In the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking, where tradition often reigns supreme, H. Moser & Cie. stands out as a brand that dares to be different. Their latest collaboration with Reebok, the Streamliner Pump, is a testament to this bold approach, blending the worlds of luxury timepieces and iconic sneakers in a way that's both unexpected and captivating.
A Playful Partnership
H. Moser & Cie. has always brought a unique brand of playfulness to the watchmaking industry, a refreshing contrast to the more solemn and traditional approaches of many of their peers. Their collaboration with Reebok, a titan of the sneaker world, is a perfect example of this.
Reebok's Pump sneaker, a cultural icon of the late 80s and early 90s, revolutionized footwear with its patented inflatable air chambers, activated by a simple hand-operated pump. This iconic feature has now been reimagined in the world of horology, with Moser's Streamliner Pump watch.
The Pump Mechanism, Reimagined
At the heart of the Streamliner Pump is an innovative winding mechanism inspired by Reebok's Pump technology. Instead of a traditional winding crown, the watch features an interactive orange anodized aluminum pusher on the left side of the case. With a simple press, energy is transmitted directly to the barrel spring, providing over an hour of power reserve. This unique feature not only adds a fun element to the watch but also serves as a practical way to monitor and maintain the power reserve.
A Technical Marvel
The movement powering this innovative pumping action is a modified version of Moser's HMC 500 automatic caliber, now a hand-wound HMC 103. This slim and compact movement, measuring just 30mm x 4.5mm, beats at an impressive 21,600vph and offers a robust 74-hour power reserve. The interactive winding system is visible through the sapphire caseback, showcasing the openworked bridges and fully skeletonized rack.
Case Construction
The cases of the Streamliner Pump are crafted from matte forged quartz fiber, a material rarely seen in watchmaking. This process, which involves cutting quartz fiber into segments, compressing them in a mold, and injecting resin, results in a unique mottled or moiré pattern. The material is purer and whiter than glass fiber, resistant to UV exposure, and lightweight. Additionally, the cases feature an internal titanium casing, referred to as a sarcophagus by the brand, which shields the movement and ensures water resistance up to 100 meters.
Design and Dial
The Streamliner Pump models, available in black and white forged quartz fiber cases, feature a 40mm case diameter and a height of 9.7mm (or 11.4mm with the sapphire crystal). They are equipped with a screw-down crown with a rubber ring, a titanium caseback with sapphire crystal, and an integrated rubber strap for a sporty look.
The dials, in black or white lacquer, are deliberately stripped down to the essentials, with applied hour markers and hands treated with grey or white Globolight inserts for visibility in low light. The arched power reserve indicator, with its distinctive orange bar, is a standout feature on the otherwise minimalist dial.
Limited Edition Release
Moser's Streamliner Pump is a limited-edition release, with only 250 pieces available in each color. The timing of this release is particularly apt, coinciding with Reebok's launch of new Pump models this year. The watch retails for CHF 31,360 (excluding taxes) and is a unique blend of luxury, innovation, and playful design.
Conclusion
H. Moser & Cie.'s collaboration with Reebok is a bold and imaginative venture, bringing together two iconic brands in a way that's both surprising and captivating. The Streamliner Pump watch is a testament to Moser's talent for thinking outside the box and their ability to infuse traditional watchmaking with a sense of fun and innovation. It's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story, a story of creativity, collaboration, and a shared love of pushing boundaries.
