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A new concept of space-time ready for take-off
Across time and space, a new kind of spacecraft is relentlessly exploring the watchmaking galaxy on the lookout for new unique expressions of the watchmaker’s art…
Contemporary timepieces designed by HYT, exclusive owners of mecafluidic technology, the symbiotic marriage of science and micromechanics, are propelling the creativity of luxury watchmaking into a new universe. Transforming usual perceptions, HYT develops extraordinary time measurement instruments. With HYT, preparations are on for the future and watchmaking is undergoing a transformation.”
As an art as traditional as it is ground-breaking, from the earliest times, instruments for measuring time have been the product of human genius, supported by science and formal creativity and design. The fluidic time indicator is inspired by the clepsydra, a primitive type of clock from Ancient Egypt, whose innovative principle was to allow water to flow from one jar to another to measure the passage and “flow” of time.
The fundamentals of HYT’s fluidic time display mechanism
HYT watches present a unique blend of science, technology, fine watchmaking, and design. Drawing inspiration from the principle of the clepsydra dating back to the pharaohs, HYT’s mechanism features two flexible reservoirs positioned at 6 o’clock, connected at each end of a capillary. In one, a colored aqueous liquid. In the other, a transparent viscous liquid. The two are immiscible: the repulsive force of the molecules of each fluid makes it impossible for them to mix. Delimiting the boundary between the two: the meniscus.
The fluid reservoirs are actuated by two extremely flexible and resistant bellows made from electro-deposited alloy and driven by pistons. As the reservoir containing the tinted aqueous liquid expands, the other is compressed, and vice versa, enabling the fluids to travel back and forth through the capillary. The system marks the passage of hours by ‘pushing’ the tinted liquid (creating an ever taller column of the fluid in the capillary) and ‘pulling’ the transparent viscous liquid (causing this column of liquid to shrink proportionately). The point where the two liquids meet – the meniscus, in the shape of a half-moon – indicates the hour on the scale. When it reaches 6 o’clock, the column of tinted liquid automatically retrogrades to its initial position. The power to drive the system is generated by a mechanical watch movement.
Protected by seven patents, this invention was honored by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which awarded it the Innovation Prize in 2012. A technical innovation that remains central to its design and three-dimensional architecture.
“We are engaged in a process of brilliant craftsmanship that flawlessly integrates fluidic technology and mechanical complexities.Mecafluidic technology is a new term in science and research, harnessed for use in luxury watchmaking. We have the ability to highlight the symbiotic nature of these two – mechanical and fluidic – technologies” says Davide Cerrato, HYT CEO and creative director.
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