Itay Noy is yet another example that there are many extraordinarily talented watchmakers living outside Switzerland.
In this instance his workshop is located in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel. Within the last thirteen years he has gained a reputation as a producer of quality timepieces. Impressively his watches are exhibited worldwide and he has won numerous awards including the Andy Prize and Lockman Prize. He has also won the America-Israel Cultural Foundation award consecutively for five years in the period from 1999 to 2003.
I have been a huge admirer of Itay Noy for quite a few years and love the meticulous amount of detail involved in each creation. Like most small independent brands his main form of marketing is via social media outlets like Facebook and You Tube. In recent conversations with Itay I have come to realise how passionate he is about watchmaking. Each of his timepieces is limited to very small numbers making them highly exclusive. Some of my favourites collections include the ID, X-Ray and Fractal collections. The wonderful Hyperscape is a series of two exciting new designs available with black or white dials.
When I first informed Itay that I wanted to write an article about the Hyperscape he was insistent that I feature both watches. The dimensions of each watch measures a modest 42.4 mm X 42.4 mm x 11.6 mm. Ultimately size is relative and it is all down to personal preference. Generally I would wear larger and chunkier watches. Nevertheless these proportions should appeal to majority of buyers. I can also imagine the timepieces would sit comfortably on the wrist and feel fairly lightweight to wear. On that basis these watches will be a practical option for daily usage. In my opinion these timepieces would perfectly compliment a formal dinner suit.
What first attracted me to write about the Hyperscape watches was the striking façade. As a trained artist I can appreciate the time and effort involved in producing these intricate designs. The two dials depict detailed illustrations of landscape and cityscape scenes. In some respects the black and white graphic images look as if they have been inspired by the glorious Art Deco period. I love the subtle red hands displaying the second time zone and the moon phase indication located under the hour/minute hands. Overall the composition is well planned out and executed.
In previous models Itay Noy equipped his watches with movements bought from ETA. For the Hyperscape he has sourced his automatic mechanical movements from Swiss company Techotime SA. The Caliber TT651-24H comprises 21 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This mechanism is clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Functionally the watch features hours, minutes, seconds, second time zone, date and moon phase indicator. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 42 hours and is water resistant to 50 metres.
The Hyperscape watches are limited to only 24 pieces and have leather or rubber straps with matching folding clasps. Priced for the discerning at: $5,800.
You can read more reviews by Steve Huyton on his own website: www.totalwatchreviews.com