Discover HYT watches with liquid dynamics for unique timekeeping, but with potential technology stability issues affecting accuracy. | Independents

HYT - a really cool idea, a really tough implementation….

HYT and their liquid dynamics is an a avant-garde brand I’d love to get behind. The big problem is, I just don’t think the technology is stable. As an example, see the HYT H2 below. For those unfamiliar, the time is told by reading the center hand for minutes, and the liquid track for hours. So the time on this piece is presently showing 11:11. However, to be accurate, the liquid MUST pass between the hour markers at the same rate as the minute hand circumvents the dial, otherwise you have an issue. The problem here with this watch is the hour liquid is too far advanced. Scroll forward half an hour or so and the minute hand is now around 45, but the hour liquid has now passed 12. So the time would read 12:45. Ooops. I don’t know if it’s a function of air pressure, humidity or something else, but about two-thirds of HYT watches I see have this issue. It’s a shame, it’s a cool concept. I just don’t think the execution is there…..

Tricky, but not limited to high-tech watches.

By: mkvc : April 29th, 2023-17:38

I have had various watches come back from services with their hour and minute hands misaligned. It just requires carefully resetting the hands on their pinions, but that seems to be an area in which some watchmakers have proofreading issues. I think it sh...

That’s a great point, resetting the minute hand would fix the issue….

By: NickO : April 29th, 2023-17:56

for now. The challenge HYT then has is the rate of movement of the liquid needs to be very, very accurate. Otherwise, over time, it will just get out of sync again. I’d love to hear from any HYT owners about their experience here!

There's a reason HYT went out of business the first time.

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : April 29th, 2023-18:33

Good post, Nick.

By: MichaelC : April 29th, 2023-19:15

I have never owned one but have been tempted. Love the version in your photo. But if it cannot properly, and reliably, display the time... I'm afraid that is a big deal breaker for me.

Yes, the H2 shown is my favorite, too, of their line…..

By: NickO : April 29th, 2023-19:26

The mechanical part of the movement is designed and constructed by Renaud & Papi, who AP and Richard Mille fans will be familiar with. That part is great! But if the liquid dynamics can’t be relied upon then, yeah, that’s kind of a deal-breaker for a time...

They should have a small wheel in the back to do micro adjustments to the hour

By: doubleup : April 29th, 2023-19:16

Still a very cool and unique dial/face. If money was no object, it would be in my rotation for sure !

That’s a great suggestion - if it’s going to get out of sync,

By: NickO : April 29th, 2023-19:28

some simple method for the owner to adjust back into line would be awesome.