Hysek, a watch manufacturer that is known to produce complicated watches with interesting aesthetics, is producing a new timepiece that is vastly different from what they are known for. Here’s introducing Hysek’s latest novelty: IO Automatique Manufacture, a three-hand time-only wristwatch.
The new watch is a response to collectors’ demand. While Hysek is known to produce the incredible watches with complications, collectors want to see a functional and simple timepiece, but with the same level of finishing and wow-factor. This gave rise to the birth of a new three-hand timepiece, but with an intriguing dial and meticulous finishing that allows the brand to maintain its brand identity.
The Highlight: Dial
The Hysek IO Automatique Manufacture, in gold.
The simple timepiece is juxtaposed by an unusual dial design. The dial draws its inspiration from graphite, with its hexagonal molecule forms the honeycomb pattern that provides the backdrop. This also additionally provides some texture and depth to the dial as well.
The dial is paired with four highly stylised Arabic numerals, as well as an off-centre seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position. It is also fitted with a pair of hands that feature the brand’s signature hallmarks: large, luminous, and in spear-shape. While its functions are simple, it seems that the manufacturer continues to put a lot of emphasis on the detail and aesthetics of the timepiece.
Case
Another variant of the IO Automatique Manufacture, in titanium.
The watch is available in two sizes: 41mm and 43mm. It also comes in two different case variants, in either gold or titanium.
One of the highlights of the cases lies in its lugs, where it is crafted from a solid block. The fancy lugs is done in different forms of finishing, in which is polished, sand-blasted, or stain-brushed. This is something unusual from most manufacturers, and henceforth providing us an insight to the brand’s tremendous attention to detail.
Movement: HW31 Calibre
The new base Calibre HW31, produced in-house by Hysek.
The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre HW31. The self-winding movement consists of 145 components, and it boasts a power reserve of around 62 hours. It is also fitted with a micro-rotor, which allows the movement to be slimmer and also providing more space to place a larger barrel.
Notably, the movement is also designed to allow the manufacturer to add on different modules and components for future novelties. It is a neat touch, and we are certainly expecting more interesting pieces from Hysek in the future, with the HW31 used as a base calibre for its watches.
Concluding Thoughts
The IO Automatique Manufacture is certainly a breath of fresh air form Hysek, and it also provides us a glimpse into the future of the brand. We think that the new in-house calibre is neat, and we hope to see Hysek to continue to expand its collection by leveraging on this movement and incorporate modules and different complications onto the base movement.
Prices are expected to begin at CHF 10,000 (approximately S$13,675) for the base titanium model, and it will certainly be interesting to see how the competitors at the same price point will react to Hysek’s latest novelty.
3 Comments
Agree with Richard – the 4 numeral indices made the aesthetics off… Nice dial and nice movement but I don’t understand why the 4 indices
I agree with you both except I would like numbers at all 12 positions.
The more I look at the movement the more I think I’d better investigate this brand. I only know them from their expensive concept pieces from shows.
This watch would have been a great watch if they had applied indicies for all numbers, instead of the 4 numerals displayed. I don’t like that. The rest of the dial is interesting in a good way. I hope it has a clear caseback to see that wonderful micro rotor movement. Pricing is good, I just hope that there are different dial layouts because I think this is a promising watch with a great case. So close!!