Having won the Innovation Watch Prize at the GPHG 2012, HYT has continued to advance its meca-fluidic technology.
A mechanical movement conventionally drives a minute hand and pressurised fluorescent fluids uniquely indicate the hours in a retrograde manner, through a system of capillary tubes.
The retrograde fluidic display makes HYT's timepieces come alive while the designs evoking spaceships have made the Swiss brand become known as the UFO watchmaker.
Based in Neuchâtel, HYT recently introduced Hastroid Green Laser and Supernova Blue Moon Runner at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2022.
Like a flight deck, the Hastroid Green Laser is topped by a domed sapphire crystal offering a largely unobstructed view of the overall dial with a large central pointed hand for reading the minutes and two subdials housing a small second movement and a power reserve indicator. The readability is enhanced by green luminous numbers.
The 48mm diameter green casing is made from contemporary high-quality materials: titanium, titanium and carbon or an original composite and titanium alloy.
The multi-layer middle case boasts subtle openwork while a central titanium case protects the movement. The sandwiched construction makes the watch waterproof up to 50m.
Hastroid Green Laser in a composite green casing, with the fluid showing the retrograde hours in a contrasting black.
Offering an attractive contrast, the fluid showing the retrograde indicator of the passage of hours is black.
The fluidic time indicator is inspired by the clepsydra, a primitive type of clock from Ancient Egypt, whose principle was to let water flow from one jar to another in order to measure the passage and "flow" of time.
The centrepiece of HYT's meca-fluidic technology, the fluidic system has two central "bellow" reservoirs, while components of the manual winding mechanical movement are revealed subtly through openwork workmanship at the back of the dial or plate.
The green colour of the new Hastroid evokes laser beams while the liquid used for the Moon Runner's retrograde time indicator function is in Supernova Blue.
Blue is in fact the rarest colour in lunar observation. While "blue moons" certainly exist, astronomers use this term to refer to an "additional" full moon when this rare astronomical phenomenon occurs, giving 13 full moons in a year instead of 12.
Along with the lunar phases, the representation of the Moon is completely unprecedented, not only in its size and form, with the large celestial body seemingly levitating at the heart of the watch, designed by HYT CEO and creative director Davide Cerrato.
Encircling the Moon, two titanium disks indicate the days and months, both with a mat black treatment and inscriptions enhanced with white Super-LumiNova. Likewise the minute hand is covered with the white luminous material.
Presented in a 48mm grey and blue-coated titanium case, the Moon Runner like the Hastroid Green Laser is available in only 27 pieces.
The manual winding movements of both new models were designed by master watchmaker Eric Coudray, who innovated a cam to synchronise the mechanical calibre with the fluidic system.
HYT Moon Runner presented by a visualisation module with 3D projection mapping.
The independent watchmaking company also launched the "Heroes Of Your Time" communication campaign, giving for the first time the meaning of the three letters that form the HYT acronym.
Since its debut in 2012, the avant-garde maison has used its exclusive command of meca-fluidic technology to produce futuristic watches.
As the world and science are constantly changing, HYT is now opening up a whole new expression of the art of time measurement: Fine Watchmaking 4.0.
Haute horlogerie requires mutations that will allow it to be in tune with the times. The metamorphosis of classic complications is demonstrated by the Moon Runner, which was unveiled through a 3D projection mapping, following a partnership between HYT and Brillantine Pictures.
The visualisation module with the innovative video mapping system can be used to animate the timepiece, in particular to show its technical features, and furthermore, present the creative universe and inspirations linked to a contemporary timepiece.
