If you were not a member of the H. Moser & Cie. board or an insider on the Formula 1 circuit, few of our readers would have guessed that Moser would become the chronometric partner of Alpine Motorsports (formerly Renault).
Announced earlier this year, the collaboration extends across all disciplines associated with Alpine Motorsports, from Formula 1 to endurance racing. Today, the first signs of this partnership manifested on the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition - a delightful skeletonized model that understands its partner's passion for high-performance mechanics.
Last week, Moser introduced its first Streamliner with a bold skeletonized tourbillon mechanism. However, the Streamliner released today enhances the viewing pleasure for gear enthusiasts with Moser's cylindrical tourbillon, which debuted in the Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon model in collaboration with MB&F and, more recently, in the more robust Pioneer 2022 model.
The Streamliner, an original interpretation of the luxury sports watch genre, was chosen as the ideal candidate to celebrate the partnership with Alpine Motorsports.
Inspired by the elegant aerodynamic silhouettes of high-speed trains characteristic of the Streamliner Moderne era of the 1920s-1930s, the cushion-shaped Streamliner case features harmonious proportions and smooth ergonomic lines.
The 42.3 mm diameter and 11 mm thick (14 mm including the domed sapphire crystal over the dial) stainless steel cushion-shaped case is water-resistant up to 120 meters. The dynamic finish includes a radial bezel with wide mirror-polished bevels and a narrow aerodynamic recess running along the side of the case, creating a layered effect thanks to the contrasting matte finish.
An elegant network of anthracite-colored arched bridges provides access to the skeletonized in-house caliber HMC 811 from both sides of the watch. While some skeletonized dials can be chaotic, crude, and overwhelming, Moser's approach is based on symmetry and airiness.
Located at the "6 o'clock" position, the sculptural minute flying tourbillon with a cylindrical hairspring rises perpendicularly around the upper spindle shaft. The skeletonized bridge is beveled and polished by hand. It is equipped with two Breguet curves, reducing friction in the joints and improving the mechanism's isochronism.
Cylindrical hairsprings are handcrafted, taking ten times longer to produce than traditional hairsprings. Fortunately, Moser relies on its sister company Precision Engineering AG, which manufactures cylindrical springs, combining the traditional feature of marine chronometers of the past with ultra-modern skeletonized watches.
The semi-transparent domed dial at noon displays the hours and minutes and is executed in the signature blue color, signifying Moser's partnership with Alpine Motorsports. Made from hard-to-process synthetic spinel, the transparent blue sub-dial ensures excellent readability with Super-LumiNova-coated indexes and Globolight inserts on the hour and minute hands.
The same blue color extends to the rubber strap of the watch with a steel folding clasp.
Although there are no branding traces on the dial, Moser's name adorns the skeletonized gold rotor and polished case back. The brand's skeletonized caliber HMC 811 is equipped with a bi-directional winding system with a pawl, operating at a frequency of 21,600 per hour and offering a minimum power reserve of 74 hours.
Availability and Price
The Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine is limited to 100 pieces and is priced at 89,000 Swiss Francs (including tax). For more information, visit h-moser.com.