Alinghi: HYT walks its talk again with the H2 as of June 2016

Taking a dip? This watch will have to be water-resistant to 5 atm at least.  But it’s not for diving expeditions...

Ernesto Bertarelli with Patrick Berdoz

Set sails for victory

The H2 Alinghi by HYT is about to defy the limits of lightness in spite of its considerable diameter of 48.8 millimeters. Indeed, HYT decided for the first time to use pure titanium to make a case. And for good reason, since this timekeeper is geared towards setting sail. And towards fostering the wildest dreams in its scintillating – shot-blasted, polished – wake, dreams bursting with wind and waves, much like the catamaran whose colors it flies and that begins to soar as it picks up speed. Fully in line with the color codes of Alinghi, this watch adds one of its novelties to this favorite sailing adventure, namely the deep black fluid unveiled in early 2016.

HYT H2 Alinghi limited edition

In its hold, the H2 Alinghi has a machine room with a 28-jewel caliber exclusively made for HYT. It is driven by a manually wound spring. The movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, that is, a frequency of 3 Hertz. The choice of titanium for the case and a black liquid or the hour indications also had a few esthetic repercussions on the finishings. The bridges are in two hues, somewhere between black and grey, thanks to the alternating use of DLC and rhodium plating. Unexpectedly, a graceful and majestic central minute hand proudly sweeps the meshed wheels that are supported by what is now the famous bellows that have been arranged in a very open V.

HYT H2 Alinghi limited edition

Wind whispering from the sea

Like its sister watch, the H4 Alinghi, released in 2015, the sapphire crystals were given antireflective treatment and the top one is domed. However, instead of the numeral filled with red mass that occupied the 6 o’clock position on the H, a numeral that makes use of an excrescence that the company calls a dome, it is the Alinghi logo that sits there, taking advantage of a never seen bulge. The call from the sea is suggested by a kind of wavy whirlwind that opens onto an endless vista and counteracts the dynamometric crown placed at 3 o’clock and protected by a titanium arm. Also in titanium is the folding clasp used to secure the textile strap, which is in dark slate hues with black stitching. It’s all very crisp, comfortable and reliable. And be aware of the fact that if this timepiece, which is clearly a member of the mechanico-fluidic family, happens to land on your wrist at some time, you will have trouble separating yourself from it.

HYT H2 Alinghi limited edition