Jorge Merino
N E W M o d e l - H. Moser Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Thu, 09 January 2020 07:52
©Danon-Boileau
Limited Edition of 100 Pieces
H. Moser & Cie. is entering 2020 with a creation certain to make an impact! A new line, a new case, a new integrated bracelet, a new movement, a new dial, and new hands... Everything is new, everything is different, yet everything is Moser. Rather than imitate, the brand chooses to innovate, raising the existing rules to a new level. Fluid lines, geometric curves, dynamic forms, a harmony of contrasts and textures: H. Moser & Cie. adopts minimalism as its guiding force, creating the first integrated automatic chronograph with a central display to offer a flyback function. Named the Streamliner, it has its own distinct personality, is a strikingly different beauty, yet 100% Moser.
Over five years ago, H. Moser & Cie. started the development of an entirely new and unique product line. The initial idea was to design a steel case model with an integrated bracelet. The notion of fluidity and curved continuous lines quickly became inextricable. The name of this collection was an obvious choice: it would be Streamliner, after the first high-speed trains from the Twenties and Thirties whose rounded and aerodynamic curves it evokes. As key characteristic of the H. Moser & Cie. identity, minimalism is at the heart of the entire creation process, influencing everything from the aesthetic of the Streamliner to its movement and functions, as Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., explains: "We started with the bracelet, comfortable, elegant and different. We then designed this model around the chronograph function, as this was what we really wanted to highlight. The Streamliner is a chronograph which displays the time rather than a watch which features a chronograph. We preferred understatement, ergonomics, and legibility, opting for a central display with no sub dial: perfectly matching our minimalist philosophy. We took the very essence of the chronograph, and
raised it to the next level".
A CUSHION-SHAPE CASE WATCH WITH INTEGRATED STEEL BRACELET
The Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic model is a form watch, with a steel cushion case 42.3 mm in diameter. With dynamic water resistance to 12 ATM, the chronograph function of the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic can be used underwater. Its off-centre crown, adorned with an "M", balances the two chronograph push-buttons set at 10 and 2 o'clock. Designed as a truly sculptural piece, this case boasts harmonious proportions and beautiful aerodynamics. It is topped by a subtly domed Glassbox type sapphire crystal, echoed by the see-through case back. These lines extend to the integrated steel bracelet, which is elegantly curved to follow the shape of the wrist; the unique design of the links ensures that it sits perfectly on even the most slender of wrists. Highly complex in construction, this bracelet has extremely fluid lines, based on organic forms. All the links are articulated and feature a gentle wave combining a vertical brushed finish with polished surfaces. The bezel has a sunray brushed finish; the case has alternating brushed and polished surfaces, with hollowed and satin-finished forms on the sides, in a nod to the typical shapes of Moser cases.
As far as the movement is concerned, the Streamliner is the first automatic chronograph with a central display to feature a flyback function for the minutes and seconds. Its chronograph calibre is considered by a number of watchmaking experts to be one of the best ever made. This new calibre was developed by AGENHOR with support from the teams at H. Moser & Cie. based on a philosophy very similar to the famous H. Moser & Cie. perpetual calendar, the cornerstone of the manufacture's success. The design watch is extremely complex but the end result is simple, legible, and minimalist, with an emphasis on functionality and ergonomics thanks to the central display. In fact, by highlighting the chronograph function, AGENHOR has rewritten all of the rules at the heart of chronograph technology which have followed for over 200 years. With the aim of enabling the watch mechanism and the operation of the chronograph and its column wheel to be admired, the oscillating the oscillating weight has been placed between the movement and the dial. Using the retrograde principle which allows the elapsed minute hand to jump instantly using the energy accumulated and then released by a snail cam, the calibre HMC 902 allows the values to be read with greater accuracy. Featuring two chronograph hands, one for the minutes and one for the seconds, and two time display hands, one for the hours and one for the minutes, the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic is nothing if not understated.
A NEW SIGNATURE DIAL
For the dial of the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic, H. Moser & Cie. has revisited the brand's signature element, the fumé dial. Featuring a new anthracite shade of grey, the dial is not only fumé, it is also griffé. Around the circumference are two white and red minute tracks, the outer one measuring the seconds and the inner one counting the minutes. At midday, the 60 numeral dominates the dial, harking back to the stopwatches of the Sixties and Seventies, when legibility and functionality were key. Of course, for a chronograph, accuracy is everything: this is ensured by the choice of hands to measure the elapsed time, which have a thicker base and a fine tip, like those found on counters in cars or measuring instruments.
Always with a focus on legibility, H. Moser & Cie. has opted for a red seconds hand, while the minute hand is rhodium-plated. To display the hours and minutes, H. Moser & Cie. has selected three-dimensional curved hands, with two sections. These have inserts containing Globolight, an innovative ceramic-based material which contains Super-Luminova and has never before been used on hands.
The case, in stainless steel, mesures 42.3mm x 14.2mm. It has a domed sapphire crystal and a sapphire display back. Chronograph push-buttons at 10 and 2 o'clock. Crown at 4 o'clock. Dynamic water resistance to 120 meters (allowing the chronograph and flyback function to be used underwater).
Movement is the Swiss automatic AGENHOR for H. Moser caliber HMC 902 with 55 jewels, 21,600 vph and a power reserve of 54 hours. It features a Tungsten rotor, placed between the movement and the dial. Double barrel. Column wheel chronograph. Two-stage chronograph mechanism. Horizontal clutch with friction wheel; smooth wheel equipped with micro-teeth to avoid intermeshing of gears and to minimize accidental jumps when the chronograph is activated. Tulip yoke allowing the chronograph to be triggered or released. Functions are: hours and minutes. Chronograph with central display and indication of the elapsed minutes and seconds. Flyback on the minutes and seconds.
The dial is anthracite grey, fumé and griffé. Hour and minute hands with Globolight inserts. Minute track for the elapsed seconds and minutes. Tachymeter on the flange
It comes on an integrated steel bracelet with folding clasp.
MSRP is $39,900.
Ed Hahn
That is very cool... Thu, 09 January 2020 08:22
...both the features of the movement and the style.
Too bad it's limited to 100.
I feel the changes in the atmosphere / I hear the chimes of the underworld
BarryW
Re: N E W M o d e l - H. Moser Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Thu, 09 January 2020 08:44
Strikes me as being somewhat similar in design to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Lite with a band similar to Bulgari Octo...
SteveW
Location: Terra
The hyperbole generator was clearly working overtime. Thu, 09 January 2020 10:16
verreauxi
Love the movement and bracelet/case design Thu, 09 January 2020 10:24
I'm luke-warm about the dial design and choice of hands.
Fatpants
Location: The garbage fire...
The dial is, ah, not great. Ruins the rest of the watch. Thu, 09 January 2020 10:28
"I suppose you know, Bob, if I ever see you again I'm just going to start shooting and figure it was self-defense." - Little Bill Daggett
Very impressive watch, but the dial design should be rethought Thu, 09 January 2020 11:07
The movement, case, and bracelet are all very much to my liking, but the dial design is not quite at the same level, imho.
The dial has some good aspects going for it: There's a certain 70's vibe that is well in tune with the rest of the watch, the anthracite color is a good choice for this type of watch, and as usual, I like a minimalistic design approach. This time the end result is not particularly successful, however. I get the impression that by some mistake, they approved an early sketch as a final design.
Kudos to them for trying to branch out, though Thu, 09 January 2020 11:16
H Moser's design language was so dial centric and "clean" it was bound to cross the verge with something like a chronograph. I like the attempt with two hands, and the movement, but I agree the markers kind of dominate this one.
Remember, beer has food value, but food has no beer value.
Champthekid
Beautiful movement. Thu, 09 January 2020 11:47
DRWWE
Agree. Thu, 09 January 2020 11:55
I like the case and bracelet, the movement is gorgeous, but the dial is awful.
Downtown Mike
Location: Van Isle
Coming from a Moser fan Thu, 09 January 2020 12:03
Yikes. This does not fit the Moser design ethos. It's like the designers liked old Speedmasters, Porsche Design and 70's sport watches and decided to combine them all. Doesn't work for me
He would disagree.... Thu, 09 January 2020 12:42
$40,000! Obviously a well engineered and constructed watch, but Thu, 09 January 2020 13:25
This hobby is getting out of hand! I realize this is intended for a limited audience, but hard to wrap my head around that price as compared to what else you could get in the watch world for that kind of money.
As far as the watch, I actually don't mind the dial, but I never liked that type of bracelet, its just not appealing to me for some reason. Whew, I am $40,000 richer now since I don't have to rush out and reserve one.
Time may change me, but I can't trace time... @watchwineman on Instagram
2004 vintage Longines....looks similar
I don't know. He does not look very happy as he examines the design. Thu, 09 January 2020 15:11
mbohannon
I think there's just too much to like here... Thu, 09 January 2020 17:28
Yeah, the price is high, and the dial may be a gamble, but this is a pretty spectacular effort.
I'm all in favor of the handful of truly high end makers you didn't think would ever do a stainless steel sports watch diving in and rattling the cages, and this does that. With a pretty unique idea, simplified in its aesthetic. They'll sell the 100, and we'll see from there.
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RogerL
Location: Southern Ontario Canada.
'wave' bracelets are nice... Thu, 09 January 2020 17:28
ROYAL AIR FORCE RED ARROWS
Doogy
agreed. PP can charge $30k for steel 'cause they can; Moser wants the bandwagon with no band Thu, 09 January 2020 20:49
Michael Schott
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Apples/oranges... Thu, 09 January 2020 21:51
Does PP even offer a steel chrono without additional complications? The PP 5990 adds a second time zone to the chrono and is more than twice the price of this Moser. A steel non-chrono Moser is about $13k.
Levy03
Location: Chicago Burb's
not bad by any means but... Fri, 10 January 2020 20:29
i prefer many other Moser designs/watches over this one
ya don't have to go home sir....you just can't stay here.
Pretty sure that all 100 will sell. Sat, 11 January 2020 13:49
Reubin
Location: Surrey, England
Re: N E W M o d e l - H. Moser Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Sat, 11 January 2020 16:05
I would like to see this in the flesh. Looks good, but the cost?
"Live Long & Prosper"
rx7outkast
Location: Oak Ridge, TN
I think it's beautiful, however, I would like to see a revised face with more defined hour markers.
Re: N E W M o d e l - H. Moser Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Sun, 12 January 2020 02:17
I really like it. Very interesting dial for a chrono and the movement looks to be a stunner. Love the flow of the case and bracelet. I can't play at that level, but I hope I can see one in April.
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Bart001
Oh my Sun, 12 January 2020 09:21
I find this particularly unattractive. An early entry for 'ugliest watch of 2020.' But it's only January 12th.
(Insert obligatory 'I'm a fan of much of what they do' because it's true.)
"Nice movement" reminds me of a rather misogynistic adjective that I shall not perpetuate here.
jhamlin38
Like everything Moser does, it's perfect. Sporty and elegant. Wonderful proportions. Impeccably finished. Unique without a hint of quirkiness. And will definitely look far more impressive in person, as opposed to images on the internet.
dave_justdave
I agree, I love the entire design of this watch, especially the integrated bracelet! Wow, well done.
miskasp
Love simplicity of dial and complexity of movement Sun, 12 January 2020 17:36
Love simplicity of dial and complexity of movement
Re: N E W M o d e l - H. Moser Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Mon, 13 January 2020 06:40
A beautiful piece, Moser is certainly doing interesting things lately