H. Moser & Cie Introduces The Spectacular Streamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon
The Streamliner by H. Moser & Cie is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable watch designs currently out there. In a sea of generic watches, the Steamliner instantly stands out from the crowd. The unique combination of the case, the bracelet, and the dial design make this a true original. And it has seen quite a few different iterations in the past couple of years. The great success of the Streamliner started with the amazing Flyback Chronograph. But the follow-up, the time-only Streamliner Centre Seconds Matrix Green, showed the true power and glory of the Streamliner’s design for many watch fans. That glory now gets a new chapter with the stunning Streamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon.
If you are a longtime reader of Fratello, you are probably aware that we are big fans of the H. Moser & Cie Streamliner. I do remember having to go up against Balazs and his Streamliner Flyback Chronograph in our March Mania contest two years ago. Because I had to talk down about the Streamliner, I felt bad, but I had to make sure that my Czapek Antarctique would win. I do absolutely love what H. Moser & Cie has achieved with the Streamliner. The original design, the amazing comfort on the wrist, and the different striking executions have made it into one of my favorite watch series currently out there. My absolute favorites are the Streamliner Perpetual Calendar and Centre Seconds. Three years after the introduction of the Streamliner Centre Seconds Matrix Green, the brand now releases the second Centre Seconds model with a striking salmon dial.
The Streamliner series is the full package
The great success of the Streamliner series obviously starts with its design. Its outspoken looks make for a series of watches that stand out immediately. As a result, the Streamliner is one of those model series that has lovers and haters. As far as I can tell, there are more lovers than haters, but it is an acquired taste. However, anyone that has ever had the chance to check out a Streamliner up close will tell you that it’s about so much more than just its looks. Not only do the watches have a distinct look, but they are also designed to be incredibly comfortable. As Balazs explained in his article about the Centre Seconds Matrix Green, the design of the Streamliner started with that standout bracelet.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Centre Seconds Matrix Green
The bracelet not only pairs with the case design perfectly, but it’s also incredibly comfortable. I’ve been lucky to try out multiple Streamliner models in the past couple of years, and the comfort of the unique bracelet with the stunning case greatly impresses me every time. On top of that, the movements are absolutely stunning. Whether it’s the Flyback Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar, Tourbillon, or Centre Seconds, all the Streamliners feature movements that are proof of Moser’s watchmaking brilliance. On top of that, the level of detail in design and finishing is the cherry on top. So many intricate elements bring a smile to my face every time.
The details that make the Streamliner Centre Seconds stand out
With this model, the design details take center stage because it is the least complicated of all the Streamliners. Just by looking at the watch, a number of elements stand out for me. The first is the incredible handset. The curved hour and minute hands consist of two sections that look amazing. The ceramic-based Globolight inserts give the hands character and serve their purpose in the dark. Combined with the razor-sharp design of the central seconds hand, they make for one of my favorite handsets in the game right now.
Another stunning detail is the minute track. It features two shorter markers between every minute marker. Additionally, they alternate in position, creating a very funky design. While it might not seem logical at first, it does once you have it on the wrist. And in my opinion, it is one of the standout features of the watch. Another winner was the Matrix Green dial of the first Centre Seconds model. The dark green fumé dial with the sunburst pattern showed tremendous depth. The color changed from bright green to almost black at the edges of the dial. Depending on the light, the colors would change, making it one of the best and most lively dials out there.
The New Streamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon
For this new Streamliner Centre Seconds edition, H. Moser & Cie. introduces its take on the popular salmon dial. And at first glance, it is nothing short of stunning. In great Moser tradition, this is not just a plain salmon dial. The color features the same fumé effect that also made the green dial version such a stunner. It starts light in the center and gradually becomes darker toward the edges of the dial. The perimeter fades to black, creating enough contrast with the hour markers and minute track for them to stand out. Whereas the green version has a sunburst pattern, this new dial features a vertically brushed finish that increases its dramatic effect.
This “griffé” finish is strictly reserved for special editions. And indeed, this is a special edition of the Streamliner that will only be available for one year. I would love to see the dial in real life as I am sure it will have the same magic touch as the green dial. The color appears to change in different lighting, shifting from copper to gold and salmon in the center and from darker brown to black on the edges. In another surprise twist, the H. Moser & Cie. logo is not clearly visible. It is there, though, applied with transparent lacquer on the upper half of the dial. Once again, this is a beautiful detail that stands out after looking twice.
The familiar case and bracelet design
The 40mm stainless steel cushion case has retained its predecessor’s diameter and shape, and it measures 10.3mm thick without the domed crystal. With the sapphire crystal, the total thickness is still a nice 12.1mm. I quickly checked the details of the green-dial version, and as it turns out, the new case is slightly thicker. The previous version was 9.9mm without the crystal and 11.8mm with the sapphire crystal. The new version’s case is still water resistant to 120 meters and features a screw-down crown with the Moser “M” signature.
As you can see, the case has no lugs but flows directly into the bracelet. Both the case and bracelet feature a predominantly brushed finish, giving the watch an understated but classy presence. While the case and bracelet also feature polished parts, they only reveal themselves on occasion to accentuate the brilliance and great eye for detail in finishing.
The in-house HMC 200 movement
If you turn the Steamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon around, you can see the in-house HMC 200 caliber inside. The automatic movement operates at 21,600vph, has 27 jewels, and provides a minimum power reserve of three days. The movement is finished beautifully with Moser stripes and features a skeletonized 18K rose gold rotor with the brand’s signature. The caliber features the automatic bidirectional pawl winding system and comes with an original Straumann hairspring.
Initial impressions of the new H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon
Overall, the presence of this new Streamliner Centre Seconds Smoked Salmon is nothing short of beautiful. It’s a great follow-up to the Matrix Green version of the Streamliner Centre Seconds. Starting today, the watch will be available for CHF 19,900 for one year, as I already mentioned. Considering the increased prices for many of the competitors’ heavy hitters in this segment of the watch universe, I would gladly go for this stunning H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Center Seconds model and save a substantial amount of money. If you buy this, you will get a watch with a unique design, a stunning movement, and many details that will make you smile and admire the watch for what it is — a true original in this universe of familiarity.
For more information, visit the official H. Moser & Cie website.
