HYT Watches has announced the promotion of Vahé Vartzbed to CEO, effective July 1, 2024. Vartzbed joined HYT in August 2023 as General Manager and has since been involved in shaping the brand’s strategic direction. His appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Neuchâtel-based company, known for its innovative blend of traditional watchmaking and fluid technology.

“I am deeply honored to continue building the next chapters in the history of HYT Watches, a process we started with our team from my arrival last year. My aim is to perpetuate the brand’s disruptive and creative spirit, by continually expanding the watchmaking offering with more content and innovation,” Vartzbed stated.

Vartzbed’s career began in 2009 after obtaining a Master’s in Management from the Geneva School of Economics and Management. He gained significant experience in the watchmaking industry, starting with Roger Dubuis in Dubai and later overseeing sales in America, Europe, and the Middle East from Switzerland. His tenure at Girard-Perregaux and Greubel Forsey further honed his expertise in sales and commercial development.

In addition to Vartzbed’s promotion, Vincent Perriard will resume his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors, focusing on product and marketing strategy. Frank Henchoz, with over eight years at HYT, has been promoted to Director of Operations, responsible for Production and Product Development. Other changes include:

– Antoine Serra, who has been with the company for over seven years, has been promoted internally to Workshop Manager, effective June 1, 2024. The brand will also be expanding its watchmaking team.

– A new role focused on managing the American markets will also be added to the sales team to support development in this key region.

HYT Watches also thanked Nicolas Sestito for his contributions, particularly on the T1 Series collection launched at Watches & Wonders 2024. The T1 Series embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation, combining mechanical movements with fluid dynamics to display time. This unique approach, developed by Lucien Vouillamoz, utilizes advanced aerospace materials and technologies, including glass capillary tubes, highly watertight fluidic modules, and ultra-thin bellows.