Moser & Cie’s Concept series is where they explore more advanced and rare dial materials or production techniques such as textured Grand Feu enamel and semi-precious stones. Joining that list is the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite, adding space rocks to the line-up which fittingly is also H. Moser’s first automatic Perpetual Moon model. We got hands-on with it in Dubai for some first impressions.
As with any Streamliner the first thing that stands out about the watch as you put it on is the case. Measuring 40mm with a cushion design, it feels like a blend of multiple periods from the 20th century with the Art Deco influence of the 20s meeting the sporty vibes of the 80s. The geometric, shapely design of the case and bracelet being inspired by vintage trains from America, fused with the bold style of an integrated bracelet. With a thickness of 13.2mm it’s not enormous but it isn’t 1920s vintage watch slim either.
The dial however is where a lot of the action is with this new concept edition. As the name indicates, the dial is made from meteorite. Specifically, it’s made from the Gibeon meteorite that landed in Namibia thousands of years ago and is believed to be 4.5 billion years old itself. It’s actually now a protected resource with the Namibian government banning its export, meaning that the material used in these watches was exported prior to the ban – leading it to be one of the rarer sources of meteorite in watchmaking, with a more common example being the Muonionalusta meteor. This is similar to how they sourced the coral in the Concept Pop.
Aesthetically the dial features the signature elements of a meteorite display with the characteristic Widmanstätten pattern of crosshatched lines. It’s normally silver in colour but Moser have given it a rose gold fumé finish to give it a more vibrant visual that pairs with the central rose gold hands and moonphase at 6 o’clock. I like the clarity and relatively minimalist design of the moonphase, foregoing the starry backdrop or aventurine elements seen on many watches that can occasionally feel a bit too twee.
The moonphase is powered by the calibre HMC 270 and maintains an accuracy of deviating by only one day after 1,027 years. Of course, the crown for highest moonphase accuracy currently sits with the IWC Eternal Calendar which will deviate by one day in 45 million years which is frankly insane. Though in terms of the practical human lifespan, both are functionally the same as they will never need adjusting while you are alive, so long as they are kept wound. Should you need to adjust the Moser’s moonphase there is a discreet pusher on the case flank to do so.
Beyond that, the HMC 270 has a 3-day power reserve supplied by an automatic rotor. As I briefly mentioned in the introduction, that makes this the first automatic Perpetual Moon model by H. Moser, as it has only been manual winding until now. Given what we were just talking about with the need to adjust the ultra-accurate moonphase if it runs out of power, it makes a lot of sense because now you can keep it in a winder when you’re not wearing it.
The H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite is priced at CHF 35,000 (approx. £33,200). It’s a fun addition to the concept range for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it is another great expression of the use of rare and interesting materials. But maybe more impactful than that is the fact that rather than using meteorite for the sake of it, by pairing it with a moonphase complication it becomes a watch themed around space and astronomy.
Price and Specs:
More details at H. Moser & Cie.
