Hands on review of the HYT H1 Colorblock

Oct 23, 2016,14:24 PM
 

HYT has managed to occupy an unique place in the watchmaking world in a very short time thanks to the originality of its time display based on the move of a colored liquid in a capillary tube. But HYT is not only a brand that is distinguished by its technical dimension. The shape of the tube, the visual impact of the flexible reservoirs, the contemporary rendering of the movements define its own design elements and personality. It is perhaps in this specific point where the most beautiful brand success lies. The first watches were unveiled in 2012 and today we can feel the influence  of HYT and its style is easily recognizable as if the mark has existed for a long time.




The H1 Colorblock aims to celebrate the third anniversary of the introduction of the first watch of the collection on the market, the H1. And despite the use of very bright primary colors that are radically transforming the visual rendering of the H1, there is no doubt that it is a pure HYT watch! In fact, the dominant colors, yellow, blue and red are found on the strap, the flange and the rim of the dial dedicated to the minute display. Released in ten pieces by color, the H1 Colorblock brings further evidence that the aesthetic approach of the H1 fits all contexts, even if they are more sober (the H1 Titanium or Ghost for example) or more daring or colored (like the H1 AZO Project).




Beyond the celebration of the anniversary, the H1 Colorblock has the objective to thank the collectors who have supported the brand since its start and to allow new clients to discover the HYT world. This is the reason why it is offered at a lower price than those which are usually applied for H1 watches. This attractive price and the very playful colors might suggest that the H1 Colorblock is a kind of low range HYT piece . It is not. The H1 Colorblock contains all the ingredients that have made the success of the H1, including the latest  developments from the brand such as the use of black liquid or the presence of Superluminova under the capillary tube giving the ability to read the time even in the dark.




The main principles remain and the time reading requires only a small accustoming period. You just have to consider that the path of the black liquid in the tube follows the behaviour of a large retrograde "single hand". The top dial that displays the minutes is only a support and brings more comfort and accuracy in the minutes reading. It is surrounded by the power reserve indicator on the right and a work indicator, a kind of second hand on the left. The lower part of the watch is dedicated to the impressive reservoirs that release more or less black or transparent liquids when the time passes.



The H1 Colorblock is equipped with the exclusive handwind movement which was developed by Chronode and offers a 4hz frequency for a power reserve of 65 hours. I love its lay-out and contemporary architecture even though the vast inscription "Colorblock" in the middle of the black is unnecessary and spoils a bit the pleasure to observe it. The movement is pleasant to use thanks to the good sensations it gives when it is wound.



The titanium case is covered with a  "gun barrel" gray PVD. Its dimensions are impressive, especially the thickness (17,9mm) that is more felt than the diameter (48,8mm). It is obvious that such a case immediately reinforces the colors of the H1 Colorblock. In this context, the watch appears extremely bright, luminous and the color of the case seems erased by the dominant color.




I had the chance to experience the H1 Colorblock in Lisbon in the context of a stage of the Extreme Sailing Series, HYT being the sponsor of the Alinghi team. The sunshine of Lisbon could enhance the brightness and the liveliness of the H1 Colorblock. Paradoxically, it is the yellow version I prefer while it's not a color I like (my favorite color is blue). Yellow is the symbolic color of HYT, used on the brand logo and with the first colored liquids and it matches well the design of the H1. The red version also nicely works, the watch appearing to be more playful than aggressive. The blue version is for me the less convincing one because I personally would have loved to see a deeper blue.




The colorful dimension of the H1 Colorblock makes it of course less versatile than the "classic" H1. The fact remains that this less formal appearance goes well with the originality of the display and stays harmonious, once the watch put on the wrist. The fabric strap which comes with a buckle is effective and firmly positions the case on the wrist. However, it is very stiff at the beginning and it takes several days to soften.



The H1 Colorblock perfectly fulfills its mission. It brings a new design direction for the H1 while retaining its key features. It is an original and fun watch but it is however not suitable for any use nor any wrist. Its limited production indicates that the objective is not to reach high selling volume but to target a few collectors, already clients  of the brand or not, that could be seduced by these brief but  extremely colorful and dynamic fireworks. With the celebration of the third anniversary of the commercialization of the H1, HYT pays tribute to the success of its early years. But it is also a way to open the future chapter of the brand which gives us the promise to be even more exciting and technically challenging.



 
Thanks a lot to the HYT team for the excellent organization of the event in Lisbon.



Pros:
+ A colorful approach that brings a new style to the H1
+ A playful dimension adapted to the originality of the display
+ The price, around USD 39,000, more affordable than with the other H1
+ The performance and presentation of the handwind movement

Cons:
- A bulky case featuring an impressive thickness
- The "Colorblock" inscription on the back of the watch spoils a bit the view on the movement


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Interesting.

 
 By: BABKA : October 23rd, 2016-15:25
H1...I'll need to remember that when I walk into a boutique carrying the brand. I'm really diggn' the yellow version. Thanks for sharing those pics!

Indeed!

 
 By: BABKA : October 26th, 2016-20:33
I never looked into this brand but they sure have striked my interest!

Sorry for my ignorance.

 
 By: Bill : October 23rd, 2016-21:37
How do you tell the time? I am sure the tube on the outside but i really can't see it in any pictures. Bill

You see the black line ;)? [nt]

 
 By: sleepy_templar : October 24th, 2016-01:16

it is quite easy in the end.

 
 By: foversta : October 24th, 2016-14:29
Look at this pic: The black liquid is between 10 and 11. So it is 10 o'clock. So now, let's check the minutes. You have two ways. The easiest one: you look at the hand on the subdial. It is 10 again. So it's 10:10. Or you look at the position of the liqui...  

My key barrier of aquiring a very nice HYT is longevity and maintenance...

 
 By: sleepy_templar : October 24th, 2016-01:20
Will the liquid leak after 10 years? Who can service it besides HYT itself? I checked with my very seasoned watchmaker and he confirms that not many people dare to open the watch and service it - simply because the watchmakers are not trained or equipped ... 

It is a good remark and I will answer you...

 
 By: foversta : October 24th, 2016-14:46
Who will repair the watch in 10 years? The same than today: HYT. HYT is a brand which managed to successfully increase its capital at the beginning of the year. They are currently working to reinforce the service to the customers with watchmakers who will...