H. Moser & Cie. Presents Three New Models with its Retrograde Seconds Display

Retrograde complications, in which a hand sweeps across an arc or sector and snaps back to zero, are prized for their theatrical jumping display. While retrograde displays have been around for centuries and were popularised by watchmakers like Lépine and Breguet, a surprisingly wide range of brands still feature them today. H. Moser & Cie.’s Pioneer Retrograde Seconds, released two years ago, features a dashboard-inspired arc to display the retrograde seconds, with a typical Moser twist. Unlike many complications of this nature, Moser’s display snaps back to zero twice per minute – every 30 seconds – adding more action on the dial. Powered by a module developed by Agenhor SA, the complication appears on the dials of three 40mm steel models: a skeletonised Pioneer, a Streamliner and an Endeavour.

Retrograde displays can indicate all sorts of information: hours, minutes, seconds, calendar and even astronomical functions. Moser’s first model to feature a retrograde seconds display was the sporty Pioneer, with a signature blue fumé dial and a large sweeping arc, reminiscent of a tachometer or fuel gauge, spanning the dial from 5 to 7 o’clock. It takes a lot of energy to make a hand fly backwards, especially if it snaps back every 30 seconds. Using an exposed double snail-cam mechanism developed by Agenhor (Moser’s holding company MELB acquired a minority stake in Agenhor in 2023), mounted on top of Moser’s HMC 250 automatic calibre with a 3-day power reserve, the snail, which is in permanent contact with the finger, releases the energy accumulated and stored in the hairspring. The rack, also visible under the openworked bridge, positions the hand precisely on the track and releases the energy in one fell swoop while the two-tone disc beneath the snail indicates whether the watch is in the cycle’s first or second 30-second period.

Pioneer Skeleton Retrograde Seconds

Conceived as the brand’s everyday, all-purpose watch with a robust, versatile personality, the Pioneer returns in a dramatic, fully skeletonised version revealing every last detail of the movement. Equally impressive, the new steel model retains its sporty 120m water-resistant credentials. The fascinating horological landscape, with anthracite bridges, is animated by the continuous spectacle of the retrograde seconds via its semi-skeletonised snail cam. The applied indices suspended over the movement and the leaf-shaped hands are gold, while the 30-second track, the snail cam and the skeletonised rotor are golden.

Quick facts: 40mm diameter x 12mm thickness (10.4mm without crystal) – stainless steel, brushed and polished – domed sapphire crystal and see-through caseback – screw-down crown – 120m water-resistance – fully skeletonised movement secured by anthracite bridges –  gold indices and hands – Super-LumiNova hour plots on flange and tips of openworked hour and minute hands – golden 30-second arc, snail cam and skeletonised rotor – calibre HMC 251 in-house automatic with Agenhor 30-second retrograde module – 21,600vph (3Hz) – 3-day power reserve – interchangeable steel bracelet and khaki rubber strap with steel pin buckle – ref. 3251-1200 – CHF 37,726 / EUR 44,200

Streamliner Retrograde Seconds

The Streamliner, Moser’s integrated luxury sports watch, with fluid, sculptural lines, is celebrated as a unique take on a genre often defined by sharp geometric angles. Framed by a signature blue fumé sunburst dial with a transparent lacquer logo, the rounded arc of the retrograde seconds echoes the case’s smooth contours and looks perfectly at home on the Streamliner. The hands, including the retrograde seconds hand, feature Super-LumiNova. Slightly different from the Pioneer, the snail cam is placed below the openworked anthracite bridge. The caseback reveals the skeletonised rotor and bridges, decorated with Moser stripes. The 40mm steel case and its sleek integrated bracelet are decorated with vertical brushed finishes and bright polished bevels.

Quick facts: 40mm diameter x 12.1mm thickness (10.2mm without crystal) – stainless steel, brushed with polished bevels – domed sapphire crystal and see-through caseback – screw-down crown – 120m water-resistance – midnight blue fumé sunburst dial – Moser logo in transparent lacquer – hands and applied indices with Super-LumiNova inserts – calibre HMC 252 in-house automatic with Agenhor 30-second retrograde module – 21,600vph (3Hz) – 3-day power reserve – integrated steel bracelet with triple-blade folding clasp – 6252-1200 – CHF 32,300 / EUR 37,800

Endeavour Retrograde Seconds

The Endeavour is Moser’s elegant line of understated dress watches, characterised by refined cases with recessed grooves running along the flanks and curved lugs. The blackor fumé sunburst dial, with its pronounced gradient effect, has classic leaf-shaped hands and faceted applied indices with no trace of luminescence. The black arc of the 30-second counter is highlighted with golden markings, and, like the Streamliner, the snail cam sits beneath the openworked bridge, with the logo rendered in transparent lacquer.

Quick facts: 40mm diameter x 11.2mm thickness (9.9mm without crystal) – stainless steel, polished with brushed grooves – sapphire crystal and see-through caseback – 30m water-resistance – blackor fumé sunburst dial – Moser logo in transparent lacquer – leaf-shaped hands, faceted applied indices – calibre HMC 252 in-house automatic with Agenhor 30-second retrograde module – 21,600vph (3Hz) – 3-day power reserve – night blue nubuck strap with steel pin buckle – ref. 1252-1200 – CHF 30,160 / EUR 35,300

More information at h-moser.com.