During Watches & Wonders 2024, HYT presented the new HYT T1 Series collection with a redesigned, better, and more wearable look. Continuing with its 12th anniversary this year, the brand just released the T1 Series Millésime Edition during Geneva Watch Days last week. In French, millésime refers to a year in which a particular wine was produced. Here we have an exceptional vintage that will be available only from autumn until mid-spring from September 2024 to April 2025 without a limit in terms of quantity but in reduced production and availability.
Joining the salmon-colored, anthracite, and silver dials, now come purple, green, and chocolate dials offered in a limited production. The titanium case is presented with a purple ref. H03344-A or green dial ref. H03343-A, while the 5N rose gold case comes with a chocolate dial ref. H03345-A.
The HYT T1 Series is a smaller hydromechanical watch with a case diameter of 45.3 mm, a slightly more slender profile, and a new ergonomic design for optimum comfort.
For the first time in its history, the brand introduces a fully enclosed dial where the bellows are not exposed at 6 o’clock, designed to achieve absolute harmony. Featuring a vertical satin-brushed finish rather than a circular satin finish when compared to the previous iterations of the T1 Series, the dials feature black tinted fluid for the purple version and red fluid for the chocolate and green dials. Additionally, a 72-hour power reserve indicator is positioned between 2 and 3 o’clock on the solid dial.
As usual, the time display, specific to HYT and calibrated for 12 hours, combines the fluidic hour indication —via the liquid-filled glass capillary along an outboard scale from 6 o’clock to 6 o’clock— with a mechanical minute indication via a central hand sweeping around an inboard minute track. Specifically, a tinted liquid progressively fills the capillary, marking the hour against the outboard scale along the dial’s flange. After 12 hours, as it reaches the 6 o’clock position on the right, the tinted liquid retrogrades to its starting point at 6 o’clock on the other side. For a precise reading of the time, the minute markers are displayed in Arabic numerals around a dedicated sector on the dial.
Things to Know About the Watch
A reduced diameter that is as surprising as it is self-evident. The T1 Series Collection embodies an aesthetic ideal expressed in its most absolute form. The complexity of incorporating the full scope of HYT’s fluidic technology into a smaller diameter case was an adventure that demanded the highest level of precision —and the ability to square the circle between design and technical constraints. Modern and designed for everyday wear, its innovative ergonomic silhouette, free of lugs, is enhanced by an octagonal case structure with gently curved lines and complemented by an interchangeable strap system.
The Interchangeable Strap System
The interchangeable strap system is seamlessly integrated into the overall architecture of the case and it snaps right into it without any lugs. It allows the wearer to go from a nylon strap to a rubber strap within seconds. The strap flows naturally from the case to the curve of the wrist, ensuring unparalleled comfort and remarkable wearability. The strap can readily be clicked in and out by pressing a push-button located on the back in the case middle, precluding inadvertent release. A titanium pin buckle —PVD titanium on the 5N gold/titanium model— adds elegance to a secure fit. Each watch is delivered with a black rubber strap —as pictures— and an additional strap matching the color of the dial.
The Movement
The open case back, secured with screws, features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal to offer a clear view of the intricate workings inside. Here, the manual wound calibre 501-CM is fully visible with no obstructions including the two hallmark bellows —pistons— that regulate the movement of fluids under the impulses of the 41-jewel movement composed of 352 parts.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new HYT T1 wears incredibly well and much better than any of its HYT counterparts, old or new. Each reference is offered with two interchangeable straps, each with its very own buckle. Our favorite model is the 5N gold model paired with light blue straps complementing the color of the dial. The new HYT T1 is the perfect hydromechanical watch and a must-have.
Sticker Price CHF 50,000 Swiss Francs —approximately USD 59,500— for the Titanium models, and CHF 66,000 Swiss Francs —approximately USD 78,000— for 5N Gold. For more info on HYT click here.
