As a watch enthusiast and Formula 1 fan, I am well aware of the various watch sponsors in the sport, and one of the most interesting developments among these partnerships in the 2024 season is that H. Moser & Cie. has become the official watch sponsor of the Alpine F1 team.
This year, Alpine is unlikely to boast the best start in the championship race, but the French racing team can at least take comfort in having some of the most intriguing watches on the grid.
Once the collaboration between Alpine and Moser was announced, Streamliner models began appearing in the paddock, although Moser has just given Alpine its own signature model, and the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition is a skeletonized flying tourbillon, released in a small batch of just 100 pieces.
The case of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition (reference 6811-1200) is made of stainless steel with radial brushing and high polishing. The Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition (reference 6811-1200) features a cushion-shaped profile typical of the collection and measures 42.3 mm in diameter with a thickness of 11 mm.
With the domed sapphire crystal over the dial, the total height of the watch is 14 mm. Like other Streamliner models, the screw-down crown is located at the 3 o'clock position, and the screw-down case back covers the back of the watch. The water resistance is 120 meters, providing sufficient protection against most types of moisture exposure.
While the case of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition does not present any surprises, the rest of the watch is a significant contrast compared to other watches in the collection.
Unlike the recently announced Streamliner Skeleton Tourbillon model, equipped with a pair of centrally located hands, the new Alpine Limited Edition series displays time on a small domed transparent dial made of bright blue synthetic spinel (a type of gemstone) located at the 12 o'clock position.
The surface of the blue spinel dial features Super-LumiNova luminous indices, and the hands are equipped with Globolight inserts for improved visibility in low-light conditions. The rest of the dial is open-worked, and opposite the dial at the 6 o'clock position sits the model's proud floating tourbillon.
Instead of the signature biomorphic integrated bracelet of the Streamliner, the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition comes with a textured blue rubber strap and a stainless steel folding clasp with an autograph. This is the second instance where Moser Streamliner watches have replaced the bracelet with a rubber strap.
The first was the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Boutique Edition in red gold, debuted last year. While some will inevitably argue that the Streamliner bracelet is an integral part of its appearance, the rubber strap is quite a fitting choice for a racing-themed watch, and it allows this limited edition model to better align with the colors of the Alpine F1 team.
The new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition is powered by the fully skeletonized automatic Caliber HMC 811, which can also be found in the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton model, first debuted in 2022. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 74 hours, the 28-jewel Moser Cal. HMC 811 consists of 171 components and winds bidirectionally with the help of a skeletonized rotor made of solid 5N red gold.
Inside the minute flying tourbillon is a cylindrical hairspring with two Breguet coils, and the movement's plate and bridges have an anthracite gray finish with diamond polishing and chamfered edges, giving them a bright and architectural appearance.
At the time of writing this article, the Alpine F1 team is in last place, although the French team may have some of the coolest signature watches on the racing grid, and I personally enjoy that Moser is expanding its presence in the world of sports. The new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tour officially retails for $89,000 USD.
The Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition (ref. 6811-1200) costs slightly more than the Streamliner Skeleton Tourbillon and Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton models, which use the same movement.
That said, there is no denying that this limited edition of 100 pieces brings a new aesthetic to the larger Streamliner series, and since there is no branding whatsoever related to the Alpine partnership on the watch, I suspect some buyers will have no connection to the French Formula 1 racing team and will simply enjoy this model for its striking skeletonized design, floating tourbillon, and vibrant blue color.
For more information about the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition, please visit the brand's website.