At Watches and Wonders 2024, the art of skeletonization is extended to the sensational Streamliner collection, highly prized among collectors the world over. So much so indeed that the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Only Watch went under the hammer for 10 times its estimate in 2021. One may recall the brand’s mantra: haute horlogerie décalée pour les initiés signifying H. Moser & Cie’s own and unique take on Haute Horlogerie.
The caliber’s three-dimensionality is enhanced by subtle modern finishing touches on the anthracite bridges and mainplate.
Even more spectacular in its aesthetic approach, the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton stands out for its pared-down materials and radical technical approach. The Schaffhausen-based watchmakers have freed the flying tourbillon from as many shackles as possible, while retaining a sense of symmetry. The impressive transparency enables one to admire not only the spring but also the barrel – itself hollowed out – as well as the entirely chased gold oscillating weight. While aficionados are well aware of the high-performing nature of H. Moser & Cie., they can’t usually enjoy such a deep dive into its calibers. This model notably reveals the famous in-house double hairsprings contributing to exceptional isochronism and which in this instance equip the skeletonized HMC 814 movement. The caliber’s three-dimensionality is enhanced by subtle modern finishing touches on the anthracite bridges and mainplate, in the form of beveling and straight-grained lines creating an attractive visual effect. Above this mechanical show, legibility is guaranteed by gold hour-markers and laminated gold hands containing inlays made of Globolight®, an innovative ceramic derivative incorporating Super- LumiNova®.
What sets the Streamliner line apart is of course its distinctive cushion-shaped case, with its hollowed, satin-brushed middle featuring an admirable alternation of polished and brushed surfaces. Lug-free and seamlessly integrated with the bracelet – itself the result of seven years’ worth of R&D – its ergonomics are exemplary. As the happy owner of the first model in the collection, I write this in all sincerity and wear it with equally authentic pleasure.
