The independent Swiss watch brand takes the next step in its exploration of fluid mechanics
So far, we have seen Hastroid cases crafted from advanced materials, such as titanium; titanium and carbon; and an original alloy of stabilised bronze and carbon with a decidedly steampunk aesthetic.
For the Hastroid Silver Red, HYT returns to the collection’s modern, edge-of-tomorrow roots with a 15-piece release centred on weightlessness, innovation and, of course, its patented mechanical-fluidic technology that combines a mechanical movement with a retrograde time indication in which a fluorescent fluid circulates through a system of capillary tubes.
To begin with, the case—boasting the same 48mm diameter, lug-to-lug 52.3mm distance, and 13.3mm thickness as its predecessors—is made of titanium and black DLC titanium. A distinctive finish gives it a sleek, sandblasted effect.
The dial has been extensively redesigned to improve legibility. It features a large central hand with a vivid red coating and sharpened contours for an instantaneous fix on the minutes. Essential complementary information for the small seconds and power reserve is read via two sub-counters.
The same emphasis on aesthetics and legibility extends to the fluid used for the retrograde time indication. The luminescence of the red liquid makes the hours pop and easy to read, both day and night.
For contrast and clarity, a capillary dial topped with white Super-LumiNova is positioned under the fluidic light. Similarly, the hour markers around the chapter ring are made from blocks of Super-LumiNova.
Water-resistant to 30m, the Hastroid Silver Red features a central titanium container to protect the movement that is visible through the openworked caseback. Designed by master watchmaker Eric Coudray for the Hastroid collection, the calibre’s distinctive aesthetic is further amplified using elegant satin brushing and bead-blasting.
Founded in 2012, HYT might be a relative newcomer to the rarefied world of horology. But, as you can see, it confidently takes a seat at the table with its original approach to measuring time that is developed entirely in-house. So mark our words, this Swiss upstart is one to get behind now, especially if you fancy yourself a bit of an early adopter.
