Some time ago we joined HYT for the European Le Mans series on the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Amongst the photo report we already had a peek at the HYT H0 Orange. Now we’ll take a closer look at this hydromechanical watch.
HYT H0 Orange
With the launch of the H0 models HYT has created the entry level hydromechanical watch. Although it’s still not exactly a budget friendly watch you sure get something hi-tech in return. First thing you will notice is the large and smoothly shaped sapphire. Shaped after a pebble that is worn smooth from running water through time. Sitting on top of a titanium base you have full visual access to the dial and fluid module. On the side you will find the hours displayed which allows you to read the time at any angle.
BY BASING THE VOLUME OF THE H0 WATCH ON THE CIRCLE, THE DROPLET, AND WAVES, HYT REINFORCES ITS BELIEF IN THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE THAT SPACE AND TIME ARE ONE. THESE PRIMAL CURVES ARE THEMSELVES INSPIRED BY A PEBBLE, WORN SMOOTH BY WATER FROM A MOUNTAIN STREAM.
Of course HYT is known for their hydromechanical movements with the micro bellows. Both are visible through small openings in the dial and if you look from the back the entire movement is visible. Before HYT managed to create this technology a lot of research has been done. Finding the proper materials and liquids that are capable of handling various effects such as temperature variations and shocks. This combined with a fool proof water resistance to guarantee the working of the watch for many years to come. All lead to several innovations and 7 registered patents.
Functions explained
Looking at the functions there is the retrograde hour display. The meeting point of the different liquids in the micro tube is to display the hours. Combined with a small minutes display at 12 o’clock you can read the time. As aforementioned you can also read the time from the side of the watch which has an hour indication. Just underneath the small minutes dial there is a seconds display on the left side and power reserve indicator on the right side. When fully wound the HYT H0 Orange runs for about 65 hours.
Unlike other watches the hour display isn’t fully spread out over the dial due to the construction. As the tubes need to go through the dial to connect to the liquid reservoir there is a small gap in the time display. Something you don’t really notice while wearing and keeping track of time. At least we didn’t see it as an issue. When the liquid reaches the 6 o’clock marker the retrograde function transfers it back to the other side.
From the back side you have a clear view of the movement which has hand bevelled edges and Geneva stripe finish. You can also see the bellows from the back side.
VERDICT
Overal it’s an impressive watch that wears surprisingly well for it’s rather large size. We enjoyed it throughout the time we had it on our wrist. The hydromechanical function sure attracted a lot of our attention trough the day. Definitely a watch we would like to wear more often or for a longer period but sadly it doesn’t fit our watch budget. The HYT H0 retails for just under 40K USD for which you do get a pretty unique watch.
More info on the HYT website.
Technical Specifications
Case material: Titanium with various finishes
Dimension: 48.8mm
Movement: Exclusive HYT calibre
Power: 65 Hours from manual winding
Water resistance: 30meter / 3ATM
Dial: Silver opaline dial
Strap: Rubber strap with titanium deployant buckle
HYT H0 Orange price is 39.000 USD (MRSP incl. VAT, prices may vary depending on location.)
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