In the ever-evolving world of haute horlogerie, collaborations between established brands and emerging talents have become a captivating trend. These partnerships often result in timepieces that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and ignite conversations among watch aficionados. The recent collaboration between H. Moser & Cie., a renowned Swiss watchmaker with a penchant for understated elegance, and Studio Underd0g, a young British brand known for its playful and irreverent approach to watchmaking, is a prime example of such a captivating alliance. The result? A duo of timepieces that are as bold as they are beautiful, as playful as they are precise. Let's delve deeper into the origins of these two brands and the genesis of this remarkable collaboration.
Founded in 1828 by Heinrich Moser,
H. Moser & Cie. has a rich history deeply rooted in Swiss watchmaking tradition. The brand's philosophy centers on creating timepieces that are both technically sophisticated and aesthetically refined. Moser watches are celebrated for their minimalist dials, often devoid of branding or indices, and their focus on showcasing the intricate beauty of their in-house movements. This commitment to "complex simplicity" has earned H. Moser & Cie. a devoted following among collectors who appreciate the brand's understated elegance and technical prowess.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
In contrast to H. Moser & Cie.'s storied past, Studio Underd0g is a relative newcomer to the watchmaking scene. Founded in 2021 by Richard Benc, the brand quickly gained recognition for its irreverent approach to horology. Studio Underd0g's timepieces are characterized by their bold colors, playful designs, and tongue-in-cheek branding. The brand's motto, "Never underestimate the underdog," encapsulates its spirit of challenging conventions and injecting a dose of fun into the often-serious world of watchmaking.
The collaboration between H. Moser & Cie. and Studio Underd0g is a testament to the power of shared passion and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., and Richard Benc, founder of Studio Underd0g, both share a deep appreciation for horological craftsmanship and a desire to create timepieces that resonate with a new generation of watch enthusiasts.
The Passion Project, as the collaboration is aptly named, comprises two limited-edition watches: the H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit and the Studio Underd0g 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit. These timepieces are a testament to the brands' shared commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining what a luxury watch can be.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit is a stunning example of H. Moser & Cie.'s signature minimalism juxtaposed with Studio Underd0g's playful aesthetic. The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case, a hallmark of Moser's Endeavour collection, known for its clean lines and ergonomic design. The dial, however, is where the collaboration truly shines.
A vibrant purple sunburst dial serves as the backdrop for a mesmerizing "Grand Feu" enamel sub-dial in a rich maracuja hue. This sub-dial, with its hammered texture and 18-carat yellow gold base, adds a touch of opulence and visual intrigue to the otherwise minimalist design. The absence of numerals or indices further emphasizes the focus on the dial's captivating colors and textures.
The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit is powered by H. Moser & Cie.'s award-winning HMC 800 calibre, a hand-wound perpetual calendar movement renowned for its technical sophistication and user-friendly functionality. The movement's intricate details are visible through the sapphire crystal case back, showcasing the brand's dedication to horological craftsmanship.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Passion Fruit watches are a visual delight, showcasing a bold and playful use of color and texture. The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit's purple sunburst dial shimmers and changes hues depending on the lighting, creating a dynamic and captivating effect. The maracuja fumé Grand Feu enamel sub-dial, with its hammered texture, adds depth and dimension to the overall design. The contrasting colors and textures create a visual symphony that is both playful and sophisticated.
The Studio Underd0g 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit, with its Coarse Dégradé Amber and Royal Purple multilayer dial, is equally captivating. The gradient effect on the dial creates a sense of movement and energy, while the contrasting colors add a touch of boldness. Both watches feature a touch of green, symbolizing the seed of passion that fuels the watchmaking community.
The 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit is Studio Underd0g's first foray into the world of chronographs, and it's a remarkable debut. The watch features a 38.5mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a balance between sportiness and wearability. The dial, however, is the true star of the show.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
A mesmerizing gradient of Coarse Dégradé Amber and Royal Purple adorns the dial, creating a visual spectacle that is both energetic and refined. The chronograph functions are displayed in a clean and uncluttered manner, with a central seconds hand and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. The absence of branding or indices further emphasizes the focus on the dial's vibrant colors and the intricate details of the chronograph mechanism.
Powering the 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit is the hand-wound Sellita SW510 M, a Swiss cam-operated monopusher chronograph movement. This movement is renowned for its reliability, precision, and smooth operation. The monopusher chronograph function, controlled by a single button integrated into the crown, adds a touch of vintage charm and operational simplicity to the timepiece.
The movement's intricate details are visible through the sapphire crystal case back, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation. The rhodium-plated bridge, signed with the Studio Underd0g logo, is a subtle yet impactful reminder of the brand's commitment to quality and its playful spirit.
The H. Moser & Cie. x Studio Underd0g Passion Project is a limited edition release, with only 100 sets available worldwide. Each set includes both the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit and the 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit, presented in a specially designed box. The retail price for the set is CHF 59,000, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship, technical sophistication, and exclusivity of these timepieces.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
To further celebrate this collaboration, H. Moser & Cie. and Studio Underd0g commissioned a song titled "Passion Fruit" by Ashtom. This fresh and funky single captures the energy and creativity that define both brands, serving as a fitting soundtrack to this remarkable partnership.
The H. Moser & Cie. x Studio Underd0g Passion Project is more than just a collection of watches; it's a celebration of the passion, creativity, and maverick spirit that drives the world of watchmaking. These timepieces are a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that emerge when two brands with distinct identities and shared values come together.