H.Moser & Cie has unveiled its Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon, which introduces the chiming complication to their sporty steel package for the first time in serial production. Set against an aqua blue Grand Feu enamel dial with a fumé hammered texture, the brand’s signature minimalism is elegantly interrupted to showcase the minute repeater mechanism and one-minute flying tourbillon on the dial-side.

Priced at CHF 269,000, this release is limited to just 50 pieces. 

Minute, Repeated

You might recall that for Only Watch 10th Edition, H.Moser collaborated with MB&F to create the one-off Streamliner Pandamonium, which introduced the minute repeater function to the Streamliner for the first time. Housed in that 42.3mm case was a miniature DJ panda, sculpted in white gold and decorated by hand, that appeared to spin turntables connected to the minute repeater’s hammer. That touch of levity executed on the revered complication was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Only Watch, and went on to clinch the Revo Award for Best Collaboration.

Now, the chiming complication has been brought back to the Streamliner in this 50-piece limited edition, with a flying tourbillon to boot. Where the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater back in 2019 introduced these elements into the brand’s dressier package, the integration of these complications in the sleek Streamliner offering brings an altogether different appeal.

Grand Complication, Sporty Execution

Introduced at the height of the integrated sports watch wars when it seemed like every brand was throwing its stainless steel hat into the ring, Moser’s 2020 debut of the Streamliner cut through the noise with its retro-futuristic proposition. Designed from the bracelet up, its sleek reptilian minimalism was seemingly made for Instagram wristroll videos, and quickly became as identifiable as the Royal Oak or Nautilus juggernauts.

Four years on, the Streamliner has established itself as the cornerstone of H.Moser & Cie’s lineup and remains a firm favourite even as the tides move toward smaller dress watches, thanks to the brand’s continued focus on the collection.

The Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon might be the Streamliner’s first introduction to haute horology, but it’s certainly the most complicated. The cushion-shaped case had to be reworked and optimized for acoustics, which required the case middle to be widened and hollowed to create a soundbox. Additionally, the dial-side execution of the repeater mechanism meant that the shaped gongs had to be curved to not encroach on the flying tourbillon.

Housed in the Streamliner’s sporty 42.3mm stainless steel case, the watch notably boasts 5 ATM of water resistance. Most minute repeaters boast the same level of water resistance as the delicate leather straps they’re typically delivered with — the gaskets needed for sealing the slide mechanism are known to suppress acoustics — but the Streamliner Concept’s reworked internals and inherently robust case circumvents this.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a notable exception to this rule, having produced the first ever 5 ATM water resistant minute repeater in the Master Minute Repeater Antoine LeCoultre back in 2005, followed by the Master Grande Tradition Repetition Minutes Perpetuelle in 2019. 

Moser’s typical design restraint has somewhat been left behind in this case. The dial, partially skeletonized to showcase the one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock and circular gongs at 10 o’clock, is a spectacularly striking shade of blue, topped with a textured Grand Feu enamel that has been found in several Endeavour and Streamliner models. 

The hammered texture is achieved through an engrained pattern right on the gold base, which is then treated with four washed and finely crushed color pigments applied to create an ombré effect. The process wraps up with a translucent Grand Feu enamel dial being fired twelve times over to achieve the brand’s signature fumé. This aqua blue gravel-esque texture may not be new to the Streamliner; But combined with the partial skeletonization, and set against the brushed stainless steel case, its visual impact still is every bit as arresting as their previous go-arounds. In line with the rest of the Streamliner collection, the hour and minute hands contain Globolight® for legibility.

The watch is powered by the hand-wound HMC 905 caliber, an updated version of the HMC 904 used in the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater, which promises an ample 90 hour power reserve. The fully hand-finished and decorated movement features double Moser stripes on the plate and bridges in an anthracite finish. All this mechanical goodness is, of course, visible through the sapphire caseback. 

The result? A timepiece perfectly positioned to show off the brand’s technical and aesthetic chops, in an exuberant package that’s recognisably H.Moser & Cie even without a logo present. 

The Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Blue Enamel is available through H.Moser & Cie boutiques. For more information, visit their website.

Tech Specs: H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Blue Enamel Ref. 6905-1200

Movement: HMC 905 hand-wound caliber, partially skeletonised; One-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock with skeletonized bridge; Minute repeater; 90-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; minute repeater with hour, quarter-hour and minute chimes
Case: 42.3mm × 14.4mm; stainless steel; water-resistant to 50m
Dial: Aqua Blue fumé “Grand Feu” enamel with hammered texture
Strap: Integrated steel bracelet
Price: CHF 269,000
Availability: June 2024, limited to 50 pieces