After the successful launch of the HYT H0 Origin at Baselworld 2017 where the HYT hydromechanical timepiece became more modern and minimalistic thanks to its redesigned case and crystal, this year at the SIHH 2018, HYT presented two new watches that follow a similar approach with a redesigned case and a more prominent box domed sapphire crystal. The new HYT H20 is rooted in the continuous movement of a colored and a transparent fluid in a capillary and it's available in two different limited editions of 25 pieces each. Fitted with a cloche-like sapphire crystal that offers an intriguing lateral view of the progression of time with a skeletonized ring with Arabic numerals on the profile of the watch, the new HYT H2O is fitted with a case measuring 51 mm in diameter and a thickness of 19.95 mm, that could make it almost unwearable.
About the Watch
While both watches are cased in stainless steel, one of them is the H2O Black clothed in black DLC harboring a bright green fluid, while the other is the H2O Silver with a circular brushed stainless steel case and a deep blue liquid with blued movement bridges.
heir universal design language is transparency, accenting aesthetics and technical detail simultaneously. The angled positioning of the two bellows that propel time forward in the patented HYT micro-fluidic module is the gateway to an overall appearance with a distinctive 3D character. A jumping minute hand, crown position indicator and thermal indicator are further elements of this live performance in a meticulously constructed theater of time. The H20 traces and embraces the essence of flow. Both watches are equipped with black rubber straps and deployant folding clasps.
The Movement
Under the hood, the new HYT H2O is powered by the manual wound HYT calibre 201 with 28 jewels and sandblasted titanium bridges or blue PVD coating for the H2O Silver. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide an impressive power reserve of 8 days —192 hours.
This amazing movement with HYT’s exclusive patented micro-fluidic module includes two multi-layer metal bellows, borosilicate capillary tube with nano-coating interior, two immiscible liquids —one transparent and the other colored with a highly resistant dye—, thermal compensator with dedicated bellowscontaining a special liquid and ceramic fluidic restrictors.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new HYT H2O wears really big and high on the wrist to the point where it is impossible to tuck it under the cuff of a shirt. While we really like the new watches, just like we said it a year ago regarding the HYT H0, we can't get pass the fact that the reduced metal case and a more prominent domed sapphire crystal makes the watch more fragile and prone to impacts that could shatter its crystal. A stunning pair of watches that shows that no matter how far you've gone in terms of horological innovation, there's still always room for improvement.
Sticker Price $95,000 USD. For more info on HYT click here.
