Creating Unseen Emotions: The Hybrid Mechanical Liquid-Controlled Watch

"I don't think creativity has been fully expressed in watches recently."

These are the words of HYT CEO Gregory Dourdin. While prefacing his remarks as a personal impression, he candidly reflects on the industry's current state.

Gregory Dourdin had previously stepped away from the watch industry, finding himself bored with existing technologies.

"In the world of automotive, self-driving is beginning to be tested. Mobile phones evolved into smartphones, and people's lives are constantly changing. Yet, the watch industry alone clings to its past legacy, failing to introduce new movements."

"However, I have returned to this industry. This is because HYT has identified potential not only in traditional watchmaking techniques but also in utilizing cutting-edge scientific technologies from fields like aerospace and medical engineering. Unfettered by the past, free creation evokes emotion. A wristwatch, before being a tool to tell time, should inspire its owner and bring them pride." (Gregory Dourdin)

HYT's core technology lies in precisely moving two liquids with different molecular structures using pressure from the bellows. The interface between these immiscible liquids serves as the hour hand. The precise control of the bellows is handled by the mechanical movement.

The capillary, a glass tube with an inner diameter of just 0.8mm and a length of approximately 11cm, is filled with colored liquid, a process derived from medical technology. The highly durable yet extremely flexible bellows are based on NASA's aerospace engineering technology. For a clear explanation of the mechanism, the video released at BASELWORLD 2014 (shown below) is highly informative. While it primarily introduces the mechanism of the H1 series, the base technology is common to all models, including the new H0.

From 6 AM to 6 PM, the boundary of the liquid indicates the time. At 6 PM, the pressure in the bellows is released, and the liquid boundary swiftly returns to its starting position. While not instantaneous like a retrograde hand, the movement is analogous.

Gregory Dourdin points out the following advantages of displaying time with liquid:

"Because the passage of time from 6 AM is visually represented, the time flow is intuitively understood, much like an icon showing the remaining time until a download is complete. In essence, it intuitively conveys how effectively time was spent during the day or how much time remains."

The capillarySkull Vidadoes not need to be circular. Even with a discontinuous shape, liquid can still indicate the time. "In the future, we also want to consider downsizing this mechanism," says Gregory Dourdin. Furthermore, "We want to challenge ourselves to convert the movement of the liquid itself into energy." Who could have imagined that the water clock, invented in ancient Egypt 4000 years ago, would be reinterpreted and wearable on the wrist today?




H0 Black, H0 Silver, H0 Orange

Movement | Manual winding (exclusive HYT caliber)
Power Reserve | 65 hours
Dial | Capillary indicating time, small seconds, minute hand, power reserve indicator
Case Material | Titanium (DLC coating or satin finish)
Case Diameter | 48.8mm
Case Back | See-through
Water Resistance | 3 ATM
Strap | Rubber
Price | ¥5,600,000 (excluding tax)
Release Date | Scheduled for July release

Page02.Wearing Memento Mori

Wearing Memento Mori

The latest Skull series, unveiled at Basel, is an ultra-rare model with only five units produced. However, describing them as simply five units might be inaccurate; each is a unique piece. This is because the dials are made from mammoth ivory, dating back thousands of years, and each of the five pieces features a distinct texture and design.

It is curious that the capillary (glass tube), symbolizing life, encircles the skull, which hints at death. It feels akin to offering cut flowers to the deceased. Yet, the impact is undeniable. A wristwatch is the perfect item to serve as a daily reminder of memento mori.

The "Skull Vida" also features a fabric strap for the first time, adorned with beautiful embroidery. Using threads of a similar hue, floral motifs are subtly integrated, exuding an air of sophistication.