HYT HO Silver watch
HYT, Hydro Mechanical Horologists, revolutionized the interpretation of how time is displayed on the wrist by using liquid inside the watch. Through a system of patented thin glass tubes and bellows to drive a proprietary liquid around the watch dial, the nature of reading time has become a new experience. Over the years, HYT has created a host of exciting models that showcase the liquid and bellows. Now, however, the brand unveils its newest and most classic look of all: HO. Here we take a close-up look at the HYT HO watch, its pros and cons, and the thought process behind it.
Concept of the HYT HO Watch
With a pared down aesthetic, the HYT HO offers perhaps the largest dial yet on these watches, leaving only a section of the mechanism powering the piece revealed to the user. The goal is to help visually provide a better understanding of the level of innovation and sophistication the brand has worked to achieve. A portion of the bellows can be seen through drop-shaped openings in the surface of the dial. The minimalist design helps to draw the attention to the fluid display.
While the design of the new HYT HO is more classic, the concept still holds 11 patents.
The dial design is based on the circle, inspired by a droplet of water designed to help drive the connection to liquid. The curves of the circle could also be representative of a pebble that has been worn smooth and round by water from a mountain stream.
The minutes are read from a minute hand and the seconds are displayed on a subdial at 9 o’clock. The cutaway at the 2 o’clock displays the power reserve, and the apertures at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions reveal the bellows that drive the liquid around the face of the dial. That liquid displays the hour– in lieu of a traditional hour hand. The watch is presented on a rubber strap that is integrated into the case as to provide uninterrupted lines. Additionally, the sapphire crystal is domed, slightly magnified and offers a side on view of the liquid.
Details of the HYT HO Watches
The Ho is initially offered in three different options: Ho Black, Ho Orange, and Ho Silver. Not surprisingly the liquid in each color watch complements the dial coloration. The Ho Orange and Silver both feature titanium cases with micro blasted and satin finishes. The Ho Orange sports orange hands and accents, with a black liquid, while the Ho Silver features blue hands, accents and blue liquid. The Ho Black, with a black DLC titanium case with micro blasted satin finishes, features ectoplasmic green hour and second hands, with green liquid moving around the dial. The contrast of the green against the black DLC titanium provide a striking appeal– perhaps the most visually alluring to me.
The HYT HO line is offered in three versions, black and green, titanium and orange, titanium and blue.
The HYT HO watches are a robust 48.8mm in diameter and have a height of 17.9mm. They offer a healthy 65 hours of power reserve thanks to the mechanical manual winding exclusive HYT calibre. The watches retail for $39,000.
Pros and Cons of the HYT HO Watches
Well, this one is simple and yet difficult to take to task.
Pros:
The HYT HO watch offers the brand’s unique fluid time-telling display, and offers a marginal view of the bellows.
The HYT HO watch is a nice retail price — representing one of the opening price points for the line, making it attainable.
Cons:
Those who know the HYT line since its inception may feel a bit ripped off. While the fluid concept may be more apparent, the loss of visual views of the bellows through the sapphire crystal leaves us flat.
