The French word “millésime” means “vintage” and is often associated with fine wines and champagne. The new HYT T1 Millésime series features vintage-inspired dials that match the contemporary look of HYT’s most understated creations. And just like Millésime wines, the three new watches represent a limited time period. The brown, purple and green HYT T1 Millésime series will only be available from September 2024 to April 2025.
HYT made some noise earlier this year with the launch of four watches in their T1 series. Granted, it may not have been as big a buzz as the brand’s sudden appearance in 2012 with the H1, the first wristwatch to use liquid to display the time. Still, the simple-is-more T1 was a totally unexpected debut. If you’re used to a 50mm watch that shows you everything there is to see, a watch with a closed dial and somewhat moderate proportions (for HYT, at least) may come as a surprise. But with its titanium case, 45.3mm diameter, 17.2mm thick, and 46.3mm long, the T1 is a very HYT watch. The liquid time display on the dial side and the two bellows on the movement side leave no doubt that this is a hydromechanical watch like no other.
Enjoy three limited edition colors of the HYT T1 Millésime series
A “millésime” usually refers to the year in which a particular wine or champagne was produced. In the case of the new HYT T1 Millésime series, we are dealing with three different colored watches that will only be available from September 2024 to April 2025. The time period is limited, but the production numbers are not. Still, despite the lack of a production limit, the rarity is certain. Yes, the T1 is more ergonomic, endearing and wearable than any HYT to date. The pricing could even be described as “affordable”. Still, starting at CHF 50,000 (before tax) for the 45.3mm watch still guarantees exclusivity. Going forward, none of the three HYT T1 Millésime watches will be sold in large quantities at discounted prices. That’s just like you won’t find Krug Millésime 1990 Brut lined up on the shelves of your local supermarket.
The HYT T1 Millésime is available in three limited-edition colorways. The first two versions (reference H03343-A with a green dial and “T1 46” engraved on the back of the case, and reference H03344-A with a purple dial and “T1 47” engraved on the back) feature a case made of natural-colored titanium with some black-coated titanium parts. The crown is also made of titanium.
The chocolate brown version (reference H03345-A, with “T1 48” engraved on the caseback) features a 5N (pink) gold and black-coated satin-finished titanium case and a pink gold crown. The titanium model is priced at CHF 50,000 excluding VAT as mentioned above. The pink gold version is priced at CHF 66,000 excluding VAT.
What great vintages have in common
Aside from the differences in the case metals, the color of the brass dials, and the hue of the fluid that displays the time (red for the green and brown dial versions, black for the purple reference), the three watches have a lot in common. All display fluid retrograde hours, central minutes, and a power reserve hand between 2 and 3 o’clock. All three versions are water resistant to 50 meters and come with two interchangeable straps, each with a titanium buckle. The T1 Millésime box contains one black strap and one in the same color as the dial, to enhance the visual impact of the watch.
The most important common feature of the T1 is the liquid time display. The liquid time display along with the Arabic numerals is a special and interesting sight to see again and again. If you look closely at the dial of the T1, you can see the high-tech borosilicate glass capillary tubes in which the liquid moves. It is very interesting to see the liquid coming out from the 6 o’clock position of the dial. The appearance of a glass tube with liquid moving inside makes you wonder where it comes from and how it works.
structure
It’s only when you turn the T1 over that you see how the liquid system works, and it takes a while to figure it out. For reference, the original idea of displaying time with liquids was conceived in the late 1990s by Lucien Bouillamoz, a serial inventor with 118 applications and 24 patents to his name. It took more than a decade for this crazy idea to become a reality.
Beating inside the T1 Millésime is the hydromechanical “power plant” caliber 501-CM. Made of 352 parts and with a 72-hour power reserve, it is a 4Hz hand-wound movement featuring two tiny bellows, a bit like the pistons in a small two-cylinder motorcycle engine. The bellows push against fluid in a tube to show the time. When one bellows is compressed, the other expands, setting the fluid in motion on the dial side of the watch. The movement also features delicate sandblasted and brushed surfaces, as well as contrasting coatings.
T1 Millesime fit
The shape and size of the case have not changed. Therefore, the new T1 Millésime wears exactly like the original watch. The angular case is slightly longer than it is wide and the perfectly fitting strap “hangs” almost vertically from the case. These features make the watch sit very comfortably on the wrist. Even small wrists can wear the T1. However, a lively taste is essential. The first four versions of the T1 had a more subdued look. However, the new “Harvest” evokes much stronger sensations. But that’s what you want from a Millésime, right? You want something special, effervescent, vibrant, overwhelming, profound and memorable.
The purple, green and chocolate dials may not be to everyone’s taste. But that doesn’t matter, as this fluid trilogy of watches will only be produced for a short time. These watches will end up in the hands of destined wine lovers. Let’s hope they don’t hide these fine HYT T1 Millesimes in the basement. Let’s hope they bring them out into the open, where they can breathe again and attract the attention of enthusiasts who can’t afford these watches, but who still appreciate them.
My favorite is the T1 Millésime with its floral purple dial. This shade matches the color scheme of the watch and makes me want to enjoy a fresh, fruity glass of Beaujolais Nouveau. Let me know which version is your favorite in the comments below. For more information, check out the HYT website.
