H. Moser at BaselWorld 2013

H. Moser from Schaffhausen has gone through a change of ownership this past year.  It is now in the stable of  Georges-Henri Meylan's MELB Holding  which also includes Hautlence.  As a result its colection has been refocused and the number of models greatly decreased.  The Henry model is (unfortunately IMHO) no longer in their program and the number of dial and case material combinations has been reduced as have the relatively large number of palladium models.

We have however new brushed silver dials and new gold fumé dials.  The silver dial with a white gold case gives a new color combination that has been missing at Moser all these years.

Of course the highlight of the collection is the perpetual calendar.  This is the signature Moser watch with its simple yet complete display.  Like all the Moser models it is laid back, but not missing a thing.  Moser is now able to produce these in larger quantities so that there should be less difficulty in finding them at their dealers.

Another watch in their collection that I find very successful is the dual time zone.  With a second hour hand in a different color that is hidden behind the main hour hand when not needed this is a dual time zone watch for those who are not always traveling around the world.  You only notice it because of the little round window at 12 signaling day or night for the second time zone.

Somewhat less successful in my eyes are ther moon phase watches that include too much information as I see it for a complication that has little practical use.  I do not really see the necessity of knowing the phase of the moon in 2 days, for example.  But I uess there are those who do.

Moser is continuing to make their customised and unique pieces as well as the limited gold collection in which large portions of the movement itself are made in gold too, not just the case.  Every time I see one of these I am surprised how much I like it.  There really is a very visible difference between massive gold bridges and gold plated.