Over the last few years I have developed many friendships with watch enthusiasts all around the world. Predominantly they are male and normally do not work in the industry. However their knowledge and insight into the world of horology is extraordinary. Some of these guys spend hours searching the web for new and exciting brands. Ultimately this same passion inspired me to establish Total Watch Reviews. Fortunately now I am in a position to see some of these wonderful timepieces in the metal. This has only fuelled my appreciation even more for the wonderful craftsmen that have created these beautiful watches.
Prior to visiting Baselworld this year I had never met anyone from luxury brand HYT. Fortunately I was able to rectify this and had the pleasure of meeting dynamic CEO Vincent Perriard. Prior to his involvement in HYT he held senior positions in prestigious companies like TechnoMarine, Concord, Hamilton and Audemars Piguet. In the scheme of things HYT are relatively new to the industry (4 years) and have only released a few models. Nevertheless I would say they are one of the most innovative and exciting watchmakers in the industry. They also are the first watchmakers to produce a hydro mechanical timepiece.
Even though I love all HYT watches, the one I was most interested in seeing was their sensational H3. For Baselworld the company only had one model available so it was constantly in demand. Therefore I only got a few minutes to scrutinize the design and enjoy the experience. Dimensionally the timepiece measures 62mm x 41mm x 16mm, which is definitely designed to make a really bold statement. Even though it wasn’t the largest timepiece I tried on (that would be the Urwerk U-1001) it certainly was one of them. For that reason I can appreciate it won’t appeal to everyone. However for a watch of this size it did feel surprisingly comfortable and lightweight on the wrist. Primarily that is down to the stylish sculpted case shape and choice of high performance grade 5 titanium and luxurious platinum in production.
Visually the H3 is astonishingly striking and definitely the company’s most sophisticated design. The open worked dial is an absolute revelation and showcases the intricate mechanical engineering of the movement. Telling the time on this watch is a mesmerising experience. Hours are displayed in a linear format via six rotating cubes and a fluorescent green liquid. Other features include retrograde minutes and power reserve indication. Overall the H3 has an incredible three-dimensional industrial appearance like no other watch I have ever seen before. The real shame is that this exclusive piece will only be available to a very select range of buyers.
Beneath the formidable exterior lies a highly accomplished twin barrel manual winding movement developed in collaboration with APRP (Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi). This calibre comprises 53-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each of the components have been hand decorated (including the micro-blasted charcoal grey PVD-coated titanium bridges) finished and assembled by hand. Functionally the H3 features linear fluid hours and retrograde minutes. The timepiece also has an impressive seven-day power reserve and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The H3 is limited to only 25 pieces and has a black alligator leather strap with matching charcoal grey PVD-coated titanium folding buckle. Priced for the watch aficionado at: 280,000 CHF (approximately $293,363).
For more information about HYT visit the company’s website: http://www.hytwatches.com
