Introducing The New Futuristically Fluid HYT Hastroid Supernova Blue

The HYT Hastroid Supernova Blue is sizable. Its anthracite-coated titanium and carbon case measures 48mm wide, 52mm long, and 17.2mm tall, but when you see all that case contains, and the complexities of the case itself (with 64 components), it's easy to understand why it's so large. The case features a domed crystal on the front and caseback to reveal the inner workings of the calibre HYT 501-CM that powers the bellows operating the liquid hour display.

That completely sealed circular capillary liquid displays the hours through two non-miscible liquids pumped through a borosilicate tube, the blue liquid indicating the time as an hour hand would. If you get lost in the complexity of the design, there are still luminous hour markers against a black background to help you find your way and a large central minute hand. Finally, there's a small seconds sub-dial between nine and 10 o'clock, and power reserve between two and three o'clock.

For all the focus on the liquid display, the watch is still based on a hand-wound mechanical (and modular) movement which powers the bellows. That complex movement uses 352 parts, many of which are coated to match the black exterior, 41 jewels connected through a lever, and a curved feeler-spindle (called "sensor"), to transfer the movement's circular motions to a linear motion that moves the bellows. All this runs at a rate of 28,800 vph.

The watch comes with a two-tone black rubber and blue Alcantara (embossed) hybrid strap with titanium pin buckle.

With increased development costs come higher price points and a shrinking list of potential consumers with very discerning tastes. Judging by comments after HYT's bankruptcy in 2021 and their relaunch earlier this year, many of those potential customers may have concerns about the longevity of a new movement with such experimental technology, especially technology combining fluid with mechanical watchmaking. Historically, water and watch movements have been diametrically opposed. This watch does the opposite, to great visual effect, but in the long run, water always seems to win the battle.

Don't take this as a dismissal of the brand's new endeavor, however. The technical aspects of fluidic watchmaking are far beyond my expertise and I'm left to trust that the genius behind the brand's new proprietary calibre HYT 501-CM, Eric Coudray, would only make something he believes that would stand the test of time. In fact, the company claims that the permanently sealed fluidic module is 10,000 times more airtight than a dive watch (which watch they based this claim off, I'm not sure). That trust is bolstered by industry veteran Davide Cerrato, now at the helm of HYT. As Jon Bues wrote in his story about Cerrato and the revival of the brand after bankruptcy, the new CEO and Creative Director brings with him experience from brands with an eye toward history and longevity, a further sign that HYT is in it for the long haul.

With only 27 watches available, I'd guess that HYT will have no problem selling their inventory to fans of futuristic and creative design, and I look forward to keeping an eye on what else they come up with as a newly relaunched company.

Brand: HYT
Model: Hastroid Supernova Blue
Reference Number: H02754-A

Diameter: 48mm
Thickness: 17.2mm
Case Material: Anthracite-coated titanium and carbon
Dial Color: Skeletonized black honeycomb and blue
Indexes: Luminous Arabic numerals and fluid display
Lume: Lumicast
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber and Alcantara hybrid strap with titanium pin buckle

Caliber: HYT 501-CM
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 41 jewels
Additional Details: Bellows-powered liquid capillary hour display

Price: 70,000 CHF
Availability: Immediately
Limited Edition: Yes, 27 pieces

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