ANNOUNCING: You can now buy our favourite H. Moser & Cie models in the Time+Tide Shop
James RobinsonWe have been fans of H. Moser & Cie. for precisely as long as we have known about them. Which is why we are so proud and excited to announce that, from today, a capsule collection of our favourite H. Moser & Cie. models is available in the Time+Tide Shop.
The backstory of Time+Tide and H. Moser & Cie. is one of deepening obsession. From the minute we laid eyes on their watches, which combine inimitable fumé dials with verticalised production that includes – like just a handful of manufactures can – production of the hairspring, we were intrigued. And then, just like the rest of the industry, we were amused and impressed by their campaigns. Afraid to shake things up this brand was not!
Their campaigns may be about the lols, but their work – and their after sales service – is deadly serious. This becomes evident when you hold an H. Moser & Cie. watch in the hand. These are timepieces that can only be compared to the finest examples in the market, period. Personally speaking, I had to have one. And after a year of pining, I achieved my goal. What further impressed me, as I dug deeper into the brand was their manufacture – a compact but borderline space-age facility which is also relied upon by other brands for hard-to-manufacture components.
Very rare is the Moser tagline, and very limited production numbers continue to guarantee it will remain true. These are the H. Moser & Cie. models we have chosen to offer, our favourites for a host of reasons, explained below.
Heritage Centre Seconds Ref.8200-1201
Taking inspiration from the creations of Moser’s founder, Heinrich Moser, and converted pocket watches from the early 20th century, the Heritage Centre Seconds offers something of a hybrid aesthetic that seeks to combine old-world charm with contemporary watchmaking techniques. The highly polished 42mm stainless steel case, for example, is shaped like a watch from the 1920s, with nicely rounded dimensions, slim, tapered lugs and even a period-correct fluted onion crown. The dial, however, is signature 21st century Moser, and features the outfit’s coveted electric sunburst Funky Blue fumé colour scheme. The oversized appliqué numerals, sword-shaped hand set and “railway-style” chapter ring that adorn the classic dial are all historically accurate, but they’re filled with both Super-LumiNova and, in the case of the numerals, Globolight, a pioneering ceramic-based lume that also utilises Super-LumiNova. The case is sandwiched by sapphire crystal, ensuring optimum legibility while giving wearers the chance to admire the self-winding, manufacture Calibre HMC 200 movement. Paired with a hand-stitched beige saddle brown leather band with stainless steel pin buckle, which is engraved with the Moser logo, this watch really does represent the very best of the old-world and the new.
Swiss Alp Watch Ref.5324-1200
Unquestionably the most recognisable H. Moser & Cie. in recent memory, the Swiss Alp Watch is a provocative timepiece that personifies the disruptive Swiss outfit’s maverick approach to watchmaking. Yes, this iconic watch was instantly cast into infamy upon its unveiling … how could it not? It was suddenly comparing Apples to, well, quite the opposite beyond its dimensions. The familiarly shaped stainless steel case, which has been given a stealthy black DLC coating, measures in at 38.2 x 44 mm and sits just 10.3 mm tall. The dial is, like the two aforementioned timepieces, finished in Moser’s signature sunray sunburst Funky Blue fumé, and you’ve got to admit, it’s a damn sight prettier than a display telling you how few steps/calories you’ve burned. And, unlike a smart watch and its digitised innards, inside the square case you’ll find Moser’s masterfully finished in-house calibre HMC 324. The manually wound movement offers up hacking seconds, a Straumann hairspring, an operating frequency of 18,000 vph, interchangeable H. Moser & Cie. escapement and no less than four days of power reserve. This beauty of a movement can also be admired by owners thanks to a sapphire crystal caseback. Just 50 examples of this Swiss Alp have been created, and if you’re passionate about haute horology and giving smart watches across the globe a big middle finger, I can’t think of a better watch.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Ref.3200-1205
Rounding out the quartet of sunburst Funky Blue fumé timepieces we’ll be featuring on our marketplace, this Pioneer Centre Seconds is the sportiest option. For a start, the tough looking 42.8mm stainless steel case (10.6mm thick), which has been given a dark DLC coating, has an impressive 120 metres of water resistance. This guarantees versatility where other Mosers may struggle to perform – a dip in the pool with this watch strapped to your wrist is no biggie. And speaking of the strap, it’s perforated black rubber which, aesthetically at least, offers real visual dynamism. The above-mentioned dial is, as you’d expect, a stunner, and when combined with the nicely stylised, oversized handset, this is a watch with real wrist presence. Powering the sporty timepiece is Moser’s well-known manufacture Calibre HMC 200. And just as it does in other models, there’s impressive specs on offer with this watch that include self-winding, an operating frequency of 21,600 vph, 27 jewels, oscillating weight engraved with the H. Moser & Cie. hallmark, an original Straumann hairspring, expertly finished Moser stripes and a minimum power reserve of three days. If you’re after a weekend wearer from Moser that can follow you from the pool to the penthouse, this is the one to have.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Ref.3200-1202
Green dial Pioneer Centre Seconds … one word, or in fact more of a sound – Ooft! There are a lot of timepieces out there with green dials, and while many watch lovers may utter 116610LV when asked what takes the cake for rocking this colour best, we’d like to suggest that they’re wrong. To our eyes, this dial, which Moser has called sunburst Cosmic Green fumé, is simply unbeatable … just look at it. It’s like an enchanted forest trapped in a timepiece. Just like its stealthy sibling above, this Pioneer’s polished and brushed stainless steel case measures in at 42.8mm across and 10.6mm thick. Unlike the darkened Pioneer, however, this example comes as standard with a tactical-esque black textile strap. The movement remains the same, too, with the expertly finished manufacture Calibre HMC 200 visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance is also rated at 120 metres. The real MVP (most valuable part) of this watch is, of course, the dial. We’re sure there’s been a better-executed green on a watch’s face before … we just can’t think of any right now. If you can’t get your hands on Bruce Banner’s best impersonation of Mr Hyde, get this watch instead, you won’t be disappointed.
Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept
H. Moser & Cie. gets so much right with their Endeavour collection. These are exemplary dress watches. The Ref.1200-0409 is no exception. The solid 18k 5N red gold case is stunning and, to my tastes, offers the perfect proportionality of a dressier timepiece, measuring 40mm across and just 10.7mm thick, ensuring it’ll fit under any cuff you care to pair it with. The manufacture movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is equally as impressive. Calibre HMC 200 offers up some impressive features such as self-winding, an operating frequency of 21,600 vph, 27 jewels, oscillating weight engraved with the H. Moser & Cie. hallmark, original Straumann hairspring, expertly finished Moser stripes and a power reserve of no less than three days. The real pièce de résistance of this Moser … and every other watch from the Schaffhausen-based brand for that matter, is the dial. The quintessential sunburst Funky Blue fumé face of this watch is drop-dead gorgeous – honestly, how would you get anything done with something so captivating on the wrist? Just 100 examples of this limited edition Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept will be made and, hot damn, if we had the coin, we’d be all over it.