRP movement (Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi). Serious horology indeed.
The H20 »TIME IS FLUID« comes in two limited editions, an 18k yellow gold version, and a stainless steel version. What I found most interesting was the SuperLuminova application on the dial and side case, which under the right conditions can give you a spaceship on the wrist. Priced at $125,000 USD for gold and $115,000 USD for stainless steel.
Summary
"Time is a flat circle," a phrase that's been echoed many times through the halls of industry trade shows. Simply put, everything we've ever done or will do, we're going to do over and over again. NOT at HYT! In 2019, the brand went way beyond fluid and into the watchmaking stratosphere!
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
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