Hysek IO Double Orbitale
HYSEK 2019 : A Double Orbital Revolution
Independence enables freedom of creation. Here lies the motto of the young manufacture HYSEK since its birth in 1997. In 2019, HYSEK proves their creativity once more with a double revolution: the IO Double Orbitale.
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
Since they integrated the production of their movements, innovative complications, and dials in-house in 2007, HYSEK can let their inventiveness run free. 2017 had already marked a strong year with the introduction of their Colossal at Baselworld (read more here), the first perpetual calendar to display all indications in a line thanks to vertical gear rollers. Today, the manufacture introduces with its IO Double Orbitale an unprecedented complication in its most sober collection.
A double orbit around the dial
The concept is simple but innovative. Minutes are indicated by a small hand/window that circles on the outer part of the dial above two semi-circles graduated from 05 to 25 and from 35 to 55. This is the first orbit. The second one is that of the small seconds which run on a module integrated to the minute hand. The seconds have their own discrete revolution just below the minute hand. Hence the Double Orbitale name. Once more, a truly original complication created internally. This creates a double and constant animation of the dial. The jumping hours appear in a large 24 hours window – a typical Hysek feature - at 12 o’clock.
They are enhanced by Superluminova to optimize readability. A brand new automatic movement with micro-rotor, 100% developed and produced in-house, sets in motion this atypical ballet: caliber HW63. It beats at 28’800 vph and delivers 50 hours of power reserve. Two dial options are offered. The first is sandblasted sapphire with a structured laser engraving. The second is open-worked in a matt black honeycomb structure. Both offer glimpses of the movement’s components in transparency. The legibility of the minutes will probably take some gymnastics to re-adapt the most traditional horological brains. But younger generations, not yet formatted, will find it easy.
Characteristic Hysek signatures
Originality and innovation are in themselves already distinctive assets for Hysek, but the aficionados will also recognize the characteristic architecture of the brand through the layout of the large indexes holding the semi-circular minute railroad track at 1, 5, 7 and 11 o’clock. The manufacture's renowned comfort is also clearly present with the refined IO case – 43mm in diameter but only 10mm high – available in 18K rose gold or titanium.
The curved transparent sapphire case-back enables the timepiece to embrace the wrist perfectly. The shorts lugs enhance the comfort sensation further. All the small details which appear with a thorough look remind that Hysek is a fine watchmaker. The polished violet screws, the angled and mirror polish honeycombs, the modernity of the carved lugs, the alternating polished, and satin-brushed surfaces of the case make for a great composition.
Boldly different and original, this new IO Double Orbitale fits perfectly in the lines developed by Hysek. It should ravish collectors in search of rare and unprecedented fine independent watchmaking. The younger generations eager to set themselves apart from the traditions should respond positively to the innovative approach of the manufacture from the Canton de Vaud. Prices are respectively CHF 19'900 and CHF 26'300 (Taxes included) for the titanium and rose gold version.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
