HYT, the Swiss horological maestros, have crafted timepieces that are undeniably distinct and, let’s just say it, sizable. They’ve harnessed that ample real estate to create watches that are not just instruments of time but also marvels of depth, dimension, and a futuristic, space-age aesthetic.
This piece might not be officially tied to the Marvel universe, but it’s hard not to draw parallels with the universe-conquering villain Thanos.
The HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Sapphires doesn’t shy away from bold dimensions, boasting a 5N gold and black-coated titanium case that measures 48mm in diameter and 25.15mm in thickness. With a lug-to-lug span of 52.3mm, it’s a substantial presence on the wrist.
But let’s get to the heart of the matter: what makes this watch stand out? Well, as soon as you set eyes on it, you’ll notice the signature features that define HYT’s style. There’s that mesmerizing honeycomb grid dial, the floating hour numerals, and the capillary tube gracefully hosting the fluidic retrograde hours. It all combines to create a dial with a richness and depth that’s hard to rival.
What truly sets the Conical Tourbillon apart is its use of gems. Picture this: gems, each rotating at different speeds around the dial, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The fuchsia, blue-grey, and yellow gems take their time, going around in four, five, and six revolutions per minute, respectively. And as if that weren’t enough, there are six sapphires, each measuring a mere 1.5mm in diameter, set within the tourbillon cage, twirling along with the two-minute tourbillon.
The HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Sapphires is every bit as intricate as it appears. It’s composed of a staggering 750 components, encompassing the dial, case, and movement. Of those, a whopping 159 are dedicated solely to the tourbillon carriage. While the watch exudes a futuristic vibe, the tourbillon itself is adorned with traditional craftsmanship. Think chamfered edges, straight-grained surfaces, polished finishes, and satin-finished bridges, all executed to impeccable standards.
What’s intriguing is how HYT manages to seamlessly blend traditional horology with cutting-edge innovation. They enlisted the expertise of master watchmaker Eric Coudray, a Prix Gaïa winner who shared a vision with Walter Prendel, a German watchmaker, regarding the inclined tourbillon. Prendel believed, based on the theories of master watchmaker Alfred Helwig, that an inclined tourbillon could enhance the stability and regularity of the timepiece.
Within this remarkable watch, the spiral balance tilts at a 30-degree angle to the horizontal, the escapement wheel rests at 15 degrees, and the anchor holds at 23 degrees. Prendel’s earlier work placed the tourbillon at the traditional 6 o’clock position, but Coudray opted for a more central placement, right at the heart of the dial.
Given the sheer amount of craftsmanship that goes into crafting this horological wonder, it’s no surprise that it’s produced in limited quantities and comes with a substantial price tag. The HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Sapphires is available as a limited edition, with only 8 pieces up for grabs. If you’re ready to embark on this horological adventure, be prepared to inquire about the price, which stands at CHF 390,000.
