The New HYT Skull 48.8 – Smaller But Still Bold

HYT Watches creations are not known for being shy. Far, far away from that. Whether for their ultra-bold design and shapes or the unique and highly complex display of the time, everything transpires extremeness. In fact, the brand can even go up to 51mm in diameter for its watches, which include a large skull-head on the dial. We told you, far from shy. Yet, HYT has a new version of the Skull watch around the corner, with a slightly reduced diameter and a newly designed dial.

The Skull collection by HYT has been enhanced with a more compact model, but its message still resonates. Prior to this new variant, the Skull model was based on the same case as the H4 watch, meaning a simplified design – cleaner, without crown protection and with lugs integrated into the case – but with a larger diameter than the H1, as measuring 51mm across. Quite a large watch, to say the least. Even if it wears better than expected on paper, it is a true statement on the wrist. Clearly not something you can hide under a cuff – if ever HYT had the wish to create such a watch…

For 2018, the Skull design is now encased in the “smaller” watch, with a 48.8mm diameter. Compared to the model launched in 2015 and in the collection since, it makes a reduction of 2.2mm. The case is still quite thick, at 17.9mm – which is explained by the complex fluidic mechanism and the presence of two bellows. The case of the 2018 HYT Skull is available in two choices: full 18k pink gold or a combination of 18k pink gold with DLC-coated titanium (gold for the bezel and the lugs, DLC-titanium for the central case, the crown guard and the dome at 6 o’clock). The case used here is the same as the H1 pieces.

The dial also bears a newly designed Skull. It is now finished with a criss-cross pattern, several scars and a patinated gold colour that will age while the watch is worn. Depending on the case material, the dial is in pink gold or anthracite grey galvanised with micro-blasted finishes. The indication of the time is still totally unique, with the capillary framing the skull and indicating the hours – hours can be read thanks to sectors on the dial and hour markers on the bezel.

The fluidic system is still the same as other HYT watches: a capillary is filled with two liquids, each with a different viscosity, the black one pushing the transparent one to display the hours. This mechanism is driven by two bellows that push the liquid into the capillary. Once its journey finished, the liquid goes back to the zero position in a few seconds, just like a retrograde indication. On the HYT Skull, no more separated indication of the minutes but only the fluidic system. The eyes of the skull are also used for the display – the left eye indicates the seconds while the right eye indicates the power reserve. The Chronode-developed movement is visible through the caseback and still finished with pleasant decoration.

The HYT Skull 48.8 in gold is worn on a black alligator strap and the black DLC-coated version features a cognac-coloured patinated leather strap, with a rubber core and a matching cuff. The black titanium and gold version will be priced at CHF 79,000 and the full 18k pink gold version at CHF 89,000. Each version is a limited edtiion of 50 pieces. More details on www.hytwatches.com.