Round-UpMega Cool: The Latest From H. Moser & Cie.’s Diverse Pioneer Centre Seconds Line Of Classic Sport Watches
A minimalist dial that barely reveals the hour markers and hands, H. Moser & Cie.’s Pioneer Centre Seconds range is an impeccable cocktail of elegant design codes and quirky colours, matched with contemporary fine watchmaking finesse. And this classic sports watch perfectly exemplifies the brand's unique take on merging the two worlds
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A deep turquoise dial, with a sunburst pattern where the rays seem to originate from the focal point and disperse—just enough for the anthracite grey indexes and hands to glisten, when greeted with natural light. This is the spanking new Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool watch, unveiled at this year’s digital edition of Watches and Wonders. Replete with a matching fabric strap in the same hue, the watch strikes a fine balance between classic—without being boring—and a bit of irreverence for traditional norms that may leave no room for experimentation. H. Moser & Cie.’s idea behind this watch is to reminisce about all the good times and the exotic locales that one visited prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how hope springs eternal. While the coronavirus health crisis has taken a toll on people’s physical and mental health around the globe, the brand hopes that one day we will all be able to get back to the erstwhile idea of a ‘normal’ life and celebrate its joyous moments.
And what better way than to choose a Pioneer Centre Seconds timepiece to send forth this message! The Mega Cool is the latest in a line of Pioneer Centre Seconds watches that are brought to life by the in-house HMC 200 movement with a regulating organ developed by H. Moser & Cie.’s sister company, Precision Engineering AG. Decorated with the famous Moser double stripes on the bridges and the main plate, and equipped with a large engraved oscillating weight—it packs a power reserve of three days. And with the 42.8mm case water-resistant 120m, it’s just the perfect everyday watch for taking on life with full force! But what really stands out for this timepiece is the resplendent ‘fumé’ or ‘smoked’ dial—a signature for all wristwatches in the Pioneer collection that include: a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and the understated Centre Seconds. Here, the dial colour appears to graduate from a solid hue in the centre, and forms a dark ring that circles the dial right at the periphery, where one normally finds a chapter ring. This ensures complete attention on the dial as it enhances the focus on the hour markers and the hands. True to its tagline—‘Very rare’—each Moser timepiece is crafted in a manner that reflects the brand’s DNA of timeless design for a contemporary world. Let’s understand why their Pioneer Centre Seconds stands out in a sea of watches that present an aesthetic of dressy-meets-sporty
The In-House Factor For Extreme Precision
While H. Moser & Cie. are still an independent, family-run company, they’ve ensured that their watches are at par, perhaps even better at times, when compared with brands that are part of large conglomerates. They follow stringent measures and exacting standards when it comes to watchmaking and in-house manufacturing at their Schaffhausen-based facility where currently, they are producing 1,200 watches annually with a staff strength of about 55 employees. All their watches are developed and built in-house, and are powered by one of their eight HMC proprietary movements, with innovations aplenty. Their escapement modules and other crucial components are developed, produced and assembled by Moser’s sister company, Precision Engineering AG—part of Moser Watch Holding. While all movements are conceived and developed exclusively at the manufactory, each watch is crafted and finished by hand. Even the components of the regulating organs, including hairsprings and escapements, are produced in their workshops. The brand have mastered the art of expressing their creativity through uncluttered and functional mechanisms that embody a rare degree of complexity. In 2013, the company had also revamped their structure and organisation that was aimed at optimising production. “H. Moser’s new visual identity represents a step in the direction towards which we wish to steer the brand. The brand’s new visual identity, which makes a better match with its values, is the first visible sign of this evolution. It symbolises our vision of a fine watchmaking brand with an elegant twist,” CEO Edouard Meylan had explained in an official statement back then.
High On Design, Tough On Mechanics
First launched in 2015, the Pioneer Centre Seconds range from H. Moser & Cie. has quickly established itself in the league of extraordinary wristwatches that showcase minimalism without compromising on the technicalities. It is part of the Pioneer collection—not your ordinary everyday sports watch. It is classy yet robust, and is perfect for a formal dinner engagement or an adventure in the hills, complete with Moser’s USP of experimenting with unconventional choices when it comes to dial colours.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool
This new turquoise-dial version is an uber-luxe timepiece with not just an extremely modern architecture but also exudes unisex vibes. Replete with a matching fabric strap in the same hue, the watch strikes a fine balance between classic and contemporary codes. This athleisure timekeeper is perfect for any situation and its versatile nature allows it to be paired with a leather, rubber or even a textile strap. The highly polished steel case offers a water resistance of 120m, as it frames the iridescent ‘Blue Lagoon’ or turquoise dial—designed by the brand to evoke nostalgia of the tropical waters that surround paradise islands.
The captivating dial of the Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool edition also features the H. Moser & Cie. logo, in transparent lacquer, affixed at 12 o’clock. Rather than printed or applied, this emblem is debossed in order to be extremely subtle and not scream for attention. It continues the brand’s efforts to ‘erase the brand’—a campaign they launched earlier this year. “It’s an attempt to make the brand’s presence more for the user than anyone else, as only they will be able to see it clearly, and in certain angles,” explains Edouard Meylan, the brand’s CEO. The dial also features luminous, anthracite grey faceted applique indices that impart an edgy look. The central hour and minute hands present added dimensionality, owing to the overlaid strips of Globolight—an innovative ceramic-based material which contains Super-LumiNova. It guarantees enhanced luminosity and legibility in the dark. This watch is as comfortable as it is cool. It is the ultimate feel-good watch, suited to any occasion or activity.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Funky Blue Black Edition
The Pioneer Centre Seconds Funky Blue Black Edition is a watch dedicated to wanderlust. Borrowing elements from the sky, this watch is perfect for jet-setters. It is packed in a slick yet sturdy 42.8mm black DLC-treated stainless steel case, perfect for real-life pioneers in their respective fields. The timepiece stands out for its distinct funky blue dial—another first for H. Moser, which is shielded by sapphire crystal that makes its highly scratchproof. The hour markers and hands in Super-LumiNova, light up like stars in a night sky when it’s dark, but otherwise the dial gives an impression of a calm sky with a blue gradient. Like all the Pioneer Centre Seconds models, the Funky Blue Black Edition is also brought to life by the in-house HMC 200 movement, beating at 21,600vph. Measuring 32mm in diameter and 5.5mm in height, this calibre is fitted with 27 jewels that reduce friction and allow for seamless functioning of this powerhouse. Presented on a black rubber strap, the timepiece offers a water resistance of 120m that’s ready to take on choppy waters or conquer the highest mountains.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Cosmic Green
Prior to the Funky Blue Black edition, the brand had introduced a cosmic green dial—a first for the Pioneer family. Audacious, minimalist, bold, and elegant—these terms may be contradictory to each other, but that’s exactly how one can describe the Pioneer Centre Seconds Cosmic Green model. Crafted in a 42.8mm stainless steel case, this watch is practical yet embodies the elements of a dressy sport watch that is perfect to wear every day, without looking out of place. Crowning the steel case, curved sapphire crystal highlights the deep and mysterious tones of the cosmic green dial that looks rich and lustrous when light and shadow come into play. Each hour marker, is tipped with a luminescent dot, and the leaf-shaped hands are partially skeletonised with Super-LumiNova tips, perfectly in sync with the open, streamlined aesthetic. This is powered by the in-house HMC 200 movement equipped with their trademark regulating organ, 27 jewels and an automatic bidirectional pawl winding system; beating at a frequency of 21,600vph with a three-day power reserve. It provides the hours, minutes and central seconds functions, and is a perfect hack watch—where the seconds hands stops once you pull out the crown. This allows the wearer to easily synchronise the watch down to the last detail. Water-resistant to 120m, the watch is presented on a black fabric strap that provides the apt contrast for the dial to shine through.
Pioneer Centre Seconds Swiss Mad Red
A colour that symbolises passion—red is a difficult hue to work with, especially when it comes to fine watchmaking. Ideal for daily wear, its design is imbued with references to the industrial world. Crafted in a 42.8mm stainless steel case, the watch has a strong character with its red fumé dial—a difficult feat to attain in the watchmaking world. This kind of red hue is different as compared with other red dials one might come across, with the stark contrast that the gradient look creates. Neatly packed in a 42.8mm stainless steel case, the watch is distinguished by its attractive red fumé dial that exude warm and vibrant tones. The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, and displays faceted indices, topped with SuperLumiNova-filled dots. The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands are partially skeletonised, and their tips are also filled with luminous substance. Like all the Pioneer Centre Seconds watches, this model, too, is equipped with the in-house HMC 200 movement that can power its way through for at least three days. Water-resistant to 120m, it’s presented on a black perforated rubber strap that lends a sporty look to this alluring timepiece.
The Pioneer Centre Seconds range exemplifies minimalism coupled with technical expertise, along with the brand’s mastery of unique dial colours and materials. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
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H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer
3200-1214
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3200-0902
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3200-1205
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3200-1202
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3200-1207
