H. Moser's Streamliner is an exercise in retro-futurism, inspired by aerodynamic shapes in Streamlined Moderne 1930s American locomotives. This is an integrated sports watch, but one that does away with all the traditional derivative tropes, carte blanche, in favor of entirely sleek, arced form. This creation is entirely made by H. Moser in true vertical manufacture, from the HMC 200 to its rather special dial, a traditional fumé applied on a salmon dial. This is the Smoked Salmon Streamliner, introduced in 2023 and made for that year only.
H. Moser continually push the boundaries of independent watchmaking and challenge status quo. This smoked salmon dial is a tone no other manufacture has attempted, which can range from copper to pink gold. Additionally, this dial has no printed H. Moser & Cie signature but rather a very subtle reveal in the lacquer layer which is only visible at certain angles of light. Between the logo and constantly shifting brushed fumé dial and logo, the dial rarely looks the same between two glances. Finally, applied polished hour markers and a racing minute track add a slightly 1970s edge.
The 40mm steel case displays an intricate blend of polished and brushed contrast, from a radially grained top to the way its bracelet bevel continues into the midcase's polished upper. The bracelet form contains no straight lines, a direct inspiration from the aeroformed shapes of Streamlined Moderne. Those fluid lines, smaller link sizes, and very tight built tolerances give the Streamliner's bracelet a total comfort on wrist, bordering on silky. The articulating surface is mirror polish with a less delicate brushed outer surface. A screw down crown lends 100 meters of water resistance.
Finally, the importance of H. Moser & Cie's flagship calibre HMC 200 should not be understated. It is a thin automatic designed and made entirely at Schaffhausen, down to the hairspring. Though a utilitarian calibre at heart, H. Moser's enthusiasm shines through in touches like full anglage, Moser's signature striping, a gold rotor, and base plate perlage.
Even within the highly eclectic category of independent watchmaking's integrated sports watches, the Streamliner defies more convention than most on a design level. This inspired uniqueness has seen the Streamliner gain a cult following, those who seek more personality than Royal Oak or Nautilus can offer. Nothing else wears like a Streamliner with its graceful yet imposing presence or a smoked salmon dial. Its retro-futurist whimsy belies a deeply serious attention to detail and quality construction, the sort of watchmaking that rewards close study. In fact, few watches better distill the daring, whimsical, and yet very seriously crafted stance H. Moser apply to their art.
