H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Retrograde Seconds: New Interpretation of a Classic Complication
With the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds, H. Moser & Cie. presents a watch with an unusual and striking complication that nevertheless embodies the brand’s minimalist philosophy. The retrograde seconds is not only technically fascinating, but also puts in an impressive performance on the dial. Inspired by the world of motorsports, the watch is sporty and elegant at the same time.
Case
The case of the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is made of stainless steel and measures 42.8 mm in diameter. With a height of 14.2 mm, it has a robust appearance, which is further enhanced by the domed sapphire crystal. However, the screw-down crown with the engraved ‘M’ does ensure water resistance of up to 120 metres. The see-through case back allows for a view of the movement inside.
Overall, the size of the watch is consistent with the sporty design language of the Pioneer collection. Angular lugs and a solid feel characterise the look of the case.
Dial
The dial of the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is in deep midnight blue with a sunburst finish. True to H. Moser & Cie.’s minimalist philosophy, the logo appears here in transparent lacquer, making it virtually invisible. The focus is entirely on the retrograde seconds at 6 o’clock. This complex mechanism completes its semi-circular journey in 30 seconds, after which it jumps back to the starting position. A double cam under the seconds hand facilitates this operation. A two-tone disc beneath the snail indicates whether the watch is in the first or second 30-second period of the cycle.
The hour and minute hands are typical of the brand with their leaf shape and filled with luminescent material. They ensure good readability even in low light conditions. Faceted index appliques add an extra touch of elegance to the otherwise technical-looking dial.
Movement
At the heart of the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is the HMC 250 movement. Based on the HMC 201 movement, this calibre features a module designed by Agenhor SA that enables the retrograde seconds. The automatic movement measures 32 mm in diameter and has a height of 6.5 mm. It oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
The power reserve is at least three days. The bi-directional winding means that the mainspring is wound in both directions. The hacking seconds feature stops the seconds hand when the time is being set. The anthracite finish with Moser stripes and the partially skeletonised bridges give the movement a high-quality appearance. The engraved oscillating weight adds an extra visual highlight.
Strap
The Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is available with different straps and bracelets. These include a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap, a rubber or textile strap, as well as a steel bracelet. Regardless of the choice of bracelet or strap, the watches always come with a steel pin buckle engraved with the H. Moser & Cie. logo.
Price & Availability of the H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Retrograde Seconds
The H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is an exclusive timepiece. As such, it is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs of haute horlogerie. Interested parties should contact authorised dealers for information on prices and availability.
On 2 October, what had long been rumoured became a reality: LVMH and Formula 1 have entered into a partnership. As Formula 1 prepares for its 75th anniversary in 2025, this global partnership not only marks the end of one era but also heralds a new beginning. In this billion-euro deal, which binds LVMH to…
This German manufacture from the provincial city of Pforzheim is known for its long history of making pilot's watches. The Stowa Flieger Verus was first presented in 2018 as a modern interpretation of the classic pilot's watch. With its matte case and purist dial design, the watch received the Red Dot Design Award. Now, the…
Gold, silver, and bronze medals are the symbols of Olympic success. The official timekeeper of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Omega, has unveiled a watch inspired by these coveted awards. The Omega Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition combines the three famous materials in a special model. This watch pays tribute to athletic competitions and Omega's…
Geneva-based manufacturer Patek Philippe is presenting three intricate chronographs, each with a further complication. The house is showing the 5204R-011, a split-seconds chronograph with a perpetual calendar. In addition, the 5905/1A-001, a sporty chronograph with a stainless steel case. In this article, however, we present the Patek Philippe 5930P-001. This offers a flyback chronograph together…
Cartier is introducing a platinum version of its Tank Cintrée, in a special edition that makes up part of the brand's Les Rééditions. Les Rééditions are sought-after watches that Cartier creates with its collectors in mind. Following re-editions such as the Pasha Calendrier Perpétuel and last year's Pebble watch, this 2023 piece makes a return…
Audemars Piguet expands its Code 11.59 collection with two new models in stainless steel. These timepieces feature a grey dial and strap, complemented by the brand’s signature "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" accents. Available in both Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph versions, these watches showcase the collection’s unique design and meticulous craftsmanship. Let’s take a closer look…
The Master Control collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre has been around since 1992, and to mark its 30th anniversary, the Maison is presenting new dials for the Master Control Date and Master Control Calendar. Until now, the two models were only available with silver-grey dials. Now, however, they appear in deep blue with a sunburst finish and…
Last year, Breitling launched a special edition celebrating the German island of Sylt. Now the brand is presenting the successor. The Breitling SuperOcean Heritage Sylt Edition II combines an ice-blue dial with a dark bezel and is thus very much in the spirit of summer. On the case back, Breitling places a special engraving that…
For over a century, the watchmaker Panerai, founded in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, has been dedicated to the production of precision instruments developed primarily for the Italian navy and military. As early as 1916, Panerai, in collaboration with a lieutenant in the Italian navy, succeeded in developing a substance based on radium that glowed in…
Since its debut in 1993, the Seamaster Diver 300M has earned a reputation for blending professional dive features with contemporary design. Over the past twenty years, Omega has intermittently introduced the colour orange into several Seamaster families, leveraging its high visibility underwater and its unmistakable aesthetic. This year, the Maison brings that signature hue directly…
The striking design of the new Patravi ScubaTec Black was inspired by the Black Manta Special Edition, that was introduced in summer 2019. It will be available starting from April 2020. Not only the design is inspired by the Black Manta Special Edition, the new sports watch is also dedicated to protecting the oceans and…
Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has unveiled three new models in its Royal Oak Offshore collection. These Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph novelties come in 37 and 43 mm sizes, demonstrating a range of materials such as colored rubber, stainless steel, 18-carat pink gold, and black ceramic. These timepieces introduce fresh bronze, ivory, and blue…
The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is a robust sports watch that radiates a sense of adventure thanks to its GMT hand. The watch comes in five variants, differing in the dials. The choice is between black, blue, green, white and anthracite grey. The Chronomat's 40 mm steel case appears on the collection's typical rouleaux…