The Pioneer collectionby H. Moser & Cie is the luxury sports watch to get when you don’t want to impress anybody else but yourself. While very comfortable to wear and oozing with character and refinement, you need to know a Moser Pioneer to recognize one. And many luxury watch owners want their watches to be recognized. But some collectors appreciate discretion and for those, the Pioneer is a great watch. 

Moser did a fantastic job translating their design DNA in a more sporty direction. The Pioneer is bold and straightforward in its approach, but the way the case is cut and finished at the side gives it additional character. The crown is as expressive as it is practical, and the same goes for the dial. It could be described as the perfect sports watch if you want something understated yet highly sophisticated.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue (left) and Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue

I already thought that the Moser Pioneer was perfect, but with the new 40 mm models, it just got even better!

40mm is the new 42.8mm

By releasing two new Pioneers with a 40mm case, Moser has reduced the diameter of the watch by almost 3mm. That is quite a statement, but in my opinion, it concentrates all the goodness of the watch. While 40mm sounds small these days, it is a size that looks amazing on most people. Rolex built its reputation with sports watches, many of which are 40 mm.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue

The proportions are just right, from the hands and the hour markers, down to the movement at the back of the watch. Here we see that it nicely fills up the case, and that just gives a satisfied feeling. The Pioneer is also still water-resistant to 120 meters and offers a power reserve of 72 hours.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue on the wrist

H. Moser & Cie offers the new Pioneer models with 40mm case in two different versions. The first is named Centre Seconds and is powered by caliber HMC 200. This in-house movement features a centrally mounted oscillating weight and comes with an enticing architecture. The shape of the bridges is pleasing, as is the fact that the balance spring is secured by a full bridge further underscoring the adventurous nature of the Pioneer.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue automatic movement

The finishing is stunning, with Moser’s double stripes decorating both the bridges and the main plate. The tourbillon version of the Pioneer 40mm is equally attractive, featuring automatic caliber HMC 804.

Back of the H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue revealing the automatic movement

Designed and produced by H. Moser & Cie’s sister company, Precision Engineering, it has the signature double hairspring. The tourbillon is part of an interchangeable module designed to reduce the time needed to service it.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue on the wrist

Cold as ice (blue)

Both new Pioneer 40mm watches feature a Arctic Blue fumé dial. While it is to be expected that other colors will follow, Moser chose well to pick this launch color. The fumé effect is not as strong as with other watches by the brand, but there is a lot of play of light thanks to the sunburst finish of the dial. This makes it really come to life, while the hour markers and charmingly shaped hands offer a beautiful contrast. As it is a sports watch, dots of Super-LumiNova are placed above each hour marker, so that the time can also be read in low/no light conditions.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue

One of my favorite parts of the dial is the H. Moser & Cie name in transparent lacquer. You can hardly see it from a distance, but that’s the point: you are not flashing a brand but a great watch.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue

For obvious reasons, the Centre Seconds is slightly better at playing this role than the tourbillon, which is displayed through a cut-out in the dial. While you might fool others about what you are wearing, you won’t be able to fool yourself. That this 40mm Moser is a very pleasing watch.

The satin finish of the case makes the polished bezel look even brighter, and I also enjoy the curved shapes of the lugs. Many watch manufacturers don’t pay much attention to the side of the case, but when you wear it, you look at the side surprisingly often. Moser has made the case curve in and gives it a special finish that works wonders in further expressing the unique character of the Pioneer collection. 

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue

Straps are also very important, and while other options are available, I love the black rubber strap. It is both very comfortable to wear and emphasizes the beautiful color of the dial. Furthermore, it is yet another way to tell yourself and the world that you are wearing one of the best casual watches from one of the most refined and understated brands to be found in Switzerland. 

For more information, please visit www.h-moser.com/product/pioneer-tourbillon-3804-1208/< and/or www.h-moser.com/product/pioneer-centre-seconds-3200-1217/

Quick Facts H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon Artic Blue
Case: 40 x 12 mm, stainless steel, 120-meters water resistance
Dial and hands: Artic Blue fumé with sunburst pattern, applique hour markers with Super-LumiNova dots above them, Leaf hands filled with Super-LumiNova
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds (on tourbillon)
Price: $54,900 

Quick Facts H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Artic Blue
Case: 40 x 12 mm, stainless steel, 120-meters water resistance
Movement: automatic Caliber HMC 200; 21,600 vph/3 Hz frequency; power reserve 74 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Price: $14,200

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