The unapologetically smart H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch returns with Zzzz and Brrrr – two limited edition watches that lack nothing except vowels (live pics, specs and price)

The unapologetically smart H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch returns with Zzzz and Brrrr – two limited edition watches that lack nothing except vowels (live pics, specs and price). The mechanical wristwatch is still a powerful icon. At least we, at Monochrome, think so. Its role might be seen as threatened by mobile devices, however it makes a strong case for masculine elegance and traditional watchmaking. And in that vein, Moser unveiled its Swiss Alp watch last year. A 100% Swiss and 100% mechanical defiant stand against the rise of smartwatches. As our columnist Mario put it after the launch of the Alp watch, Moser is some type of ‘present-day David of the Swiss watch industry’.

Naturally, no-one expects the Cupertino powerhouse to collapse because of this initiative. But over the past few years, the people at Moser have run the company in a smart way, taking things seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Fine workmanship, meticulous attention to detail, mastery of traditional crafts and the refusal to compromise are all evident in its watches. At the same time, this exclusive, high-end independent brand, manufacturing just a few hundred watches a year, has embarked on several unexpected initiatives.

For instance, a few months ago, they created a stir with the ‘Make Swiss-made great again’ campaign, unveiling the Swiss Mad watch with a case made from genuine Swiss cheese. The project was provocative and irreverent but it was also intended to bring attention (with good reason) to the fact that Switzerland’s new rules on what constitutes ‘Swiss-Made’ are too lenient. Last week both the unique Swiss Alp Watch and unique Swiss Cheese Watch were auctioned for CHF 100,000 Swiss Franc in support of traditional Swiss watchmaking.

Today, the Swiss Alp watch returns with two new limited editions christened Zzzz and Brrrr. Naturally, the look is familiar. Strictly minimalist, it is an exercise in line and form. The rounded, rectangular case is beautiful and very tactile. The sense of proportion is spot on. The dial is stripped of brand signature, indices and any Swiss made indication. It comes in a glossy black or radiant funky blue color with sunburst pattern.

The sapphire case back offers an unimpeded view of the superb shaped movement and provides good reasons to take the Swiss Alp watch seriously. The manual caliber HMC324 runs at a slow 18’000 vibrations per hour and boasts a 4 days power reserve. The balance with regulating screws features an original Straumann hairspring with Breguet overcoil. It is manufactured with Precision engineering AG, Moser’s sister company. As always, the finish is superb with the brand’s signature double stripes and beautiful bevels. The movement indicates just hours and minutes, plus there is a power reserve indicator on the movement side.

The Swiss Alp Watches Zzzz and Brrrr are worn on either a black alligator or beige kudu leather strap with colorful lining. It is closed with a pin buckle. On the wrist, it looks fantastic, quite dressy in fact and it wears very well.

Technical specifications H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch Zzzz and Brrrr

• Case: 38.2 mm x 44 mm 10.3 mm thick – white gold – sapphire crystal on the front and on the back.
• Movement: HMC 324 (in-house) – 36 mm x 32 mm x 4.8 mm – manual winding – 4 days power reserve – 18’000 vibrations/h – 27 jewels – hours, minutes and power reserve indication on movement side.
• Strap: alligator or kudu leather strap with pin buckle.
• Reference: 5324-0207 (Zzzz) and 5324-0208 (Brrrr)
• Limited editions of 20 watches each
• Price: 25’600 CHF