The new HYT H4 Gotham is a genuine composition of color on a theme of contrast, dazzling, profiled and suited to the twists of the H4 Gotham components, to bring out the finest details. The new HYT H4 Gotham ref. 151-CB-03-RF-RN is also equipped with a new sapphire case back. With a chromium-plated metalized finish, that has a double role: in contact with the skin, the metalized finish reproduces a smoky glass effect. On the movement side, inside the case, the chromium-plated finish gives the illusion of a mirror. So the H4 is adorned with a complex play of lights and mirrors, which provides, depending on the angle, a view of the light penetrating the movement, its areas of shadow or even your own reflection. On the dial side, red has been chosen to inhabit the capillary of the H4 Gotham. It marks the progress of the hours, with the retrograde display, signature of the brand. This 'bloody' tone is also adopted by the seconds wheel at 9 o'clock, as well as the power reserve at 3 o'clock and the strap's top stitching.
The brand's new creation explores a style unveiled by the H1 Dracula DLC and developed by the Skull Green Eye and Red Eye. With the new HYT exclusive calibre, the H4 Gotham represents the new generation of HYT skeleton watches. Not only this is also the first piece to have a case made entirely from rigid 3DTP carbon —which provides unprecedented rigidity— but it's also the very first HYT —other than the Skull Green Eye or Red Eye— to display the time on its bezel, rather than on the flange. And finally, it is the first time that HYT has equipped its creation with an all-new technical strap, combining rubber and Nomex technical fiber. The HYT H4 Gotham has adorned its forged carbon case with a rubber sheathed screw-down DLC titanium crown.
In the words of HYT's CEO Vincent Perriard: "The general idea of the H4 Gotham is to be more sporty and more technical. The H1 movement and the H4 movement are extremely architectural and technical. Our customers, partners and retailers did not want to see more: they wanted to see it all." To achieve this objective, HYT worked on both segments of the calibre. In the upper part, where the movement prevails, most of the components have been openworked, and the dial eliminated. The entire gear train is visible, as well as part of the barrel. The dial A power reserve indicator is placed at the 3 o'clock position and running seconds at 9.
The lower part of the calibre meanwhile houses the now famed bellows, also known as pistons. Their general vertical architecture remains unchanged however, the cage housing them has been completely redesigned: now, the two barrels are almost entirely visible thanks to a new cut in the 4–8 o'clock segment.
HYT has for the first time engraved the time indexes on the bezel. This frees up a large area of the dial from the indexes, further opening up the whole face for an unobstructed view. The case size of the H4 has been increased to 51 mm to reinforce this feeling of space and maximum openness. The thickness of the watch at 17.9 mm.
The HYT exclusive skeleton mechanical manual wound movement calibre 401 has hand bevelled bridges, 35 jewels, decorated with 'Côtes de Genève' and which provides a power reserve of 65 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. As mentioned earlier, the new HYT H4 Gotham is fitted with a new sapphire case back with a chromium-plated metalized finish, that in contact with the skin, the metalized finish reproduces a smoky glass effect.
This watch is available in a 50-piece limited edition and comes fitted with a black rubber base strap with integrated Nomex fabric center and black DLC titanium deployant clasp. Please note that the watch we are featuring here was a prototype not fitted the Nomex strap but with a black alligator strap with red contrast stitching. The watch is delivered on the Nomex fiber strap upon purchase. Also the power reserve increments on the indicator will be in white and red instead of just red.
On the wrist, the watch wears extremely big but not in an unpleasant way. The look is extremely sporty but considering the horological feat it represents, this is a watch that you can wear with pretty much everything.
Sticker Price $79,000 USD. For more info on HYT watches click here.
