The HYT Conical Tourbillon is a visual blend of horology and science fiction
Fergus Nash- The new HYT Conical Tourbillon culminates HYT’s decade of technological advancement.
- Their exclusive mechanical fluidic technology blends seamlessly alongside traditional techniques such as glassblowing.
- The Conical Tourbillon is accentuated by a series of animated flying orbs.
Despite a few rocky years including bankruptcy and resurrection, the unparalleled brand HYT is celebrating a decade of innovation with a firm statement of character. Many of their previous watches have embraced a sci-fi aesthetic, but the HYT Conical Tourbillon is by far one of the most alien wristwatches that has ever been made. Its elaborate displays of twisting components and vibrant green glow sparks the imagination, and pushes the boundaries of traditional techniques such as glassblowing at the same time as contemporary developments like mechanical fluidic technology.
A tourbillon in any context is going to be visually captivating, but the centrepiece of the HYT Conical Tourbillon feels like staring into the heart of an intergalactic secret. It almost looks as though a regular tourbillon has exploded and then been frozen, with the 30º angle on the balance the escape wheel at 15º and the pallet at 23º.
More than just a wild effect, this seemingly-random assortment of angles actually does improve the gravity-defying aspect of a tourbillon’s timekeeping. A feature that doesn’t contribute to timekeeping but does demonstrate the HYT Conical Tourbillon’s mechanical prowess is the animated display of three orbs, each precisely blown from glass to 2.5mm in diameter and then filled with green luminous fluid. They each spin at different intervals, creating a hypnotic dance of glowing energy.
If you want to use the HYT Conical Tourbillon as a watch to actually tell the time, the display is simple to read yet incredibly complex to build. Pressurised bellows send two liquids down a glass capillary tube, with one glowing green and the other crystal clear. The point at which they meet becomes the hour indicator for a retrograde display unlike any other.
To read the minutes, there is an arrow which traverses the edge of the glass tube between printed minute markers. The case is made from carbon and titanium which helps to keep the weight down, although the dimensions definitely to not shy away from bulk. A 48mm width and 52.3mm lug-to-lug make way for the 25.15mm height, all thanks to the giant domed sapphire crystal which accommodates the Conical Tourbillon.
The HYT Conical Tourbillon pricing and availability:
The HYT Conical Tourbillon is live now on their website, and is a limited edition of just 8 pieces. Price: CHF335,000
| Brand | HYT |
| Model | Conical Tourbillon |
| Case Dimensions | 48mm x 52.3mm x 25.15mm |
| Case Material | Carbon and titanium |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black and green |
| Strap | Integrated rubber |
| Movement | 701-TC |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF335,000 |