Buzz had Woody, Sherlock had Watson and Withnail had ‘I’. Without these fortuitous unions, we’d have missed out on some of the best adventures of all time. But what happens when two living pioneers join forces? Brace yourself for H. Moser & Cie. X Bucherer: a collaboration set to make Swisstory. Text and pictures Pioneer Chronicles and H. Moser Cie.
Something Old, Something New…
To celebrate almost two hundred years of watchmaking, we’ve created two new designs inspired by Moser timepieces from the early 20th century, exclusively for Bucherer. We’ve married the best of yesterday–supreme elegance, classic style, and timeless beauty–with a resolutely modern form and finish that whisks these models neatly into today (if not tomorrow).
For him, classical accents include a steel case featuring tapered lugs and a finely notched crown, traditional minute track, and iconic hand shape. Reminiscent of historical pieces from the H. Moser museum, this watch also has a contemporary edge that literally comes to light as night falls… each hand is finely coated with SuperLumiNova® to stands out beautifully against the fumé dial.
For her (or him with a taste for bling–we live in the 21st century after all) we’ve added a perfectly proportioned 38 mm steel case, showcasing a bezel set with 60 diamonds.
…Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Distinct from previous editions in this exclusive collection, the signature blue of Bucherer has been subtly integrated beneath the surface of the waves– from the lining of the kudu-leather strap, through to the balance, bridge and oscillating weight, elegant references to Bucherer’s iconic hue have been woven throughout the design as subtle accents. A wink, as it were – uniquely for ‘those who know’.
Q to our Bond
A little hat’s off to our sister company too – Precision Engineering AG, the Q to our Bond, technical whizzkids who enable us to design, develop, produce and assemble the highly specialised technical components, such as the balance wheels and hairsprings; their expertise was instrumental in developing the blue surface treatment which adds incredible depth to the escapement.
Happily Ever After
As the confetti settles, the last of the champagne is poured, and someone’s dad makes a final wavering tour of the dancefloor, let the honeymoon commence – this really is a marriage of two minds.
Official press release
One of H. Moser & Cie.‘s long-standing partners, Bucherer shares many values with the Schaffhausen- based Manufacture: both these independent Swiss companies are family-run, and deeply committed to the Swiss Made label and what it represents; both are based in German-speaking Switzerland and were founded in the 19th century (H. Moser & Cie. in 1828 and Bucherer in 1888). To celebrate their shared values and the connections between them, H. Moser & Cie. is now paying tribute to Bucherer by creating the Heritage Bucherer Blue Editions model and the Endeavour Diamonds Bucherer Blue Editions, which are beautiful additions to the Blue Editions collection launched by celebrated retailer in 2016. Available exclusively from Bucherer boutiques, these two timepieces are the fruit of a collaboration based on expertise, professionalism and mutual respect.
Bucherer’s Blue Editions collection is characterised by its blue colourway. Like H. Moser & Cie. Bucherer likes to do things its own way, taking a slightly offbeat approach; this is the first time since this exclusive collection was created that the blue colour has been highlighted, not only on the dial or the strap, but also more subtly on the components of the automatic movement, the HMC 200, and the lining of the strap. The balance and its bridge, and the oscillating weight have been specially created in blue, in an elegant and sophisticated reference to Bucherer’s iconic colour. Thanks to its sister company Precision Engineering AG, H. Moser & Cie. is a genuine Manufacture with the in-house expertise necessary to design, develop, produce and assemble the highly specialised technical components, such as the balance wheels and hairsprings. This expertise was instrumental in developing the blue surface treatment, adding real depth to the escapement.
“We wanted to create models for Bucherer which were resolutely modern, with a design inspired by Moser timepieces from the early 20th century, in celebration of almost two hundred years of watchmaking”, said Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie. For his part, Patrick Graf, Chief Commercial Officer of Bucherer, is delighted: “We are thrilled to add these two exclusive creations by H. Moser & Cie. to our Blue Editions collection. We are convinced that our customers will be enchanted by these two timepieces, which represent individualism and showcase the finest watchmaking expertise. It is this very rare quality that we want to offer our customers and which makes our Blue Editions unique.”
The Heritage Bucherer Blue Editions model is rounded with refined accents, reminiscent of Moser timepieces from the 1900s exhibited at the museum dedicated to Heinrich Moser, founder of H. Moser & Cie., a visionary entrepreneur, industrial pioneer and great traveller. Its steel case features tapered lugs and a notched crown. The classicism of this piece is reinforced by the traditional minute track and the shape of the hands, which are coated with SuperLumiNova® to stand out beautifully against the fumé dial, H. Moser & Cie.’s signature colour.
The brand-new 38 mm case on the Endeavour Diamonds Bucherer Blue Editions –also made from steel – is perfectly proportioned. The bezel is set with diamonds, which are an exquisite detail on the fumé dial of this timeless piece.