Hydromechanical Horology: Inside the New HYT H1, continued


A proprietary movement powers the display. The movement generates .7 Newton meters (Nm) of force, and is capable of producing 1.2 Nm, thanks to one of the most powerful mainsprings available. Chronode solved the problem of how to move liquid at a uniform pace by replacing the hour hand with a snail cam that operates the pistons, which in turn compress the bellows. These bellows can be seen on the watch face above 6 o’clock. While the first compresses, the second expands, and vice versa, resulting in liquid moving in the tube.

HYT H1 movement/bellows CU
A closeup view of the movement’s tiny piston-operated bellows
HYT H1 movement exploded view
An exploded view of the HYT H1 movement

All of this technology is contained in a case measuring 48.8 mm by 17.9 mm. The H1 displays hours, minutes and seconds in a regulator-style format. The meniscus between the clear and green liquids marks the hours. When the meniscus reaches the 6 o’clock position twice each day, it retreats back around the tube in retrograde fashion within a few seconds to continue displaying the hours. The hand below 12 o’clock displays the minutes. A small spinning wheel at 9:30 represents the passing seconds. A power-reserve indicator at 2:30 tracks the 65 hours of autonomy.

 

HYT H1 in rose gold case
The H1 case is available in black DLC (previous page), rose gold (above), titanium (below) or titanium/rose gold/black DLC (bottom).

HYT H1 in titanium case

HYT H1 in titanium/black DLC/gold case

The H1 is not just a one-off effort. Models denominated H2, H3 and H4 are already in development and will be rolled out over the next three years. Total production for 2012 will probably be between 150 and 160 pieces.

The watch will be available this fall at four U.S. retailers in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas. Prices are $47,000 for the titanium version; $49,500 for black DLC; $59,000 in titanium, black DLC and gold; and $69,000 in all gold. Look for future models in steel and in composite materials. A black model with red liquid may also be produced.

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  1. Amazing watch and technology; I would like to see this on a black steel bracelet.

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