Meet the new HYT FLOW, a timepiece that takes the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking into a new age of enlightenment. Mechanics replace electronics as the unexpected catalyst of illumination, with a proprietary new complication generating light on demand via a pusher on the case band. HYT’s FLOW watches mirror the brand’s relentless quest to bring innovation that resonates with its contemporary context. Literally speaking, the light brightens what already exists; figuratively it brings deeper understanding. The latter describes these timepieces’ purpose in the watchmaking arena. They are about the possibilities that emerge when performance enters new territories.
In the HYT FLOW, opposites do far more than attracting as they form a rich source of design energy. An apparently contradictory combination of liquid and electric light set the scene; the bold asymmetrical shape of the satin-brushed stainless steel 51 mm case and vibrant color choices pick up the thread. A visual wave sweeps around its side, reminding that stopping time’s momentum is never an option. This well-considered curve tempts the eye to explore new perspectives on time, a vital element of modern life.
Triggered by a pusher, specially developed micro-generator stores and dispels the energy to activate 8 or 13 meticulously positioned LEDs, according to the version. These then visibly spread light evenly across the dial, mimicking a natural wave. Two variations on the FLOW theme, both limited editions, play very different games with the emitted light. The light is activated by pressing the push-button crown lasting 2 seconds of illumination per single push. The light can be activated up to 4 times before having to rewind the crown. The light can be kept on for 8 seconds is the pusher remains continuously pressed.
A ring of SuperLumiNova documents the antithesis of night and day. Polished accents on the circular-brushed case underline specific elements such as bezel angles. This is an appropriate overture to the three-dimensional character of the opaline-finished grey dials, where “metallic” and “velvety” sit together comfortably in the descriptive dictionary. Sophisticated electro-erosion adds a further signature to the theme of tension with its use of electric current to physically cut out strips of metal to obtain the wave illusion. The high-energy appearance of the dials’ backgrounds contrasts with the calmer, more minimalistic time indication. Concave and convex surfaces tease each other, as the eye peeps behind the waves to catch a glimpse of the intriguing mechanical mechanism below.
Two 25-Piece Limited Editions
The first iteration of the new HYT FLOW features a dome of 73 baguette-cut 1.7-carat diamonds that are lit up by the mechanically-powered 13 LEDs below it. Just as time’s flow is constant, this unique horological light show is a theatre for continual, energized change uniting jewelry and light thanks to the dynamic reflection and refraction. Innovation meets beauty and quite literally dances the night away. This iteration features a blue fluidic capillary and is available with blue, black, and orange rubber straps. Available in a limited edition of only 25 pieces.
Sticker Price CHF 149,000 Swiss Francs — approximately $164,000 USD. For more info on HYT click here.
The second iteration addresses the concept of infinity through a precisely tapered vortex shape. Here the imagination is invited to visualize a revolving, apparently never-ending flow down towards the bellows, as a side-aperture welcomes the light emitted by 8 LEDs. The limitlessness of infinity fits neatly into the focus on time’s inevitable transience. This model is available with black rubber and red rubber straps. Available in a limited edition of only 25 pieces.
Sticker Price CHF 79,000 Swiss Francs — approximately $87,000 USD. For more info on HYT click here.
