With its own distinctive designs and a very high level of vertical integration Hysek likes to forge its own path, and the brand’s separate stand next to the Palace during Baselworld is the perfect example. But what can we expect from Hysek this year? The answer is something for everyone and in all shapes and sizes.
The most beautiful
Kalysta means “the most beautiful” in Greek and is the new Hysek ladies’ watch that has been three years in the making. It is the brand’s first jewellery watch and features a new in-house complication that dispenses with hands to display the time instead using a jumping-hour indication at 12 o’clock and a red sapphire that moves around the circumference of the dial for the minutes. This takes place against the background of a powdered-white dial with a floral engraving. A diamond-studded butterfly is applied at the centre of the dial and complements the 39mm case in red-gold with a snow setting of diamonds. This version of the Kalysta is powered by Hysek’s HW61 self-winding movement with 39 hours of power reserve. Other versions will be available with a quartz movement and different stone settings, from the full snow setting to a discreet single row of diamonds.
Decidedly square
The Furtif Skeleton Tourbillon has been completely redesigned to stay truer than ever to the brand’s desire to have nothing but the essential in its skeleton watches. The result is a 44mm square case dominated by two sapphire crystals to give a full view of the minimalist movement. But the quest for maximum visibility brings its own problems, since the bevelled crystals themselves are quite thick and extremely difficult to produce. Furthermore they have to be drilled through so that they can be screwed to the case and if that was not complicated enough, the lower crystal is curved to fit to the shape of the wrist. Imposing articulated lugs in the typical Hysek style ensure that this decidedly square watch nevertheless sits perfectly on the wrist. This 30-piece limited edition uses the HW15 calibre with the brand’s characteristic diagonal going train arrangement, with the tourbillon top left and barrel housing bottom right.
Entering a new decade
Hysek’s Abyss collection starts its second decade with three brand new self-winding tourbillon models with big date, available in red gold, red gold and black PVD or titanium. The emphasis on these models is on transparency, with all the workings visible from the front and back, including the tourbillon at 10 o’clock and the two aluminium date discs at 2 o’clock. Those with a keen eye for detail will note the unusual power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, which, like all Hysek hands, is produced in-house, but in this case simply because no other supplier was capable of producing this curved three-dimensional design that blends in perfectly with the intricately skeletonized movement components beneath it. Power comes from the self-winding Hysek HW 03A movement, which offers approximately 68 hours of power reserve. Each of the three models is limited to 88 pieces. A colourful new chronograph version is also available in the Abyss collection.
Last but not least, let’s not forget that Hysek is one of just a handful among hundreds of high-end watch brands that offers a central tourbillon. Those who couple it with a jumping hour are even fewer. Hysek promises a new version of this rare complication later this year…
