There are watches that can make you fall in love just by looking at the photo from a screen, while others require something more. You have to touch them, try them on your wrist, to be literally fascinated by them. This is what happened to me with the newcomer from H. Moser & Cie, the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic.

At its official presentation I was somewhat perplexed, I must admit, since it is not the classic watch to which the maison has accustomed us in recent years. In fact, the Streamliner is the first watch, or rather chronograph, in steel with an integrated bracelet made by Moser. 

Seen up close, the Streamliner is what I call a "real watch“, Complete in every aspect: the finishes of the case, bracelet, dial and - last but not least - of the movement, are at the height of the most demanding enthusiast. In the new Streamliner Flyback Automatic, nothing has been left to chance, so it's worth analyzing carefully.

INSPIRATION

Let's start from the beginning, from the idea that prompted H. Moser & Cie. To develop this 'breakthrough' watch. The name streamliner, is a tribute to the first high-speed trains of the twenties and thirties of which it evokes the rounded and aerodynamic curves.

In the initial phase of the development of this new line, which took 5 years, there was the idea of ​​designing a model with a steel case and integrated bracelet, but in a short time it became inseparable from the notion of fluidity and curved lines continuous that somehow recall the most beautiful chronographs of the 60s and 70s. Who among you admiring these lines hasn't had some dejavù? What if I told you Mark II?

Also for the case, H. Moser & Cie. Adopts a unique approach. In fact, we could define it as a cross between the classic form 'pillow' is that 'bull head', a fusion that gives the Stramliner a modern look but without losing elegance. The finishes are stunning starting from soleil processing that frames the dial, to the bevel at the edges of the carrure that continues along the integrated bracelet.

I would have thought that once on the wrist the Stramliner would be heavy and very uncomfortable. Wrong. The bracelet also easily adapts to a slender wrist: thanks both to the shape that shrinks near the retractable folding clasp, and to the articulated links that rest along the wrist. 

On the lower edge of each link, there is a small shiny bevel in contrast to the satin finish.

THE NEW GRAY ANTHRACITE DIAL

As many of you may have noticed, unlike most common chronographs, the Stramliner has no counters. The dial is sober and clearly legible. Clean, essential lines, no element that can in any way 'disturb' the harmony created around the main function, the chronograph one.

Readability for a chronograph is a fundamental element, but in addition to this aspect, the strengths of the Stramliner are the details. Obviously, speaking of Moser, the dial is always a special component: from the color anthracite gray - first model made by the maison - to the smoky 'scratched' process from that brand running across the dial from 6 to 12 o'clock number 60, at noon, dominates the quadrant. Again for reasons of legibility, H. Moser & Cie. Has opted for one red second hand, while that of the minutes is rhodium-plated. To indicate hours and minutes, H. Moser & Cie. Has chosen three-dimensional curved hands with two sections of inserts containing Globolight®.

THE MHC 902 MOVEMENT

The show also continues on the B side of the watch, where thanks to the transparent caseback it is possible to admire the new one Caliber MHC 902 developed by Agenhor for H. Moser & Cie. Known for developing retrograde complications - such as the Pont des Amoureux by Van Cleef & Arpels - and the innovative chronograph AgentGraphe, Agenhor built the Flyback Chronograph on these foundations as well the first automatic chronograph caliber to have a flyback mechanism for center mounted seconds and minutes.

As many may have noticed, the Caliber MHC902 may appear to be a manual caliber on the surface, however it is an automatic caliber. You wonder where the oscillating weight can be placed: micro rotor? externally? No, the tungsten oscillating weight is placed between the dial and the movement. An unusual location, but brilliant, as it allows us to fully enjoy the finishes of the movement, and the chronograph function with column wheel.

This type of oscillating weight is also very quiet as it is not supported by the most common roller ball bearings, but by a simple low friction bearing with a light coat of lubrication.

The basis of this movement is precisely the AgentGraphe, a caliber created with the intention of solving as many existing problems with chronographs, giving life to unique mechanisms that create safe and precise functionality, as well as great resistance to shocks. One of the strengths lies at the heart of the movement, which contains a patented chronograph clutch: the AgentClutch which eliminates all the drawbacks of both horizontal and vertical clutches. Visually, this function eliminates the usual “leap” of the chronograph hand for instant triggering.

MY FEEDBACK

How did you get to read it Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic, I really liked it. In him I found elements that I love in a wristwatch: the charm of a vintage chronograph, the personality andhaute horlogerie expressed in all its elements.

It is a pleasure to admire it on the wrist, while the play of light enhances the alternation of the finishes of the case and the bracelet. The real advantage is that of wearing a watch with an integrated bracelet, which finally does not refer to iconic timepieces from other brands. The Streamliner is unique in the segment.

I forgot, for the most demanding wrists, the Streamliner chronograph can also be used underwater thanks to a dynamic waterproofness of 12 ATM.

We come to the sore point, the price of Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic and of 38'000 Euros and it is limited to only 100 specimens.