H. Moser & Cie. has etched its name in horological history, not through extravagant displays, but through a dedication to minimalist design and technical prowess. This philosophy shines brightly in the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition, a timepiece that celebrates the raw beauty of mechanics encased in luxurious gold. Marking a significant moment for the brand, this watch also celebrates the opening of H. Moser & Cie.'s first U.S.A. boutique, nestled in the innovative heart of Silicon Valley at The Villa Menlo Park, California. This new boutique is the fourth standalone boutique for the brand.
The Streamliner collection, known for its fluid lines and integrated bracelets, finds a new expression in this Boutique Edition. The 40mm cushion case, crafted entirely from yellow gold, presents a warm, inviting aesthetic. Its curves are not sharp or abrupt, instead, they flow seamlessly into the integrated bracelet, creating a cohesive and organic form. The sense is one of wholeness, as if the watch were sculpted from a single block of gold. The surfaces exhibit a masterful blend of polished and brushed finishes, playing with light in a way that highlights the watch's contours.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
Looking at the watch, one is immediately struck by the absolute transparency of the design.
H. Moser & Cie. has embraced a "less is more" approach, meticulously skeletonizing every possible component. This isn't merely about removing material; it's about revealing the intricate dance of gears, springs, and levers that usually remain hidden. The result is a mesmerizing display of mechanical artistry, where every part is both functional and a visual delight. The barrel, usually a solid component, is hollowed out, affording a view of the mainspring coiling and uncoiling, a subtle reminder of the energy that powers the watch.
The centerpiece of this mechanical ballet is the one-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock. This intricate mechanism, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping precision, appears to float freely within its skeletonized bridge. The constant rotation of the tourbillon is a captivating spectacle, a testament to the precision engineering that defines H. Moser & Cie. Within the tourbillon beats a Straumann® double hairspring, a proprietary innovation developed in-house by Precision Engineering AG, a sister company to H. Moser & Cie. This double hairspring further enhances the tourbillon's accuracy and reduces friction.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The HMC 814 calibre, the driving force behind this timepiece, is a fully skeletonized automatic movement. It's a three-dimensional marvel, designed to allow light to permeate every corner of the watch. The bridges and mainplate are finished in anthracite PVD, providing a striking contrast to the warm glow of the yellow gold case, bracelet, and even the oscillating weight. This oscillating weight, responsible for winding the watch with the wearer's movement, is itself skeletonized in gold, maintaining the visual harmony of the piece.
The dial, or rather the lack thereof, is another testament to the minimalist approach. There's no traditional dial surface; instead, gold-plated faceted indices seem to hover above the movement, marking the hours. The hour and minute hands, also gold-plated, feature Globolight® inserts, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. This subtle addition of luminescence is a practical touch that doesn't detract from the watch's overall aesthetic purity. Every detail is meticulously considered, even down to the diamond bevelling on the bridges, a testament to the dedication to craftsmanship.
The integrated yellow gold bracelet continues the theme of fluidity and ergonomic design. It's not merely an attachment but an integral part of the watch's overall form. The links are shaped to conform comfortably to the wrist, creating a wearing experience that is as pleasing as the visual one. The folding clasp, also in yellow gold, is subtly engraved with the Moser logo, a discreet mark of quality. The comfortability and cohesiveness of the bracelet to case structure makes it feel like silk on the wrist.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
This meticulous attention to detail extends to the technical specifications. The watch boasts a power reserve of 72 hours, meaning it can run for three days without being wound. It's also water-resistant to 12 ATM (120 meters), making it more than capable of handling everyday splashes and even a swim, though one might hesitate to take such a precious object into the water. The dimensions are thoughtfully considered: a diameter of 40.0 mm and a height of 10.3 mm (excluding the sapphire crystal) ensure that the watch has a substantial presence without being overly bulky.
The HMC 814 calibre movement features a good amount of components at 167, which is a good middle ground of being too overly complicated but also more complicated than your average time only watch. The 28 jewels help keep the movement healthy and strong. The frequency sits at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The three-dimensional design is very apparent when viewing the watch and admiring the skeletonization. The tourbillon truly is the star of the show in this model, especially with all the light that can pass through.
The screw in crown is adorned with a beautiful "M" for the Moser name. The sapphire crystal has a slight dome to it. The case height with the sapphire glass goes up to 12.1 mm. The caseback is also see through so the wearer can admire the beautiful movement and rotor. The dial really shows off the movement and the open-worked nature.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The announcement of the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition coincides with the opening of H. Moser & Cie.'s new boutique in Menlo Park, California. This location, within The Villa Menlo Park, places the brand in the heart of Silicon Valley, a region known for its innovation and forward-thinking spirit. This move reflects the growing importance of the American market for H. Moser & Cie. and the brand's desire to connect with a clientele that appreciates both technical excellence and refined aesthetics. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., stated that the opening represents a "key milestone" and that the region embodies the brands drive with boldness and a pioneering spirt.
The Villa Menlo Park is a project brought to life by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry. It is designed as a cultural hub with world class dining and retail. The new Moser boutique has an interior informed by its streamline architectural concept. Playing with lines and natural lighting. Jared Silver, president of Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, says that "H. Moser is rapidly growing its base of collectors in Silicon Valley, and now they will have an immersive home to experience the many different aspects of the company."
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The exclusivity of this timepiece is further emphasized by its limited production run. Only 17 pieces of the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition will be made, available exclusively at H. Moser & Cie.'s boutiques and online platform. This limited availability, combined with the watch's technical and aesthetic merits, makes it a highly desirable object for serious collectors.
Finally, the pricing for the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition is set at CHF 125,000. This reflects not only the precious materials and intricate craftsmanship but also the exclusivity and the brand's position within the upper echelons of watchmaking.
Case: 40.0 mm diameter. 18-carat yellow gold. Cushion case. Height without sapphire crystal: 10.3 mm; Height with sapphire crystal: 12.1 mm. See-through caseback. Screw-in crown with "M" adornment. Water resistant to 12 ATM.
Movement: Fully skeletonized HMC 814. Self-winding, three-dimensional Manufacture calibre. Diameter: 32.0 mm or 14 1/4 lignes. Height: 5.5 mm. Frequency: 21,600 Vib/h. 28 jewels, 167 components. Automatic bi-directional pawl winding system. Gold, fully skeletonised oscillating weight. Minimum 72-hour power reserve. Original double hairspring. One-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock with skeletonised bridge. Diamond bevelling. Anthracite finish on main plate and bridges.
Dial: Fully skeletonised. Gold-plated faceted indices. Gold-plated hour and minute hands with Globolight® inserts.
Strap: Integrated bracelet in 18-carat yellow gold. Folding clasp with three blades in 18-carat yellow gold, engraved with the Moser logo.
Price: CHF 125,000
Reference Number: 6814-0700
Notes: Limited edition of 17 pieces. Available exclusively at H. Moser & Cie. boutiques and online. Celebrates the opening of H. Moser & Cie.'s first U.S.A. boutique in Menlo Park, California.