Swiss brand Hysek has released a new version of its IO Skeleton Tourbillon that offers “more light on a true classic” at Baselword 2015.

“At BaselWorld 2014, the IO Skeleton Tourbillon created quite a stir, as the timepiece dared to combine a broad 49-mm diameter with ultra-minimalist skeletonisation. The result was a literally radiant watch with light shining right through it, drawing the gaze to its tourbillon and the finishing on its movement,” says a spokesman for the manufacture. “How could there possibly be any more scope for developing such an iconic creation? Well, in 2015, Hysek has come up with the answer, adding a new finish that elevates the radiance of the watch to an even higher degree.”


A SUN AT THE CENTRE 

The IO Skeleton Tourbillon now features a glass back adorned with a guilloché sunburst motif in a metallic finish. 

This new decoration accentuates the solar effect: light shining through is seemingly refracted by the historic motif of fine watchmaking so that it radiates out from the centre of the IO to its edges, like a sun shining from the central axis of the hands out towards the bezel. This new aesthetic approach endows the timepiece with unprecedented, iridescent breadth and depth, further enhancing its brilliance.

The fresh outpouring of light has also made it possible to concentrate all the beauty of the watch within a smaller circumference, he says, pointing out that Hysek has chosen to reduce the diameter of the watch from 49 mm to 45 mm, making the piece slightly subtler on the wrist, while the visual effect remains as stunning as ever.

In addition to the ultra-minimalist version, Hysek has also introduced an alternative in which the sapphire crystal has been engraved with Roman numerals on its inner side. This deceptively simple solution is in fact the epitome of Hysek’s whole philosophy: using the keynotes of traditional watchmaking to create contemporary timepieces.

In the very best age-old tradition, the watch has 12 conventional hour markers – but placed directly on the watch crystal. This modern approach has allowed Hysek to do away with applique features and even the dial – suddenly superfluous in a watch whose vocation is rather to be as pure and ethereal as possible.


HW14 CALIBRE

On the technical side, Hysek has retained most of the properties of the original manufacture movement. The HW14 manual wind calibre dispenses with the need for an oscillating weight – another unwelcome encumbrance when it comes to the IO Skeleton Tourbillon.

The calibre has just 164 components and is fully hand-decorated. Nothing is left to chance in achieving its aesthetic balance. The barrel is located at 7 o’clock, the tourbillon at 12 o’clock. One of the manufacture’s iconic characteristics, the asymmetrical layout contributes here to the IO’s style being both unique in watchmaking and overwhelmingly distinctive; it could only be a Hysek, he points out.

Aficionados of fine watchmaking will note the powerful expression of creativity, while connoisseurs of the brand’s early days will instantly recognise its secret signature.

In addition to these exclusive, proprietary touches, Hysek has applied one of its most emblematic finishes to its in-house HW14 calibre, the Rose des Vents. 

The manufacture, he adds, is one of the few remaining firms to craft this ‘compass rose’ finish.

The watch boasts over three days’ running time, with a guaranteed 74-hour power reserve.