In case you don’t know about HYT; the Hydromechanical Horologists have turned fantasy into reality, mixing mechanics and liquid within a wristwatch. While addicted to the unconventional, these mast watchmakers have drawn upon the strictest codes of fine watchmaking, and shattered them. In this instance, we are able to see HYT’s fine watchmaking meeting fluid technology with the release of the new H4 Neo.

Innovation within tradition, the DNA of haute horlogerie, the movement heritage, and so on: forget it all. Need a known quantity to hang on to? Good news: the H4 Neo tells the time.

The H4 Neo is a piece of 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 energized 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 so tricky to develop this incredible watch. Firstly, HYT employ a very minimal feel to their watches, and despite the watch having so much going on, the H4 Neo can be described as ‘extreme miniaturization’. Fitting the complicated ‘movement’ or fluid tubes into a 51mm diameter curved case also proved to be difficult for this unconventional watchmakers. Finally, the watch once again proves to be a first and the development of this type of watch have never been achieved before, making the production of this watch a real obstacle.

Measuring in at a whopping 51mm width by 18mm height, this watch is truly massive. Unlike HYT’s latest H0 collection, the 6 o’clock protrusion is back, along with the famous bezel that is so quintessentially HYT. It’s hard not to notice the similarities between this watch and the 2015’s HYT H4 Metropolis, as the two are virtually siblings with each other, with the futuristic vibe – especially with the Matrix-esque hour numerals.

There’s no doubt that the HYT H4 was created to be seen and it can be agreed that there is not one subtle fibre in this entire watch. When you look at HYT as a brand, it’s easy to see that they cater towards a niche market, they produce exceptional timepieces for those that want different and for those that want innovative. The HYT H4 Neo is a watch that delivers those attributes and more to the customer. The H4 Neo is limited to just 15 pieces worldwide and command a price tag of $95,000.