HYT H1 Full Gold watch hands-on
Since HYT first launched the H1 watch in 2012 (here), its groundbreaking “hydromechanical timepiece” device has been the brand’s iconic product, despite the introduction of other models such as H2, H3 and H4. HYT H1 remains one of the best “all-round” watches among modern luxury watch brands, the brand focuses on contemporary design and…liquid. Having said that, I believe that HYT H1 “Full Gold” is the first full gold case version of H1. How does HYT H1 use a case made of a watch case, from titanium to resin filled with beach sand, and what is the price?
Owning such an all-gold watch is a bit contradictory, because tenants composed of brands like HYT tend to reject or reconsider the basis for making luxury watches. In the past, luxury watches were defined by conservative and classic precious materials with a conservative classic appearance. In the current era, titanium, ceramics, carbon and resin are used as much as gold and platinum. It is a strange feeling to have an ultra-modern product like H1. This material is most people and the most conservative High-alloy materials related to high-end watches of brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe?
On your wrist, you will immediately feel the golden texture of this reference 148-PG-15-NF-AG HYT H1 Full Gold watch. That being said, the surface treatment is very soft and the surface is mostly brushed. In fact, the “golden” watch is good enough that if they don’t understand it, they may simply think it is a PVD-coated gold watch, even considering the nature of the brand, HYT will never do anything. In a sense, just like Richard Mille (Richard Mille) produced watches copy with sapphire crystal cases, just from a distance, some people might think it is plastic. Of course, HYT H1 Full Gold has a perfect appearance in 18k rose gold, but this is only because so many fashion brands have only “tuned” watches, these days people have to ask “Is this real gold?” “
HYT has produced the H1 version with gold parts in the past, but here we get a complete 18k rose gold case, matching dial elements and some black or gray parts. HYT has done a great job of making this gold watch surprisingly sporty and cool compared to conservative or stuffy – so what do you expect from a hydromechanical watchmaker?
Lume fans will be interested in watching this watch in the dark. As you know, H1 uses a special sapphire crystal capillary to indicate the hours of the liquid. HYT used a variety of liquid colors in the past, such as green, red, blue, etc. HYTH1 Full Gold uses black liquid. Since the color does not allow lighting, there is a luminous strip on the scale below it. You read the hours in a retrograde way to understand where the dark and bright spots meet. As you can see, it provides a cool dark view.
Obviously, this is the first HYT H1 watch wholesale with black liquid. HYT continues to cooperate with the Swiss company Preciflex, which is responsible for the unique liquid system in mechanical watches. HYT claims that adding any new color to the liquid is a process of several months. Part of the reason is that color stability needs to be tested based on color stability, age, ultraviolet light, particle sedimentation, etc.
On this version of HYT H1, some minor adjustments here and there mark the dial difference. However, the dial still indicates hours (using a retrograde liquid scale), minutes, and seconds (using a waterwheel disc), with a convenient power reserve indicator. The lower part of the dial retains a view of the “bellows”, which can be telescoped to control the position of the liquid indicator.
The movement is HYT’s dedicated movement 101, which is manually wound and runs at a speed of 4Hz (28,800bph). It has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours, and offers excellent modern design and traditional high-end watch making themes and decorations. The specific version of 101 is made with an anthracite gray coating and can be seen through the sapphire crystal back cover window.
Like all HYT H1 watches, HYT H1 Full Gold has a width of 48.8mm and a thickness of 17.9mm (this is the reason for the robust 18k rose gold case). The case is further waterproof to 100 meters and captures the unique architectural appearance of the HYT H1 case design since it was first introduced a few years ago. I would also like to say that the service life of the series has exceeded four years, and the theme and design are still “mature”.
The included “page grey” alligator leather strap and titanium folding buckle further give the HYT H1 version a refined appearance. I kind of like the matching gold buckle, but it will actually increase the price too much. Although the price is high, given the market position and demographics of this watch, it still needs to be kept at a reasonable level. I believe that HYT made the right decision when mixing 18k rose gold and value into this price equation. Obviously, HYT H1 Full Gold is not the HYT H1 for everyone (of course, H1 itself is not for everyone), but this is a special way to appreciate this all-round, very cool modern luxury watch. In terms of gold, its statement is slightly different, but due to the lack of polish and all matte surfaces, HYT H1 Full Gold mostly has a “technical” appeal, giving an impressive but not gorgeous appearance. It is considered that HYT is quite successful and very limited edition, this model 148-PG-15-NF-AG HYT H1 Full Gold watch.
