“Panda” watches are always highly appreciated by men. They are recognizable by their black counters on a white background, which makes the dial resemble the face of the famous animal. But with the new creation from HYT, the panda watch takes on a whole new dimension: the Conical Tourbillon Panda is a spectacular piece, produced in only 8 copies and priced over 350,000 euros.
A conical whirlwind, technical, mechanical, mathematical
For once, we are going to start the presentation of this watch by the mechanics that animate it. Because the heart of the HYT Conical Tourbillon Panda relies on an exceptional technical feat. The conical tourbillon, inspired by the work of German watchmaker Walter Prendel, is indeed distinguished by its spiral balance tilted at 30 degrees, an escape wheel at 15 degrees, and an anchor at 23 degrees. From watchmaking to maths, there seems to be only one step!
This complex mechanism allows for exceptional stability and regular operation, while offering a striking visual spectacle. HYT even speaks of a “chaotic animation” to describe its spheres of natural white agate 2.5 mm in diameter, each rotating at different speeds, from 4 to 6 turns per minute. The animation of the tourbillon, with a full turn every 30 seconds, creates a harmonious dance that enhances the design of this watch.
To stay within the figures, it can be specified that this Conical Tourbillon Panda watch requires 750 components, including 159 for the tourbillon cage and 66 for the 48 mm diameter box, made of titanium with a white ceramic coating and topped by a dome-shaped glass that makes the ballet of this panda even more spectacular.
High-end watchmaking in the purest HYT DNA
HYT, a pioneering brand in fluidic watchmaking, merges traditional mechanics and scientific innovation in this new creation. While the mechanical tourbillon is the star of this timepiece, this panda watch unlike any other indeed integrates a unique fluidic module. This allows a retrograde indication of the hours through a capillary tube made of borosilicate with a black fluid.
The striking contrast between materials and colors (with this titanium case coated with white ceramic that we have already discussed) perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and audacity of HYT. As for the 533 pieces of the 701-TC caliber, they are proof that the Neuchâtel brand also has impressive watchmaking expertise.
For those who may not yet be familiar, let us remind you that HYT was launched in Switzerland in 2012. It is not an exaggeration to say that it revolutionized the watchmaking world with its “hydro-mechanical” or fluidic concept, integrating technologies borrowed from the aerospace industry. Initially, it seemed to target rebellious minds who wanted to break the codes of traditional watchmaking, but ended up convincing many with its unclassifiable timepieces, such as the latest T1 SERIES revealed at Watches & Wonders.
Produced in only 8 copies, the new Conical Tourbillon Panda watch illustrates this quest for perfection and exclusivity dear to HYT. Thus, the brand could not create a “simple” panda watch, but rather an exceptional piece, an object of desire for knowledgeable collectors whose price peaks at 355,000 CHF excluding taxes!
