The Hydromechanical Horologists have a new limitied edition version of the H2, once again partnering with sailing team Alinghi.

For the second time, HYT and famed Swiss sailing team Alinghi have partnered to release a limited edition timepiece. After their successful collaboration with the H4 Alinghi, this June we will see the new H2 Alinghi.

The H2 is the latest “hybrid” timepiece, which was first released in 2014. It’s the result of a shared vision by the teams at HYT and Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi. And the company’s co-founder Vincent Perriard would say there is something special about the power of two:

“It’s a very successful twosome – just like the Alinghi team, twice winner of the America’s Cup.”

So what’s new this time around?

Well, for the first time in its history the brand has built the H2 with an untreated titanium case. The 48.8 mm case diameter is on the bulky side, but a large case is necessary to properly showcase the new additions to the movement.

This is the very first H2 to feature a new black liquid, which matches the overall gray scale motif of the watch. The Hydromechanical Horologists are famed for their very unique system of indicating the time by using compressed coloured liquid. As the hours go by, the coloured liquid advances, giving the sense that the timepiece is somehow alive.

The manual winding movement has also been adapted, now crafted in two-tone black and grey, and delivering a truly impressive power reserve of 192 hours - that’s 8 full days on the wrist without a wind.

Above the mechanics glides a brand new central minute hand, which draws inspiration from marine-style hands. The hour flange has also been redesigned with a twin satin/glass blasted effect, making the hour markers stand out.

I like the interplay between the grey and black on this model of the H2, because it gives the watch a clean and technical look. The matching strap in dark charcoal grey fabric with a titanium deployant buckle continues the monochromatic motif. To add a pop of colour and contrast, the Alinghi logo has been engraved in red varnish on the bezel.

The H2 Alinghi will be released in a very limited edition of only 25 pieces, which means sailing enthusiasts will be lining up. A couple dozen watches seems like very little, but it’s a relatively large release for HYT – last year they moved only 450 timepieces in total.

Plus, for this year the focus is on consolidation. In 2015 the brand launched thirteen novelties, but for 2016 the plan is to introduce only seven. Still, they’re focused on increasing global distribution, with the first ever HYT Boutique opening in Kuala Lumpur and expanding to over 80 points of sale worldwide.