H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch Review

christianch · 2016-09-19T11:54:37Z

Christianch reviews the H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch, exploring its controversial Apple Watch-inspired design, manufacture movement, and collector appeal.

christianch

WPS member · Independents forum

19 replies6597 views8 photos

Christianch's review of the H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch delves into a timepiece that sparked considerable debate upon its release. His personal experience highlights the watch's controversial yet captivating design, which cleverly mimics the aesthetic of a smartwatch while housing a traditional Swiss manufacture movement. This article offers insights into why this unique piece resonated with collectors despite its polarizing nature.

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From the day it was announced I was somehow captured by this watch. It had the very modern design features of the apple watch yet it was not a smart watch but a classical swiss watch.

The Moser Swiss Alp Watch was and is certainly controversial among watch lovers and purists. To many this was just a marketing stunt. To others it was likely to never see the light...but it to me it was a bit of love at first sight

or let's say at least infatuation.

Today I have asked the local AD if they had one and ...they did. So without further introductions here it is: unapologetic in all its splendour: the H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch!

The dial is the typical Moser fume grey dial that -- in the past -- was used exclusively for the watches in palladium. I think it was a good choice to move

to white gold and keep this wonderful dial.

The watch is not small and I think it would be more similar to the apple watch 42mm but it still fits pretty well on my wrist

I also love the strap in kudu leather that gives it a casual look and feel!

Rainy day...

The watch is powered by the H. Moser Caliber HMC 324.607 that features an Original Straumann Hairspring® with stabilised Breguet overcoil. A previous version of this movement with a double hairspring was used in the Henry Moser model that is no longer in production. Given the cost to produce a square movement I think it was a great idea to use these movements in the Swiss Alp Watch.

Now I know what you are thinking: why get the Swiss Alp Watch when the upgraded Swiss Alp Watch S was announced (lol). Oh well here you don't have to worry about upgrades. On a more serious note from the photos I have seen the S version is really nice too and being that is not limited it might be available to more people.

I was captured by this watch and as soon as I tried it on. Given that this first iteration is limited to 50 pieces I had to make a quick decision but I am very happy with the watch and I think that it will get a lot of wrist time. More photos and a more in-depth review after I have the chance to enjoy it a bit more. Thanks for reading and let me know what you think ! What you like/dislike about the watch? Which apps you would like to see in the next version ?

Christian

Key Points from the Discussion

The Swiss Alp Watch's dial is considered special and perfectly suited to the watch, though the tonneau shape raises questions about long-term appeal.
The watch's dimensions are 38.2 x 44.0 mm with a height of 10.3 mm, making it comparable in size to a 42mm Apple Watch (36.4 x 42.5mm / 11.4mm height). The movement itself measures 32.0 mm x 36.0 mm.
The list price for the H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch is 24,900 USD/CHF.
The watch is appreciated for its blend of vintage and modern aesthetics, with the movement filling the case shape nicely and well-chosen colors.
H. Moser & Cie. is seen as an underdog and the only manufacturer in the German part of Switzerland (besides IWC), with its watches often considered undervalued.
The Swiss Alp Watch represents the 'best of both worlds' by combining an Apple Watch-inspired design with a high-quality manufacture movement.

The Discussion

MCG (Markus)

Sep 19, 2016

What I also like is the more modern look of this Moser. Somehow it blends vintage and modern nicely... On the other hand the question might be, will you get tired of it in a couple of years because of the shape? The movement fills the shape nicely as well! [thumb up!] Colors are choosen very well too! The size I find almost too big, but not yet. At least for your wrist size. What is the length of the watch from strap to strap attachment? What would be the list price of Moser? Congrats!!

Ornatus-Mundi

Sep 19, 2016

honestly... CONGRATS! It looks wonderful on oyur wrist. Best, Magnus

christianch

Sep 19, 2016

the dial is something really special and on this watch is perfect! Now will I get tired in a couple of years because of the shape? Well it could be...but I did wear other tonneau style watches before...this said I also have other watches that are waiting for some love so nothing wrong in rotating them Size is at the border but can still pull it off (I think!) Length is around 42mm but the official press kit says 38.2 x 44.0 mm / height: 10.3 mm by comparison the Apple Watch 42mm is 36.4 x 42.5mm

christianch

Sep 19, 2016

lol thanks a lot for the kind congrats! I was in love since your first announcement of this watch in the forum () so you played a role in this Thanks again Christian

christianch

Sep 19, 2016

I love the style and idea behind it but...also the movement. Moser is also a bit of an underdog..is the only manufacturer in the german part of Switzerland (beside IWC that can however count on the synergies with the rest of the group). I feel that Moser watches are very undervalued. I think that this watch is the best of both worlds because -- the apple watch design is certainly nice -- yet here it is combined with a manufacture movement. I have several watches but this is truly different

Clueless_Collector

Sep 19, 2016

Congratulations on this Apl watch, Alp I meant I agree this version is the one to get. Rgds Raymond

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