The HYT H4 Alinghi pairs the brand’s fluidic hour display with an on-demand light powered by a wound mechanical generator. Introduced in 2015, the limited-edition watch was reported at a launch price of $99,000 USD. Its light is a distinct system from the movement that drives the time display: wind the generator at the 4:30 pusher, then press it to illuminate the display for up to five seconds.
How the H4 Alinghi’s mechanical light works
The light module is a separate mechanical generator, not a battery-powered feature. According to Monochrome-Watches’ October 15, 2015 launch report, rotating the pusher at 4:30 winds the generator. Pressing the pusher then activates two LEDs concealed beneath the rider at 6 o’clock. The illumination lasts a maximum of five seconds per activation, after which the generator must be reinitialized.
This lighting mechanism is separate from the watch’s timekeeping architecture. The mechanical movement powers the fluidic hour display, while the separately wound generator supplies the LEDs. In the fluidic system, two bellows move liquids through a capillary to indicate the hours.
Published HYT H4 Alinghi specifications
The figures below are specifications published by Watch Collecting Lifestyle on October 15, 2015; they are not independent measurements.
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- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
| Specification | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | 515-CB-03-RF-RV |
| Case | 3DTP carbon |
| Case dimensions | 51 mm diameter; 17.9 mm height |
| Crystal and caseback | Convex sapphire crystal; screw-down sapphire caseback |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
| Movement | Hand-wound skeleton mechanical movement; H1-derived architecture |
| Jewels | 35 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) |
| Power reserve | 65 hours |
| Edition | Limited to 25 pieces |
Launch price and availability context
Monochrome-Watches and Watch Collecting Lifestyle both reported a launch-era price of $99,000 USD and an edition of 25 pieces in October 2015. That figure is historical launch pricing, not a current resale valuation or an offer to buy. The cited launch coverage does not establish whether the H4 Alinghi is currently available or what it sells for today.
What makes the H4 Alinghi distinctive
The H4 builds on the H1 movement architecture and uses a skeletonized construction that exposes more of the mechanism. Its defining combination is the liquid-based hour display and a separately wound light generator, rather than an electronic display or a battery-powered dial light. In a 2015 review, Deployant attributed the line “The coherence of the idea seduced us” to HYT CEO Vincent Perriard. Deployant’s November 5, 2015 review also quoted Perriard discussing the technical ambition behind combining liquid and light; those comments reflect the launch-era interview, not a current corporate statement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106B is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
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- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
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Rank #4
- Day / Date, 3 Hand, Automatic
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case
- Dual Spherical Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant
Rank #3
- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106G is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106G features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
- 3-YEAR BATTERY & 200M WATER RESISTANCE — Powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, the case measures 49.5 × 46.3 × 12.1mm and weighs 92 grams. At 200 meters of water resistance, the Duro is versatile and suitable for all situations — whether in the water, hiking, running, or at the office.
Rank #2
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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