This year at Baselworld 2014, we perused and reviewed almost a hundred new timepieces; however, this new HYT H1 Alumen Blue ref. 148-AB-31-GF-RU happens to be one of our favorite watches this year because of its unique case material, finish and color combination.
The new HYT Alumen Blue is fitted with an ALUN 316B composite case that is shot-peened and satin-finished measuring 48.8 mm in diameter and 17.9 mm in thickness, a screw-down rubber clad screw-lock crown a titanium black DLC dome at 6 o'clock, a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a black rubber strap with titanium pin buckle. The finish of the case is so unique that you need to touch one to fully understand what we mean.
Just like all other HYT watches, the HYT H1 Alumen Blue tells time with their advanced hydromechanical system that consists of two flexible reservoirs fixed to each end of a capillary at 6 o'clock. In one of the reservoirs there is an aqueous liquid filled with fluorescein, and in the other, a transparent viscous liquid. While the first reservoir compresses, the second expands, and the other way round, resulting in the movement of the liquid in the capillary. As the hours go by, the fluorescent liquid advances. The meniscus, in the shape of a half moon, marks the breaking point with the other fluid in the tube, indicating the time. At 6 o'clock, the fluorescent liquid comes back to its original position, going backwards. But what is the secret that gets the reservoirs going? Two bellows made of a highly resistant, flexible electro-deposited alloy, each driven by a piston. And this is where watchmaking comes in to activate the system.
Equipped with green fluid to indicate the hours, the watch features a blue ALUN 316B hour dial with white indexes and Arabic numerals, a blue ALUN 316B minute regulator dial at 12 o'clock with luminescent markers and grey minute hand with luminescent material, a small seconds black turbine-shaped wheel between 9 and 10 o'clock and a 65-hour power reserve indicator between 2 and 3 o'clock.
The HYT is fitted with the exclusive manual-wound HYT calibre 101 that provides a power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound and which is fully visible via the display case back. As it is the norm with HYT timepieces, the calibre is a real treat for the eyes and just spectacular.
The HYT H1 Alumen Blue is a limited edition watch that only 50 lucky watchlifestylers will get to enjoy. As expected, on the wrist, the watch wears very light due to the aluminum composite but with very strong and immaculate wrist presence.
If you are far from conventional, if you don't like following others and you like to set yourself apart through the timepieces you choose to wear, then this 'haute horlogerie' piece is just perfect for you. One thing we can assure you, is that while wearing this timepiece you are sending a very clear message to the world: "I like 'haute horlogerie' and I can afford it."
Sticker Price $69,000 USD. For more info on HYT click here.
