This is the first time HYT unveils a complete collection of limited pieces in one shot. Secondly, the pieces explore unchartered territory such as the maritime world or camouflage. But the third and most surprising aspect to the air collection is that HYT presents its first classical piece. The H1 Air RC44 stands out from the collections like no other as it is the first piece HYT ever creates as part of a partnership. As February 2015, HYT is the official timekeeper for the RC44 regatta created by Russell Coutts, 5 times winner of the America’s Cup, one of the most difficult circuits in the world. He adds, ‘for this occasion, we needed a piece that of course leveraged on our fluid technology but also ensured the performance and the lightness of a monocoque.
The H1 Air RC44 available in a limited edition of 22 pieces, fulfills this lofty challenge. Its movement is covered by a sapphire dial, another first for HYT. The part of the dial covering the bellows remains translucent to allow an unobstructed view of the heart of the watch.
Two other untinted and open areas have been integrated for the same reasons of visibility: to the left of the dial to display the seconds and to the right to show the power reserve.
On the HYT H1 Air RC44 ref. 148-AB-52-GF-TB, the sapphire dial is adorned with an applied chapter made of a single piece of carbon, evoking the ultra perfectionist structures of racing monocoques. The watch featuring an Alun 316B —aluminum composite— case with a diameter of 48.8 mm and a thickness of 17.9 mm is rounded out by a rubber clad screw lockdown crown with titanium crown guard and titanium dome at 6 o'clock. Powered by the manual wound exclusive HYT calibre designed by APRP —Audemars Piguet Renaud Papi—, the watch features retrograde yellow fluid hours and power reserve indicator in yellow at 2 o'clock. The watch is delivered on a black yacht sail canvas strap with folding clasp in titanium black DLC.
As part of this new collection, HYT also decided to add a watch appealing to more classic watch lovers. The new HYT Air Classic ref. 148-TG-51-BF-AM available in a limited edition of 25 pieces, differs from anything HYT has done before. It is an Art Deco piece destined for the collector that is looking for classical horological codes with an avant garde technology. For the H1 Air Classic, HYT didn’t simply recreate a traditional piece. The brand remained loyal to its codes and to its hydraulic technology but added large roman numerals, gold tone, optimal visibility and chocolate tones all served with an alligator strap. Its case is in titanium and 5N gold favoring a lightness and a resistance to the passing fancy and fashion of time. Its roman numerals are placed on an applied chapter that rests on its sapphire dial. Case dimensions and functions are the same as in the other two pieces of this new collection.
The H1 Air Black Pixel ref. 148-DL-53-GF-AB available in a limited edition of 25 pieces, is the last piece of the collection. Its sapphire dial has an urban camouflage nuanced with tones of grey. In this monochrome universe, the liquid, the seconds and the power reserve literally spring from their aperture giving the piece an exhilarating 3D sensation. Its case is in titanium black DLC giving this last piece a furtive, modern and powerful feel. The watch comes with a black alligator leather strap with titanium black DLC deployant buckle. All three watches are fitted with a smoked display case back.
Sticker Price $64,000 USD Air Black Pixel. For more info on HYT click here.
