With their Soonow watch, independent watchmaking company HYT reinforce the fleeting nature of the passage of time. Characterised by superb contemporary Métiers d’Art craftsmanship, this model demonstrates the spirit of originality of this youthful watch brand, while also serving as a powerful call to action for its wearer.

On a dial of unparalleled uniqueness, one immediately becomes aware of the ethos behind the creation of this astounding watch.

Rising up from a stealthy black DLC coated stainless steel case, a generous domed sapphire envelopes the watch, almost in its entirety. Beneath it, a fascinating panorama is revealed.

On a dial composed of titanium, and black DLC titanium, a three-dimensional skull, enlivened by neon green colour tones dominates. All around it are tiny perforations, which continue onto the sides of the dial, where they represent the hour markers written in full.

In total, 937 perforations have been individually, meticulously drilled. Against this marginally industrial backdrop, a tiny medical-grade glass capillary has been curved to form the emotive outline of a skull.

Contained within it are two immiscible liquids, one vivid green the other transparent. The point where the two meet displays the current hour, using hour numerals etched in full onto the sapphire. Fastidious craftsmanship ensures that the hour is marked precisely at the centre of each word.

Within the profile of the skull, HYT have created an extraordinary blend of luxury and thought-provoking architecture.

Standing upright, 313 18-carat gold pins, placed within the centre section of the skull emphasise its profile. Viewed face-on they are orderly and precise, however when viewed from the side, it becomes apparent that the pins vary in height, and that each one has been painstakingly chosen and fitted.

Within the left eye socket, a seconds indicator takes the form of a rotating “Soon” and “Now” motif. For the right eye, a dilating pupil serves as a power reserve. Bright green lacquer accentuates the openings for the eyes, nose and mouth, which features polymer teeth.

Dispelling with the need for a minutes indicator, the HYT Soonow watch places paramount importance on the hours. Uniquely, for this model, HYT have chosen to invert the two liquids within the glass capillary so that the time in the future, not the past, is animated by the coloured liquid.

The reversal of the order of the two fluids, as they make their passage through the skull-shaped glass tube, underscores the ideology of this compelling piece, reinforcing the importance of the precious moments still to come whether soon or further ahead in our lives. While the vivid green fluid looks towards the future, the time already passed is represented by the symbolic transparency of memories cherished.

The powerhouse behind this impressive timepiece is the exclusive HYT mechanical manual winding calibre incorporating their exclusive patented micro-fluidic module. Its unusual architecture and fine finishing can be appreciated through the rear sapphire crystal.

The HYT Soonow watch wears on black rubber strap with a black DLC titanium folding buckle. The piece has the distinction of being limited to just 25 pieces.