Moisture and precision Angus Davies (Hangt Davies) shines behind the scenes of HYT and PRECIFLEX. The company is responsible for processing fluids during different periods of time in HyT. During the time spent with the company’s co-founder LUCIEN VOUILLAMOZ, Angus also expressed “expectations” for the new HYT H1 ghost.

This article details the work of HYT and Preciflex. This feature also outlines the new HYT H1 Ghost.

A few weeks ago, I was very happy to spend half a day with Lucien Vouillamoz, “co-founder and board member” of HYT and Preciflex. Although ordinary readers of ESCAPEMENT may be familiar with the former, some hobbyists may not understand the latter.

Preciflex is a sister company of HYT watches, mastering the potential uses of “microfluidics”, including the use in today’s famous HYT timepieces. The Swiss company Preciflex is highly innovative and employs several coffins with doctors in hand.

During Vouillamoz, I would like to ask a series of questions related to the hydraulic fluid and the technology used in HYT timepieces. I have reviewed several HYT watches, but despite all the research I have done so far, I always find myself wanting to learn more. Indeed, because they have taken a unique path that other watch companies don’t know, I find these watches fascinating.

In my previous life, I was a partner in a chemical plant, so I had an understanding of the potential problems that HYT and Preciflex had to overcome to make the watch viable.

color

In the beginning, HYT introduced their first model with a fluorescent green liquid surrounding the dial inside the capillary. Since then, the company has introduced models with red and blue transparent liquids. However, recently the company introduced a charming opaque black in the brand’s Skull Bad Boy and H1 Ghost models. In order to facilitate reading, a white SuperlumiNova is used behind the capillary of the latter type.

I have known from the chemical company that the way colors behave differently. The effects of ultraviolet light, temperature and stability must be considered, that is, the color should remain intact and not deteriorate over time. Most relevant is that colored aqueous liquids must remain immiscible and separate from colorless oil-based liquids. If the two liquids are mixed, the function of the clock will be impaired.

For all the above reasons, swiss HYT cannot provide every color of liquid without extensive research in advance. However, by offering four colors and a range of models, the Swiss watch brand certainly did not back down in terms of innovation and now offers an impressive catalog of watches.

temperature

The liquid in the glass capillaries surrounding the dial area will expand and contract. A few degrees of temperature increase will significantly change the time indicated by the capillary tube and affect accuracy.

HYT thermal compensator

Therefore, each HYT model includes a temperature compensation device located in each bellows pump.

No adhesion

The potential adhesion of liquid to the inner wall of the capillary tube may affect the accuracy of the watch. Vouillamoz explained that the inner wall of the capillary is coated with a special coating to ensure that neither water-based colored liquids nor colorless oil-based liquids will stick to the inner surface of the capillary.

Vouillamoz and his colleagues seem to have resolved all potential pitfalls.

On HYT and Preciflex, there are obviously many secrets that are unknown. I asked about an area with a smile on Vouillamoz’s face. Although I answered my question, I was told that I must keep it confidential. The intellectual property rights of HYT and Preciflex are very large, and they have many patents to ensure that the application of proprietary technology is firmly in the hands of Vouillamoz and his other shareholders in the future.

HYT continues to tempt

While Preciflex is developing fluids for HYT, HYT’s expertise in watchmaking is incredible. The hand-wound exclusive HYT movement found in the H1 model is beautifully decorated with hand-made bevel bridges and decorated with Côtes de Genève.

Rhodium-plated bellows absorb the knowledge of the aerospace industry. Both the bridge and the main board are treated with anthracite gray NAC.

As if I have not been impressed by the incredible abilities of HYT and Preciflex, Vouillamoz pulled out the last party tricks, a gorgeous H1 Ghost for me to dedicate. I was tempted. I have reviewed several H1 models and have seen images of H1 Ghost before, but nothing can make me marvel at seeing all the glory of this watch. Indeed, when worn on my wrist, it looks amazing.

The functions of the H1 Ghost are the same as those on other HYT H1 models (such as the HYT H1 Iceberg), namely the minutes, seconds and power reserve indicator. However, the manifestations of each indication are different, and I think they are easier to read and therefore more successful.

The black-and-white hour display and the white hour track with SuperlumiNova make it extremely easy to interpret the hours.

The case is made of black DLC titanium, which enhances the invisibility of the clock.

So far,which is my favorite HYT timepiece. However, with an unwavering new product development strategy, I suspect this will be the last HYT model that attracts me. In addition, after being with Vouillamoz, I will use my hard-earned money to buy one of HYT’s unique timepieces without any reservation.

Technical index

Model: HYT H1 Ghost
Reference: 148-DL-60-NF-RU
Case: black DLC titanium; diameter 48.80 mm; height 17.90 mm; water resistance to 10 bar (100 meters); sapphire crystal glass front and back cover.
Functions: hours; minutes; small seconds; power reserve indicator.
Movement: HYT’s unique HYT Calibre 101 mechanically wound movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 35 jewels; power reserve 65 hours
Strap: Black rubber strap on black DLC titanium pin buckle.