A perfect marriage of ambition, innovation, and irreverence, the crew of the very rare brand have unleashed a brand new complication in their Pioneer line! H. Moser & Cie.’s latest debutante for Geneva Watch Days combines the satellite and jump hour complications for a theatrical display.
H. Moser & Cie. have long distinguished themselves in Swiss watchmaking world. Through a blend of technical mastery, refined elegance, and playful irreverence, they’ve become know for reimagining classical complications with their singular creative vision. From making a watch that grew vegetation to poking fun at the Apple smartwatch, the brand balances technical sophistication with personality, inventiveness, and unmistakeably their own.
In a way reminiscent of One-Punch Man, however, H. Moser knows how to get serious when the moment calls for it. This is evident in their historical contributions to horology — from the robust, everyday Pioneer collection launched in 2015 to the Flying Hours complication introduced in 2018 with the Endeavour line. For Geneva Watch Days 2025, the independent brand has combined these hallmarks into one — actually, two — spectacular new timepieces. Meet the Pioneer Flying Hours duo, which reinterprets the celebrated 2018 complication through instantaneous hour jumps.
Both models share a 42.8mm case diameter but differ in thickness: 16.1mm for the 18k red gold limited edition and 14.2mm for the stainless steel version. They retain the signature design elements of the Pioneer line, including a curved sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and the robust benefit of 120m water resistance. While substantial on paper, the watches remain surprisingly wearable thanks to wide, sculpted lugs that provide a commanding wrist presence and emphasise the collection’s sporty elegance. Rubber straps — black for the red gold and grey for the steel — are secured with matching pin buckles, standard fare for the Pioneer collection but executed with Moser’s characteristic attention to detail.
But allow me to be Captain Obvious and point out what isn’t standard fare for this new duo, which is the absolutely absurd new dial design. Deceptively simple yet achingly complex, it discards logos and indexes entirely, putting the focus squarely on the time display. But don’t worry if you don’t know how it works – that’s what I’m here for! Unlike the Endeavour Flying Hours, which transitions gradually between the three hour discs, the Pioneer Flying Hours delivers a crisp, immediate jump of the current hour.
The hour discs rotate on their own axes around a central skeletonised minutes disc, creating a hypnotic orbital display that is both technical and intuitive. The central disc tracks minutes across a 120° arc, while the hidden hour discs reveal numerals sequentially through apertures. At the top of each hour, the corresponding numeral jumps into place, perfectly aligned with the minute arc for effortless reading: 1, 4, 7, and 10 o’clock at the top; 2, 5, 8, and 11 o’clock at the bottom right; and 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock at the bottom left. The aesthetic is further enhanced by the dial choices: the limited edition features deep aventurine evoking a starry night sky, while the stainless steel version pairs a minimalist white fumé dial with a dark blue minutes disc for a modern, industrial feel.
At the heart of the Pioneer Flying Hours is the automatic Calibre HMC 240. A movement as capable as it is beautifully finished. it beats at 3Hz (21,600VpH) and offers a 72-hour power reserve. What truly impresses me, though, is the level of detail achieved in H. Moser’s manufactory: both the hairspring and escapement are produced in-house, while the bridges and plates are finished in anthracite for a contemporary, restrained aesthetic. Unlike the predominant bright steel of most movements, the grey anthracite coating allows for a more muted backdrop whilst contrasting beautifully with the gold and ruby jewels within. Finally, the rotor varies by edition, crafted from solid red gold in the limited edition and dense tungsten in the stainless steel model.
My Thoughts
What I love most about H. Moser & Cie. is their absolute commitment to everything they do. I’ve said similar things about other brands, but very few consistently dedicate themselves to concepts as bold and unconventional as those conceived by the Meylan family. Having spoken with Edouard and Bertrand Meylan, it’s clear they rarely do things by halves. It’s a remarkable approach, especially in an industry that can often be delicate, challenging, and unpredictable, but it’s one that allows them to elevate their watchmaking to exceptional levels.
The Pioneer Flying Hours is quintessentially H. Moser & Cie.: a watch that combines technical mastery and aesthetic excellence within a sporty, versatile case. Limited to 100 pieces in aventurine and red gold, or available as a stainless steel permanent collection model, it transforms the act of reading time into a captivating visual performance. With this watch, Moser demonstrates once again that their ambitious approach to horology is at the core of their operations, resulting in a timepiece where mechanics, design, and philosophy merge seamlessly.
References: 3240-0900 (Aventurine) / 3240-1200 (White Fumé)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 43mm case diameter x 16.1mm (Aventurine) / 14.2mm (White Fumé) thickness
- Case Material: 18k 5N red gold with black DLC titanium accents (Aventurine) / Stainless steel (White Fumé)
- Dial: Aventurine / sunray-brushed white fumé with three digital hour displays
- Movement: Automatic Cal. HMC240 with ‘Flying Hours’ complication
- Power Reserve: 72h
- Beat Rate: 3Hz (21,600VpH)
- Water Resistance: 120m (12bar)
- Strap: Black / Gray perforated rubber strap with black DLC titanium / steel buckle