In the realm of haute horology, where tradition often dances with innovation, few brands have mastered the art of blending the two quite like
H. Moser & Cie. With roots tracing back to 1828, this Schaffhausen-based watchmaker has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging the norms of Swiss watchmaking while staying true to its heritage of precision and craftsmanship. Their latest release, the Streamliner Centre Seconds Purple Haze, is a testament to this ethos – a watch that seamlessly melds classic design elements with a bold, contemporary aesthetic.
H. Moser & Cie. is not your typical watchmaker. They've carved a niche for themselves as a beacon of independent watchmaking, eschewing the trends and gimmicks that often plague the industry. Instead, they focus on creating timepieces that are both technically impressive and aesthetically captivating. Their watches are known for their minimalist dials, often devoid of branding or indices, allowing the beauty of the movement and the dial's finish to take center stage.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Streamliner collection, introduced in 2020, marked a departure from the brand's more traditional designs. Inspired by the sleek, aerodynamic forms of high-speed trains, the Streamliner watches feature a unique cushion-shaped case with an integrated bracelet, giving them a distinctly modern and sporty feel. The collection quickly gained a following among watch enthusiasts who appreciated its unique blend of vintage and contemporary elements.
The latest addition to the Streamliner family, the Purple Haze, is a watch that demands attention. Its most striking feature is the dial, which is not just purple, but a mesmerizing gradient of purple hues, reminiscent of a smoky haze. The color transitions from a deep, almost black shade at the edges to a vibrant, almost fuchsia tone at the center, creating a captivating visual effect that draws the eye in.
This "fumé" dial, as it's known in watchmaking parlance, is a testament to the brand's mastery of dial finishing techniques. It's achieved through a meticulous process of applying layers of lacquer to the dial, each layer carefully blended to create the desired gradient effect. The result is a dial that is both visually stunning and incredibly dynamic, changing its appearance depending on the lighting conditions.
The dial's minimalist design further enhances its impact. There are no indices or numerals, just a pair of leaf-shaped hands and a slender seconds hand, all crafted from polished steel and filled with a luminous material called Globolight. The H. Moser & Cie. logo, typically absent from their dials, makes a subtle appearance here, applied in transparent lacquer and visible only at certain angles.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Streamliner's case is a marvel of engineering and design. Crafted from stainless steel, it features a combination of polished and brushed finishes that add depth and dimension to its form. The cushion shape, with its rounded corners and flowing lines, is both elegant and ergonomic, hugging the wrist comfortably. The integrated bracelet, also made of steel, is a seamless extension of the case, its individual links meticulously finished to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit.
The caseback, secured by six screws, reveals the heart of the watch – the HMC 201 automatic movement. This in-house caliber, developed and manufactured entirely by H. Moser & Cie., is a testament to the brand's commitment to technical excellence. It features a skeletonized gold rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, and a power reserve of 72 hours.
The Streamliner Centre Seconds Purple Haze is more than just a watch; it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, a testament to the enduring appeal of independent watchmaking. It's a watch that challenges the norms, defies expectations, and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer to the world of haute horology, the Purple Haze is a watch that is sure to captivate and inspire.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
Let's face it, a watch is only as good as its movement. And the Purple Haze doesn't disappoint. It's powered by the HMC 201, an in-house automatic caliber that's as impressive as it is reliable. This bad boy boasts a bi-directional pawl winding system, meaning it harnesses energy from your wrist's every move, whether you're swinging a golf club or conducting a symphony.
With a 72-hour power reserve, this watch will keep ticking for three whole days without needing a recharge. So, if you're the kind of person who likes to switch up your wristwear, rest assured that the Purple Haze will be ready and waiting when you come back to it. And with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (that's 3 Hz for you techies), it delivers a smooth and precise sweep of the seconds hand.
One of the standout features of the HMC 201 is its Straumann hairspring. This high-tech component is made from a special alloy that's incredibly resistant to temperature changes and magnetic fields, ensuring that your watch keeps accurate time no matter where your adventures take you.
Now, let's talk about that bracelet. Integrated bracelets are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They create a seamless flow from the case to the wrist, giving the watch a sleek and sophisticated look. But not all integrated bracelets are created equal.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Streamliner's bracelet is a cut above the rest. It's crafted from the same stainless steel as the case, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. But it's not just about looks. This bracelet is built like a tank, with individual links that are meticulously finished to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit. It's the kind of bracelet that can take a beating and still look good as new.
And let's not forget about the clasp. This isn't your run-of-the-mill folding clasp. It features three steel blades that snap together securely, ensuring that your watch stays put. But it's not just about function. The clasp is also a design element in its own right, with a brushed finish that complements the rest of the bracelet.
One of the most important aspects of any watch is how it feels on the wrist. After all, you're going to be wearing this thing for hours on end, so it better be comfortable. The Streamliner Centre Seconds Purple Haze delivers on this front, thanks to its well-proportioned 40mm case and ergonomic design.
The cushion shape of the case hugs the wrist nicely, while the integrated bracelet conforms to the contours of your arm. And at just 12.1mm thick (including the sapphire crystal), it's surprisingly slim for a sports watch. Whether you're wearing it to the office or out on the town, the Purple Haze is sure to be a comfortable companion.
With its robust construction and water resistance of 120 meters, the Streamliner Centre Seconds Purple Haze is a watch that's not afraid to get wet. So, whether you're taking a dip in the pool or braving the elements, you can rest assured that your watch is up to the challenge.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
But it's not just about durability. This watch is also incredibly versatile. Its unique blend of sporty and elegant design elements makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions. You can dress it up with a suit for a formal event or dress it down with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual outing.
The Streamliner Centre Seconds Purple Haze is a testament to H. Moser & Cie.'s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. It's a watch that's not afraid to be different, to challenge the status quo, and to make a statement. It's a watch for those who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and a touch of whimsy. It's a watch that's sure to turn heads and spark conversations wherever it goes.