Epilogue's journey to acquiring an H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds highlights a growing trend among collectors: seeking deeper engagement with independent watchmakers. His personal account underscores the unique value proposition of brands like Moser, where the acquisition experience transcends a mere transaction to become a relationship-building endeavor. This article explores the allure of direct engagement with independent brands and the distinct appeal of the Streamliner CS.
Dear friends and collectors,
I'd like to share with you a story of passion, burgeoning friendship and long-term relationship building. Here, with H. Moser & Cie from Neuhausen. This is how it all began...
The Moser couch, where I received my new watch!
It had been a tortuous 2-year journey to reach the conclusion that what I was missing in my life was a Moser Streamliner Centre Seconds (CS).
I'd been looking for a "mix-breed" piece, at the intersection of a daily-wearer and high-horology. Though these parameters offered a welcomed reduction in the number of potential targets, it was harder than expected to make a shortlist!
In no particular order, my parameters were:
- steel/titanium
- waterproof / shockproof
- not leather bracelet
- ideally see-through case back
- in-house manufacturing & small production
- high detail & finishing
- evidence of design coherence and thoughtful process
- within my budget of ~18,000 euros.
Though not the purpose of this post, some interesting names came up including DeBethune, Laurent Ferrier, Moser, Sarpaneva, Habring, Lange, Roger Dubuis, Frank Muller and some usual suspects PP, VC, AP, JLC. You will probably have many more to share!
After much deliberation and long after having watch-talk banned from the dinner table, it dawned upon me that the Moser Streamliner Centre Second was THE ONE. It happened one day in January 2021 (can't remember what the weather was like) without warning nor further thought. This was even more surprising given that I hadn't really taken a liking to the Streamliners when they had launched 6 months prior.
But such was the will of the Watch-Gods and, one hour later, I had made the call to Moser. "Hello, it's good to meet you. Would it be possible to order a Streamliner Centre Seconds please?".
And what was to come would be even more amazing: VIP treatment, factory visit, full collection try-out, museum visit and a lunch with Mr Meylan himself and his team. This was the umbrella in my mojito, the cherry on my gateau, the Nico to my PuristPro
(notice the rhyme here).
What I loved about the experience was the ability for a small collector to have contact with a brand. Ie, seeing the factory, meeting the team & CEO and understanding the design process & vision of the company. Not only that but I was able to share the experience with my wife and two close watch-lover friends.
So, without further delay, here are some pictures of the Moser and experience:
Thank you for reading and please don't hesitate to ask any questions about the CS!
Hugo
