The hand-wound Hysek Furtif Skeleton Tourbillon (ref. HW15) is offered in a mesmerizing blend of feather-light titanium, stodgy rose gold, and uncompromising skeletonization techniques that leave nothing for imagination when it comes to the inner workings of the tiny engine.
As you can see in the picture below, the new Furtif Skeleton Tourbillon uses a slightly reworked version of the case that was developed for the original Hysek Furtif model presented about two years ago.
The movement is completely different, though.
As is often the case with “ultra-luxury” brands, Hysek’s press release is overloaded with poetic epithets, but seriously lacks any valuable technical information.
However, just looking at the timekeeper, you can see that the movement is new: the tourbillon cage that was previously located at 6 o’clock is now placed between 10 and 11 o’clock positions.
The new movement is also faster, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and is less “fuel-efficient” with its maximum power reserve limited at 70 hours, but is still practical enough for those who can afford using such an expensive timekeeper as a “daily driver.” Yes, the brand currently lists the Skeleton Tourbillon as a “price on request” model, which means that the watch is so expensive that they are not particularly comfortable with telling the price right away.
Given the materials used here and the complexity of the caliber that keeps the things going, I would suggest something close to at least $35,000, but don’t quote me when you finally decide to contact their sales department.
As far as I understood, the caliber was produced by a third-party specialist, yet all the skeletonization and decoration were done completely in-house.
And done it was with great skill and courage: not everyone will readily remove so much metal from the base plate, which is supposed to be as rigid as possible to keep good time in all conditions. On the other hand, when you can afford to hire a team of good engineers who would be able to make all the necessary calculations, the technical feat becomes not as frightening after all.
Well, Hysek is an obscure brand and their timepieces will probably depreciate faster on the market of “pre-loved” watches making it not a particularly good “investment” compared to a similarly priced Rolex that you can flip at a moment notice given the papers are fine. Yet, if you can afford to spend a small fortune on a trinket, this specimen certainly deserves at least some of your attention.
Only 30 numbered watches will be made.
See also: A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange Referenzuhr (Refs. 250.025 & 250.032)
Photos: Hysek
Hysek Furtif Skeleton Tourbillon (ref. HW15) specification
Movement: Hand-wound, Caliber HW15, 28,800 vph, modified in-house by Hysek, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, tourbillon
Power reserve: 70 hours
Case: Red gold and Titanium
Bezel: Titanium
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: 44.00 mm x 51.00 mm
Case height: 14.00 mm
Dial: Titanium, skeletonized (brushed and blacked-out)
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Red gold
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black authentic leather strap on a titanium buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire