With the Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel, H. Moser & Cie. is combining exclusivity, performance and craftsmanship in a single model. More than a product, the Manufacture is offering an objet d’art for those who appreciate discreetly refined, high-performance watchmaking. At the heart of a steel case with new lines and proportions and dimensions perfectly suited to its movement is the brand’s 18th Manufacture calibre. A true embodiment of H. Moser & Cie.’s technical and aesthetic prowess, this creation is set to become one of the must-have timepieces of the independent watchmaking world.
Made of steel and measuring 39 mm in diameter, the cushion-shaped case of the Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel model is still water-resistant to 12 ATM and inspired by the curves and roundness of the first high-speed trains of the 20s and 30s, from which it takes its name. However, its proportions have been reworked to give it more elongated lines, made possible by the smaller dimensions of the new calibre HMC 500. Integrated into the case, the steel bracelet is elegantly arced to extend the curves of the case. Highly complex in construction, it has extremely fluid lines, based on organic forms. The links, all unique and articulated, are the height of subtle sophistication and supple flexibility.
To accentuate the steel of the case and bracelet, H. Moser & Cie. has chosen a Grand Feu enamel dial. Named “Aqua Blue”, it reinterprets the brand’s renowned signature fumé finish with the artistic flourish of a master craftsman. Starting with a pattern engrained onto a gold base, as if hammered, three different colour pigments are washed, finely crushed, then applied to create an ombré effect. Careful work and limitless patience are required for the master enameller to painstakingly apply the pigments, adding them one by one so that the colours oxidise and meld together when heated in the furnace, without any pixellation.
A translucent “Grand Feu” enamel dial must be fired twelve times in total to create the fumé effect, where the lighter shades in the centre gradually deepen. Each dial is unique. Steel applique indices punctuate the edge of the dial, which features no logo. To display the hours and minutes, the three-dimensional hands made from two sections feature inserts with Globolight®, an innovative ceramic-based material containing SuperLumiNova®. The offset small seconds is displayed at 6 o’clock on a lacquered sub-dial with a circular pattern, offering a beautiful contrast with the base dial.
Driving the Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel model, the new automatic calibre HMC 500 is 100% Moser, 100% Manufacture-made. It is the smallest movement H. Moser & Cie. has developed in the 21st century. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., reflects on the development of this movement: “Our starting objective was to have a movement that was slim yet high performance. We then spent a great deal of time working to optimise the dimensions, which is why we decided to integrate a micro-rotor for the first time in our history. Made from solid platinum, this micro-rotor is mounted on a ball bearing, equipped with a bi-directional pawl winding system, and offers sufficient barrel torque to provide a power reserve of 74 hours.
We have had to develop new smaller, slimmer components and mechanisms which could then be integrated into the available volume. The escapement was also miniaturised, whilst ensuring its performance remained unchanged, a technical feat made possible thanks to the expertise of our sister company, Precision Engineering AG. Because of the volume, the torque and the winding system, this was no easy task, but the result is a movement which will serve as a base for our small cases, and will enable us to introduce new complications, by combining it with modules developed in-house or in collaboration with our partner Agenhor”. The calibre HMC 500 features open bridges with a highly contemporary finish, decorated with the traditional Moser stripes and an anthracite grey coating. The company hallmark is proudly showcased on the micro-rotor.
H. Moser & Cie.‘s own and unique take on Haute Horlogerie.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel Technical Specifications
Reference 6500-1200, steel model, Aqua Blue fumé dial, integrated steel bracelet
Movement
- Automatic calibre HMC 500, partially skeletonised
- Diameter: 30.0 mm or 13 1/4 lignes
- Height: 4.5 mm
- Frequency: 21,600 Vib/h
- 26 jewels
- Automatic bi-directional pawl winding system
- Solid platinum micro-rotor engraved with the H. Moser hallmark
- Power reserve: minimum of 74 hours
- Original Straumann® hairspring
- Finish with Moser stripes
- Functions
- Hours and minutes
- Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Case
- Steel topped by a slightly domed sapphire crystal
- Diameter: 39.0 mm
- Height without sapphire crystal: 9.3 mm; Height with sapphire crystal: 10.9 mm
- See-through case-back
- Screw-in crown adorned with an “M”
- Water-resistant to 12 ATM
Dial
- Aqua Blue fumé “Grand Feu” enamel with hammered texture
- Applique indices
- Hour and minute hands with Globolight® inserts
- Lacquered small seconds sub-dial with a circular pattern
Strap/bracelet
- Integrated steel bracelet
- Folding clasp with three steel blades, engraved with the Moser logo
H. MOSER & CIE.
H. Moser & Cie. was created by Heinrich Moser in 1828. Based in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, it currently employs more than 90 people, has developed 18 in-house calibres to date and produces around 3,000 watches per annum. Through its sister company Precision Engineering AG (PEAG), H. Moser & Cie. manufactures parts such as regulating organs and balance-springs, which are used for its own production as well as to supply its partner companies. Independent company incorporated into Moser Watch Holding in 2012, Precision Engineering AG specialises in watch components for escapements, from their initial design to the production of a quality product ready to be integrated into the watch movement it must regulate. H. Moser & Cie. is honoured to have a Moser family member with the company as Honorary Chairman and President of the Heinrich and Henri Moser Foundation. The aim of the Moser Foundation, created by one of Heinrich Moser’s descendants, is to keep the family history alive and seek out antique pieces for the Moser Museum, located in Charlottenfels Manor, Heinrich Moser’s family home. With its substantial watchmaking expertise and highly acclaimed experience in the sector, MELB Holding holds shares in H. Moser & Cie., Hautlence and Agenhor SA. MELB Holding is an independent family group, based in the heart of the legendary Vallée de Joux.