“Watch & Act!” Auction Item – Lot 1: U2 bass player Adam Clayton’s H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Limited Edition #1 of 3, with funky blue dial

Time+Tide

The personal watch of Adam Clayton, bass player of U2, this Pioneer Centre Seconds is one of only three Pioneer models in existence without a brand name on the dial. It has not been polished and is literally ‘off Adam’s wrist to the auction’ – light scratches and wear marks remain. Adam has been photographed extensively with the watch, including the attached photo shoot in GQ Magazine. This watch has been generously donated by H. Moser & Cie with the blessing of Adam Clayton.

The Pioneer is an extremely curious hybrid of a sports watch and a dress watch. The size, 42.8mm, makes it bolder and more suited to Australian tastes than a sub-40mm dress watch. And yet, little else apart from the striking, masculine lines of the case, mark it as anything like the sports oeuvre. The elegant dauphine hands, partially skeletonised, gives a sense of lightness and delicacy. The mirrored, bi-faceted indices, the calligraphic brandmark, the gloss finishing of the rehaut … they are all wonderful, nuanced touches that fit it firmly into the most desirable category of considered dress watches. Oh, and did I mention the dial? A ‘funky blue’ fumé masterpiece that can make a fool of you when you try to show it off, depending on the light.

What we like about it

Andrew – For me, this watch is all about two things, the first of which is Adam Clayton. This is Adam’s personal watch. One can only imagine what music it has been instrumental in and witness to. Adam has been spotted in several photos wearing this watch. From a looks point of view, this is the only Pioneer model with no logo on the dial. It is also the only Pioneer model with a funky blue dial, which has a dramatically different appearance to the standard Pioneer with midnight blue dial — and I should know because I look at mine very, very often.

Nick – Not only is this watch one of the only H. Moser & Cie Pioneer watches that is unique in the world, it was also owned by a member of one of the most successful musical acts ever. The rubber strap keeps it casual, but the clean blue dial means it wouldn’t look out of place in a more formal setting. It’s an absolute slam dunk of a watch, both aesthetically and its provenance.

James – I adore everything about this watch. Adam Clayton is a dead-set living legend and part of one of the most important bands of the 20^th century. And, if that weren’t enough, this H. Moser & Cie Pioneer is completely inimitable – it’s one of only three in existence with nothing printed on the dial. Can you imagine being lucky enough to make the winning bid on this watch and wearing it to your next meet-up?

Edouard Meylan from H. Moser & Cie discusses their “Watch & Act!” World Watch Auction donation

Features

Manufacturer: H. Moser & Cie.
Model Name: Pioneer Centre Seconds
Year: 2017
Reference: 3200 -1201
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 42.8mm diameter, 11.3mm (excluding sapphire crystal)
Calibre: HMC200
Bracelet/Strap: Rubber

View the lot right here.