T1 SERIES: A whole new universe unfolds for HYT

A smaller, more refined diameter. A new ergonomic design for optimum comfort. A neo-classical color spectrum that captures the zeitgeist. The new T1 SERIES fuses HYT‘s groundbreaking hydromechanical technology with a captivating line-up of horological complications to come. The new collection represents a significant evolution, meeting the expectations of a brand community that has eagerly awaited the next advancements of the Neuchâtel-based Manufacture of hydromechanical horology.
The first 4 references, which will be presented in Geneva in April 2024, promise to transport innovation enthusiasts to new horizons – while honouring the legacy of a decade of creative and unprecedented watchmaking.

Challenge everything!

“When you have a burning passion for something, that’s when innovation happens.” This truth perfectly encapsulates the creative force that has been driving HYT since its foundation in 2012.

For over a decade, HYT has been venturing into new realms of horological expression with a flawless mastery of its technological prowess. Drawing from this rich experience, HYT embarks on a new path – true as ever to its identity, which forged its reputation in the exacting world of fine watchmaking.

Vahé Vartzbed, General Manager of HYT, highlights the brand’s core essence: “It’s in HYT’s DNA to always question the status quo, to ‘Challenge the Norms’. In our motto, you find the ethos of boldness and innovation that defines HYT at its core. The Conical Tourbillon collection, for instance, which has sparked increasing demand for innovative and exceptionally high-quality watchmaking, is a perfect example of HYT’s knack for brilliantly blending tradition with avant-garde.”

Today, a fresh creative dynamic is sweeping across the brand. For the first time since its inception, the HYT fluidic technology micro-manufacture unveils a collection with more compact dimensions, a neo-classical character and an even greater emphasis on watchmaking substance.

The new collection, christened T1 SERIES, highlights two traits intrinsic to the brand’s DNA: its unparalleled watchmaking savoir-faire paired with the complete mastery of its invention (which was awarded the Innovation Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the GPHG, in 2012)

The T1 SERIES – quintessentially HYT

In opening this new chapter, HYT explores a new universe: an unprecedented, more compact diameter of 45mm to showcase the Neuchâtel watchmaking manufacture’s fresh stylistic signature.

A reduced diameter that is as surprising as it is self-evident. The T1 SERIES embodies an aesthetic ideal expressed in its most absolute form. As the firstborn in a forthcoming family of complications, the new series distills all the work and research of the past 12 years.

In its pursuit of an elegant and contemporary timepiece in tune with the zeitgeist, HYT understood that the challenge as both a technical one and an aesthetic one. 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.

Beyond precision and ingenuity, however, it also opens a new realm of creative freedom, ushering in an era of even more refined expression. It is not just about making things ‘smaller’, but, rather, about pushing the boundaries further, thinking differently, developing and finding solutions.

Modern and designed for everyday wear, its innovative ergonomic silhouette, free of lugs, is enhanced by an octagonal case structure with gently curved lines.

The – interchangeable – strap is seamlessly integrated into the overall architecture, flows naturally from flowing from the case to contouring the curve of the wrist, ensuring unparalleled comfort and remarkable wearability. True to HYT’s meticulous attention to every detail, the T1 SERIES embraces a contemporary style that is effortless and versatile, at ease with even the most active lifestyles.

HYT’s innovative spirit continues to inspire, contributing to an ever-evolving watchmaking landscape.

Water resistance, pressure, and the effects of fluid expansion at extremely low or high temperatures… Just some of the many challenges that the team at HYT masters expertly at every stage, from designing to manufacturing to servicing HYT’s celebrated fluidic module.

It explains how, today, the brand is able to showcase a fluidic mechanical movement within a smaller case diameter – and address the preferences of enthusiasts. Indeed, the current trend towards smaller watches marks a sharp departure from the past. Just a decade ago, diameters of up to 50mm were not uncommon.

“Back then, people were talking to me about closing up the dial and offering much more sophisticated finishes. Since the demand was for ultra-innovative watches, we focused on showcasing our innovation,” says Vincent Perriard, President of HYT. “The result is our 45mm range, which features the diameter and watchmaking functions that are now in higher demand among aficionados, all the while nurturing the brand’s ecosystem and savoir-faire.”

HYT‘s distribution network consists primarily of long-standing retailers who believe in the brand’s future and have, over the years, become true friends of the brand.

“A carefully built-up network does not age. We are proactive with our business relationships and talk differently to collectors. It’s about being closer to them and offering experiences. Like a visit to the manufacturing facilities for our fluidic module system, for example, because it really is one of a kind. Or going out to meet them on their turf. Understanding our invention also means grasping the brand’s unconventional history, which is something watchmaking writ large also needs, like a breath of fresh air,” explains Vahe Vartzbed.

2024: The First 4 References

The T1 SERIES, unveiled in in four dazzling references, is a 45mm collection with an octagonal shape and subtly faceted sides.

For the first time in its history, the brand introduces a fully enclosed dial, designed to achieve absolute harmony. This creation stands out with meticulous and ultra-contemporary craftsmanship, featuring circular satin finishes along the minute track and on the hour ring that enhance a sophisticated color palette – salmon, silver, anthracite gray, and midnight blue – paired with blue or black tinted fluids, adding a distinctive elegance.

The T1 SERIES collection reveals itself through two masterfully manufactured case variations: one in titanium and DLC titanium, and the other, of superior preciousness, in 5N gold complemented by DLC titanium. The salmon, anthracite, and silver dials offer a unique contrast with the titanium and DLC titanium case, while the exquisitely elegant case in 5N gold and DLC titanium stylishly enhances the midnight blue watch face.

Mechanical components and technological advancements merge in perfect harmony, showcasing HYT’s craftsmanship. The watch features a domed ‘bell’ sapphire crystal, treated with an antireflective coating, that gives an unusual depth and vibrancy to the dial. The open caseback, secured with screws, features an antireflective sapphire crystal to offer a clear view of the intricate workings inside. Here, the HYT’s mechanism is powered by the two hallmark pistons that regulate the movement of fluids under the impulses of the manually wound caliber 501-CM, itself composed of 352 parts. Thoughtfully designed for ergonomics and positioned at 2 o’clock, the torque crown – either in titanium and DLC titanium or in 5N gold and titanium DLC with a satin and micro-blasted finish – is key to ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters, merging functionality and aesthetics with flawless reliability and precision.

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.

The exclusive HYT manufacture calibre beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a 72-hour power reserve indicator at 2 o’clock.

Each reference is offered with two interchangeable rubber straps, each with its own buckle. Black being the standard, an additional strap is offered for each reference (blue BL 287-A for the silver dial, anthracite GR094 for the salmon and anthracite dials, and dark blue P259A for the 5N gold version). Additional strap options include white, light grey and light blue.

The innovative interchangeable strap system, specially designed for the T1 SERIES, required a year of research and development. 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.

The fundamentals of HYT’s fluidic time display mechanism

HYT watches present a unique blend of science, technology, fine watchmaking, and design. Drawing inspiration from the principle of the clepsydra dating back to the pharaohs, HYT’s mechanism features two flexible reservoirs positioned at 6 o’clock, connected at each end of a capillary. In one, a colored aqueous liquid. In the other, a transparent viscous liquid. The two are immiscible: the repulsive force of the molecules of each fluid makes it impossible for them to mix. Delimiting the boundary between the two: the meniscus.

The fluid reservoirs are actuated by two extremely flexible and resistant bellows made from electro-deposited alloy and driven by pistons. As the reservoir containing the tinted aqueous liquid expands, the other is compressed, and vice versa, enabling the fluids to travel back and forth through the capillary. The system marks the passage of hours by ‘pushing’ the tinted liquid (creating an ever taller column of the fluid in the capillary) and ‘pulling’ the transparent viscous liquid (causing this column of liquid to shrink proportionately). The point where the two liquids meet – the meniscus, in the shape of a half-moon – indicates the hour on the scale. When it reaches 6 o’clock, the column of tinted liquid automatically retrogrades to its initial position. The power to drive the system is generated by a mechanical watch movement.

Protected by seven patents, this invention was honoured by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which awarded it the Innovation Prize in 2012. A technical innovation that remains central to its design and three-dimensional architecture.