HYT: history, models and value

Founded

2012

Founder(s)

Lucien Vuillamoz, Patrick Berdoz

Headquarters

Neuchâtel

Owner / group

Independent (Kairos Technology Switzerland SA)

HYT: origins and founding

HYT presented its first watch, the H1, at the Baselworld fair in 2012. The brand was based in Neuchâtel. Its founders are given as Lucien Vuillamoz, the inventor behind the liquid display, and Patrick Berdoz, the chairman. The idea was a hybrid watch: a mechanical movement that drives liquids to show the time.

HYT history and milestones

• 2012: Launch of the H1. It wins the innovation prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
• 2010s: Further models follow, including the H2, H3, H4, H0 and the Skull series.
• 2020: Sales fall sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• March 2021: HYT files for bankruptcy after failing to raise new capital.
• 2021: Kairos Technology Switzerland SA buys the assets and a new company is set up in Neuchâtel. Davide Cerrato, formerly of Tudor, becomes chief executive and creative director.
• 2022: The relaunch moves the brand further upmarket, starting with the Hastroid.

Famous HYT models

• H1: The first model, with the liquid hour display around the dial.
• H2, H3, H4 and H0: Follow-up models with different cases and variations of the liquid display.
• Skull: Models where the liquid outlines a skull motif.
• Hastroid: The first model of the relaunched company.

Movements and technique

In an HYT, a mechanical movement drives two small bellows at the ends of a thin glass tube. The tube holds a coloured liquid and a clear liquid that do not mix. As the bellows move, the coloured liquid creeps along the tube and its edge shows the hour. At the end of the 12-hour cycle the liquid flows back to the start. Minutes and seconds are usually shown with conventional hands or discs.

HYT today

Since the 2021 restart, HYT has operated as a small independent brand in Neuchâtel. It works in the high-price segment, with new models since the relaunch priced well above the earlier ones.

HYT prices on the pre-owned market

HYT watches have a small but loyal following. On the pre-owned market they usually sell well below their original retail price, especially watches from before the 2021 bankruptcy. Collectors pay attention to the condition of the liquid system: the liquid should move smoothly, without bubbles, discoloration or leaks. Because the technology is unusual, service history and access to repairs matter more than with most brands. Rare or early pieces with box and papers are the easiest to sell.

How to recognise a genuine HYT

The liquid display is very hard to copy, so fakes are uncommon, but you should still check that the serial number on the case matches the papers and that the liquid display works correctly. Watches that have been opened by non-specialists can have problems with the fluid module. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch gives general advice.

What is your HYT worth?

To get an idea of what your HYT is worth, send photos of the dial, caseback and papers for a free watch value estimate. If you need an official document for insurance or an estate, a written watch appraisal is available.

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