H. Moser & Cie Small Second replica watch has created three limited edition models featuring blue fumé dials. Angus Davies ponders whether they represent the perfect remedy for the winter blues. It is a concept familiar to many wage slaves as they commute to work beneath sodium light on a damp cold morning. On leaving the workplace, daylight has already scurried away and the nocturnal skies once again dampen the mood.
MOSER PERPETUAL CALENDAR – LIMITED EDITION Reference 341.501-024 – diameter 40.8mm
MAYU SMALL SECONDS – LIMITED EDITION Reference 321.503-024 – diameter 38.80mm
MONARD CENTRE SECONDS – LIMITED EDITION Reference 343.505-024 – diameter 40.8mm
As many readers may be able to deduce, I am not a fan of the winter season. My soul yearns for the cosseting embrace of the sun, infusing my body with energy and vigour.
It’s that time of year again, winter is here. It necessitates much motivation to leave the confines of a warm bed. Exiting the sanctuary of a comfortable home and venturing into the darkness is a foreboding prospect.
An insight into the psyche of a watch replica addict
This morning, I received an email from H. Moser & Cie with pictures of three limited edition models with blue fumé dials. Whilst blue is a cold tincture, the sight of these watches has resulted in a warm smile appearing on my face.
MOSER PERPETUAL CALENDAR – LIMITED EDITION Reference 341.501-024
My reaction may seem surprising to the cynical observer. However, first and foremost, I am a self-confessed watch replica addict. A handsome dial, well executed case and finely finished movement will often lead to a lift in my mood. I think it is because, despite whatever woes befall the world, I find comfort in the thought of timed-served artisans creating beautiful ticking pieces of art.
Limited edition models
I have previously talked about the alluring watches from H. Moser & Cie. Indeed, the Nomad Dual Time and the Perpetual 1 are two models I have previously reviewed. It is the latter though, the Perpetual 1 or Perpetual Calendar to use its new name, together with the Mayu Small Seconds and Monard Centre Seconds, which has provided the basis for this limited edition triumvirate with blue fumé dials.
MAYU SMALL SECONDS – LIMITED EDITION Reference 321.503-024
It seems unusual for H. Moser & Cie to produce a series of limited edition models as this is normally the preserve of the bigger brands.
Typical of other H. Moser & Cie models, the depiction of time is tastefully muted without excessive dial detail to distract and confuse.
The blue hue of the dials is a divine colour. In fairness, I have only seen the photographic images at this juncture and would like to get “hands-on” with the watches to see if the reality matches my initial perception. However, based on my previous experiences of the watches from Neuhausen am Rheinfall, I doubt I will be disappointed.
MONARD CENTRE SECONDS – LIMITED EDITION Reference 343.505-024
Palladium is a case material which is delectable. Nevertheless, it is not widely used as it is difficult to work with. H. Moser & Cie has evidently mastered the manipulation of the metal and the result is an elegant and restrained mien.
A brand to watch
With a manufacture movement, featuring an in-house balance spring, and craftsmanship that is readily discernible, with one glance through the sapphire caseback, there is a strong rationale for purchase.
H. Moser & Cie is a brand to watch, pun intended. I remember chatting to a watchmaker from another company a few years ago and him remarking, “I don’t know how Moser create their watches for the money”, implying they offered value for money. While the brand’s products are high-end and are evidently not low-cost, they do seem to offer much more when compared with similarly priced products from some of their rivals.
Conclusion
I don’t usually like to proffer an opinion on a blue dial H. Moser & Cie small second watch replica without having the benefit of inspecting it with my bi-focals positioned on the tip of my nose. A combination of thumb and forefinger allow me to discern the finish of exterior surfaces.
Nevertheless, based on first impressions, the limited edition models appear to offer much to recommend them.
The Mayu may prove a tad small for my own behemoth wrists, measuring 38.8mm in diameter, but, in reality, I know a watch replica can sometimes appear different once it is tried on. However, I suspect based on their greater dimensions and stately appearance, the Monard and Perpetual Calendar would readily find a warm welcome on my arm.
I plan to visit the H. Moser & Cie Manufacture in the coming months and hope that some of the limited series of models, of which there are just 20 in each variant, remain unsold in order that I can see them in their place of origin. Whilse many bevelled bridges have been appraised with a loupe held close to my right pupil. There is no substitute for an “up close and personal encounter” with a H. Moser & Cie watch replica to truly discern its virtue or lack thereof.