For the upcoming Baselworld 2012, the new high-end watch brand Hydro Mechanical Horologists (HYT) will launch the unique timepiece named HYT H1. This newcomer will be the first wristwatch ever, featuring mechanical and fluid dynamic time indications.
This innovative timepiece comprises of two parts: a mechanical movement and a fluid module. The new HYT H1 will be powered by the manual winding mechanical movement with full 65 hours of power reserve. The watch will be also equipped with a fluid system.
The liquid module for the time indication functions thanks to two pistons which move the liquid around the micro tubes in bellows-like fashion. To prevent gelling, alcohol has been added to the fluorescent colored liquid, whereas the transparent one has been mixed with oil.
The movement was partially developed by the expert movement designer, Jean-Francois Mojon, whilst the liquid system was developed by a Swiss company called Helbling Techniks. If we add that the new brand of the man behind the magic is Vincent Perriard, the former CEO of ultra-futuristic watchmakerConcord, the result must be nothing less than spectacular. From a technical point of view, the closest watch I can think of to H1 is Concord C1 Quantum Gravity, a mechanical mind-crunch that married a double-axis tourbillon with a liquid power reserve in a single watch. It is worth to be mentioned that Perriard was the driving force behind thatConcord’s masterpiece. Mojon, the man behind the movement, developed number ten of the revered Harry Winston Opus series and realized the astounding floating balance wheel movement of the MB&F Legacy Machine No.1 released to critical acclaim in 2011. Technological innovator Helbling Technik developed such visions of the future as ground-breaking meteorological software, surgical positioning technology, and, last but not least, the Nestlé Nespresso coffee machine.
As we can see on the image above, the movement of the upcoming HYT H1 can be viewed through the transparent case back. Although, we will not see this masterpiece for a while, the new watch brand Hydro Mechanical Horologists offered the movement images, as well as the video of the concept.
The HYT H1 will be available in titanium, black DLC-coated titanium, and 18-karat red gold. The case with the diameter of 48.8 mm and the thickness of 17.9 mm incorporates a rubber-coated crown and the crown protector.
The unstructured, silver-toned dial displays minutes in the center of the face with a dedicated dial, and there is also a water turbine style sub-dial seconds hand to the left of it, whilst on the right side, there is a power reserve indicator for the mechanical movement. The most striking detail is the luminescent greenish-yellow liquid ring that nicely rounds the dial.
The HYT H1 is equipped with an exclusive in-house made mechanical hand-wound movement which is built on 35 jewels and runs at the rapid frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
For the wristlet, HYT chose hand-sewn leather-lined canvas with a pin buckle.
The retail price for HYT H1 in titanium will be approximately $45,000.
- HYT H1
Ref. No. HYT H1
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Titanium Case Size 48.8 mm Case Thickness 17.9 mm Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Hand-sewn leather-lined canvas Dial Unstructured, silver-toned opaline Movement Calibre HYT Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve Assembly Style Price $45000
Baselworld 2012 Preview – HYT H1: The World’s First Hydro Mechanical Wristwatch review was published on Watchalyzer on January 10, 2012
