Davide Cerrato of HYT Watches Extends His Aspirations Beyond the Cosmos

CEO Davide Cerrato on the future stages of the relaunched HYT Watches while keeping in mind its tradition of striking good balance between rarity and accessibility.

On Tuesday, November 24, 2021, I awoke to favorable news conveyed via email. HYT Watches was revived upon its acquisition by Kairos Technology Switzerland, with Davide Cerrato appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the new venture. Cerrato served as the Head of Marketing, Design, and Product Development at Tudor from 2007 to 2015. He served as the Managing Director of Montblanc’s Watch Division for the subsequent five years. If you appreciate the advancements made by both brands during those years, you will share our enthusiasm for the future prospects of HYT Watches — a nascent brand established in 2012, with fluidic time indication as its fundamental purpose. All the editors present and industry specialists, in general, were impressed and somewhat incredulous that an eccentric watchmaker was integrating mechanical watchmaking with hydrological components. HYT Watches was once recognized by many as the hydro-mechanical horologists. The goods are markedly unlike to those previously created by Cerrato. We conducted an interview with him immediately after he acclimated to his new role.

You made the significant decision to assume leadership of HYT Watches. What is the most significant potential you perceive in this brand, considering that fluidic time indication, while still distinctive, has become less innovative since the company's inception?

I appreciate this intriguing inquiry. You are entirely correct on one aspect. The technology is now a decade old. Conversely, it has evidently not yet realized the commitment HYT made to all horology enthusiasts and collectors. Meca-fluidic technology offers extensive opportunities for the creation of extraordinary and distinctive timepieces. I have recognized significant potential in the brand from the outset. We are currently revamping HYT's design and have worked diligently enhancing quality across all dimensions. The realm of space travel elucidates the profound technological sophistication inherent in our watches. The Hastroid, the inaugural model of the new HYT, is exceptionally wearable, more slender and lightweight, and offers optimal readability while showcasing a distinctly futuristic form and character.

What strategies would you implement to enhance the financial sustainability of HYT Watches' business model? Will you contemplate adopting the subscription model?

The initial stage in rebranding has been undertaken, focusing on a significant enhancement in quality. A newly developed compact fluidic module is now employed, incorporating a decade of enhancements. A novel mechanical manufacturing movement, created in collaboration with Eric Coudray and PurTec, facilitates a significant enhancement in the synchronization of fluidic and mechanical time. The housing, composed of advanced materials like titanium and carbon fiber, features a modular design that enables HYT to offer several customization options. The design is distinctive and alluring; both the ergonomics and readability are now impeccable. All these factors and a judicious selection of our retailers signify long-term growth and financial security for the future. Kairos Technologies Switzerland, a newly established business with fresh investors, has bought HYT and all its assets. We are embarking on a prolonged and exhilarating future for HYT.

The Hastroid commands the new fleet. What is the rationale behind producing 27 copies of each of the four versions? Why not 28 copies, considered a fortunate number in Chinese tradition, or instead 25 or 30?

Each release of Hastroid features 27 numbered and limited editions, reflecting that dark matter comprises 27 percent of the universe. It is also essential for us to achieve an optimal equilibrium between rarity and accessibility. In discussions with our Chinese clients and acquaintances, they unanimously advised us to cease the use of the number eight, expressing their own fatigue with it.

The HYT Watches website features a "Pre-owned" section. What is your aspiration in this domain?

A curated assortment of pre-owned timepieces is available, along with the option to order from our collection through our e-commerce portal. We are a nimble watch brand dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clientele. This presents a chance to engage with the realm of HYT by initiating a virtuous circular lifecycle for pre-owned timepieces.

What degree of customization should we anticipate from HYT Watches in the future?

We assert that personalization and customization are essential in our market category. We established the entire industrial project with this dimension as a consideration. Due to a high degree of modularity, we can provide numerous customization options to our clients with rapid delivery. Our market strategy is predicated on scarcity. All our products will be available in limited and numbered editions. Furthermore, our clients will have access to several levels of customization, including bespoke options.

Will we eventually witness a HYT designed for smaller wrists?

Ergonomics and user experience are paramount to us; so, we are continually striving to minimize size and weight to provide the optimal experience, particularly regarding comfort. The Hastroid is 48mm in width, with a case thickness of merely 13.3mm, and is exceptionally lightweight due to the incorporation of titanium and carbon fiber. The watch has the appearance of a 44mm timepiece. The case's holes further diminish the illusion of mass, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and distinctive design. In our future plans, the dimensions will be progressively diminished to accommodate any wrist size.