HYT lights up with H4 Neo
HYT’s Hydromechanical Horologists have launched the H4 Neo – a timepiece that is equipped with a light source and is completely mechanical
Famed for turning fantasy into reality by mixing mechanics and liquid within a wristwatch, HYT’s Hydromechanical Horologists have added a new element by introducing light into the mix. Or more specifically, adding a light source to their latest horological marvel that is the H4 Neo.
The H4 Neo is a piece equipped with a light source. Under the dome at 6 o’clock, HYT has concealed two purple LEDs. Once activated, they flood the entire dial with light. At night, the fluorescent coloured fluid and the transparent composite dial loaded with fluorescent nano particles are energised by this light source, becoming supremely striking. At the same time, the wash of light flows into every nook and cranny of the mechanisms, literally bringing this skeleton architecture to life, and defying the laws of watchmaking.
No battery, no electronics are needed for this process, which is fully mechanical. Three factors made it very tricky to develop: the extreme miniaturisation, the curved shape, and the fact that, once again, no development of this type had ever been achieved before.
The skeleton mechanical hand-wound movement, beating powerfully at 28,800 vph, has hand-bevelled and micro-blasted bridges, rhodium-plated bellows, and boasts a power reserve of 65 hours. The HYT exclusive calibre is housed in a case of charcoal grey titanium and titanium DLC with micro-blasted finishes, with a diameter of 51 MM. Water resistant to 50 metres, the case has rubber-clad screw-down DLC titanium crowns at 2:30 and at 4:30, with a charcoal grey titanium dome at 6 o’clock, a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the dial side, and screw-down sapphire case back.
The purple light mechanical module has a rewinding and push-button system with a crown at 4:30. The micro generator works when the crown is compressed at 4:30. As soon as the button loosens, the light stops working until the full decompression of the additional barrel spring.
The H4 Neo, which indicates the green retrograde fluidic hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve, is complemented with a strap of black reinforced fabric, composed of fire-resistant, water-resistant, and anti-allergen fibres. Sustainably produced, the fabric has black topstitching and a velcro clasp with keeper. The H4 Neo is a limited edition of 15 timepieces.
