Finding a fresh take on the “three hands and date” timepiece theme is one of the greatest challenges of all as everything seems to have been done already. Accordingly, when Manufacture Hysek takes up the challenge, it does so with all the deference due to great watchmakers – as well as with the clear desire to improve on their work in its own way. The result is the epitome of the Hysek style: an imposing design, noble materials, a matchless finish and a characteristic style signature.
Seasoned watch-lovers will immediately recognize the distinctive position of the hour indicators on the new Abyss Automatic Tourbillon, with the 1 and the 5 clearly visible. The other traditional hour indicators – the 7 and 11 – have stepped aside to reveal the automatic tourbillon movement, the HW03A – developed by the manufacture in 2010.The calibre is regulated by a flying tourbillon positioned at 10 o’clock, generously skeletonized and with no upper bridge, and turning at the rate of one revolution every sixty seconds. Above it glide two large gold-coloured hands, manufactured individually at Hysek, and coated with Super-LumiNova.
There is a third power reserve hand at 7 o’clock. It has its own hexagonal cutout shape and is topped by a luminous, skeletonized tip.
During rewinding operations, the cutout in the plate allows the user to admire the cogs driven by the crown as they wind up the barrel and reset the timepiece.
Hysek has opted for a large semi-instant jumping date at 2 o’clock. This genuine complication calls for two synchronized discs – and flawless management of the power delivered by the barrel. Only with these two elements can the date change seamlessly at midnight.
The dial features smooth, curving cutouts, each arching about the movement and hands and a Rose des Vents compass rose finish.
The timepiece comes in 44 mm-diameter pink gold case fitted with Hysek’s distinctive swivelling horns and water-resistant to 30 m. It is covered by a sapphire bezel with golden hour indicators and a sapphire glass. The frame is protected from day-to-day wear and tear by a broad side protection on the left and two crown protectors on the right-hand side.
The Abyss Automatic Tourbillon is available only in a limited edition of 88 pieces. It is fitted with an alligtor strap, equipped with a Hysek fold-over buckle.
