It is just possible that HD3 has come up with the missing link to lure Generation Y into the world of fine watches.
WORTDLTEMPUS - 17 January 2011
Elizabeth Doerr
Honestly, you would have thought that Swatch would have come up with it first: a wristwatch that could well be termed “the missing link.” Jorg Hysek, one of HD3's creative founding designers, was instead the man with the answer long plaguing the watch industry: how to get the younger generation – often termed Generation Y – interested in fine watchmaking.
It is no secret that this younger generation has less of a relationship with fine handmade mechanics than members of Generation X or the baby boomers. In fact, younger consumers often bypass the watch industry entirely as their smart phones provide everything they would ever need.
What Hysek has come up with is almost like an iPhone for the wrist. A fine titanium case, a choice of rubber or leather strap, and – above all – a unique set of displays that is all too enticing for the younger generation, which has grown up with modern technology. When the wearer vertically runs his or her finger across the touchscreen-controlled Slyde, the little machine provides various time-related displays. Moved in a vertical manner, the user's own images or photos can be viewed – just like they would be on an iPhone. After 15 seconds of non-use, the latter display automatically reverts back to the original time display. The little machine's power reserve is located on the side of the case and shown using discreet blue lights. The Slyde holds a charge for 7-10 days depending on how often the display is played with.
“This is a luxury product from a high-tech brand,” Hysek said of his creation, which will retail for 5,000 Swiss francs when it begins delivery in September. The showing at GTE was something of an avant-premiere: it will be officially launched at Baselworld in March.
