To celebrate ten years of watchmaking, HYT introduced a brand new timepiece animated by a conical tourbillon earlier this year. Created by master watchmaker Eric Coudray, the HYT Conical Tourbillon is touted to be the most complex timepiece ever to be created by the avant-garde watchmaker. HYT has now introduced a new iteration of the spectacular timepiece that combines visually captivating aesthetics with the highly complex workings of the watch. Called the HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Sapphires, the new version preserves the distinct case design and the commanding domed sapphire crystal from the Black Eklipse that was launched a few months back.
However, the Infinity Sapphires features a completely unique look as compared to its predecessor. In fact, if you look closely, the new timepiece appears to be inspired by the Infinity Gauntlet worn by the character Thanos in Marvel’s Avenger movies. Although, there’s no official confirmation from the watchmaker, even though there are too many hints suggesting otherwise.
Just like the Black Eklipse version, the new HYT timepiece measures 48mm in diameter, 52.30mm in length, and a whopping 25.15mm in thickness thanks to its domed crystal. However, the latest version eschews a forged carbon case with neon green accents for a complex multi-layered case that combines 5N rose gold and black-coated titanium. The 66-component case is paired with a black rubber strap that is adorned with embossed brown leather panels on its top surface. The core layout of the 39-component dial is also practically unchanged, but the Infinity Sapphires adopts a completely different look thanks to different hues and the liquid-filled spheres being replaced with sapphires in different colors.
At the center is Eric Coudray’s suspended tourbillon movement in which the spring balance is inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, the escape wheel at 15 degrees, and the pallet at 23 degrees. The tourbillon itself makes a complete clockwise rotation in 30 seconds, while the gems rotate at different speeds, creating a dazzling spectacle. The angle-mounted tourbillon and orbiting animation are the highlights of the watch and are simply magical to watch.
Inside the case is HYT’s Caliber 701-TC manual-wind tourbillon movement. Made of 533 individual components, the movement offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and can be seen through the display caseback. Similar to the previous iteration, it features a fluid-based display to tell time. The timepiece is water resistant to only 30 meters, not that anyone will go close to the pool wearing this massive watch. The HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Sapphires is limited to only 8 examples, each priced at CHF 390,000 (about $440,000).
