Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Monochromatic HYT S1 Titanium “Japan Limited Edition”
A forerunner of the upcoming release of HYT’s new S1 Sports collection with openworked dials for unadulterated hydromechanical viewing pleasure.
HYT’s original liquid time display has adopted many guises since the brand’s debut in 2012, adapting to the aesthetic mandates of the management presiding over the company. While all HYT’s models rely on bellows to pump liquid around two glass capillary tubes, the look of the watches has recently undergone a radical evolution. The latest transition, following the appointment of Vahé Vartzbed as CEO, is marked by a move away from HYT’s large round cases with openworked dials to more sedate models with closed dials and more compact octagonal cases, incarnated by the new T1 Series. It is apparent, though, that Vartzbed has understood that for many fans of the brand, pleasure is derived from viewing the fascinating hydromechanical spectacle via an openworked dial. In response, HYT releases the S1 Titanium “Japan Limited Edition”, a sleek monochromatic 8-piece reference with an openworked dial. Touted as the forerunner of a permanent S1 sports watch collection, the S1 Titanium strikes a balance between the exuberance of the brand’s openworked dials and the new T1 Series case.
Like the T1 Series launched earlier this year, the lightweight silver and black-coated titanium case has an octagonal profile, a diameter of 45.3mm, a length of 46.3mm and a thickness of 17.2mm. Although the dimensions might seem gargantuan, the ergonomic design of the case with its hollowed lateral flanks, lack of lugs and bezel, and the lightweight satin-brushed titanium case counter some of the heft. Furthermore, the light grey Velcro strap with its loop buckle and the additional black rubber strap appear to be integrated into the case, creating a more streamlined, seamless look. Like the T1, the new S1 features the crown at 2:30, protected by an angular crown guard.
Although the “S” in the name refers to “Sports”, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in build compared to the T1 Series, and it shares the same 50m depth rating. Presumably, the “S” alludes to the sportier looks and lightweight properties of this watch, with its openworked dial revealing the engine. Moving from the dramatic scalloped angles of the case towards the dial, the first thing you will encounter is a grey flange with a sporty honeycomb texture bearing the Arabic hour numerals.
HYT’s patented fluidic time display indicates the hours with black fluid on this special “Japan Limited Edition”. The two bellows at 6 o’clock, one with the black liquid and the second with the transparent liquid, work in unison to move the immiscible liquids through the capillaries. While one reservoir compresses the fluids, the other expands. The convergence of the two fluids marks the current hour, and when the black fluid reaches the end of the capillary, it performs a retrograde motion and returns to its initial position to begin a new 12-hour cycle.
The minutes are indicated by the central black gold hand with white Super-LumiNova pointing to the grey minutes flange suspended over the dial. To ensure nothing detracts from the view of the mechanics, the two grey sub-dials with small seconds at 9 and a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock are openworked rings with white markings.
Many components of HYT’s groundbreaking 352-part calibre can be admired on both sides of the watch. Developed with Eric Coudray, the HTY 501-CM manual-winding movement has a frequency of 28,800vph and delivers a sturdy 72-hour power reserve.
The HYT S1 Titanium “Japan Limited Edition” is a limited edition of eight pieces, available exclusively in Japan. It retails for CHF 58,000 (excl. tax). More information at hytwatches.com.
