This year, H. Moser & Cie. is launching the "Pop Collection" using colored gemstones. While many manufacturers are currently turning their attention to stone dials, H. Moser & Cie. has added a new element to the collection: multicolor. The expression is certainly pop.
Photograph by Yu Mitamura
Masamasa Hirota (this magazine): Interview and writing
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The reason why basic models keep customers coming back is because they have a story
CEO of H. Moser & Cie. Born in Switzerland in 1976. After earning an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, he became an analyst. After working on the production of portable watches with tourbillons, he became a director of MELB Holdings, where his father, George Henry Meylan, is chairman. He has held his current position since 2013. In addition to improving the quality of the company's products, he has attracted attention with his fumé dials that emphasize gradations, the provocative "Swiss Alp Watch," and the popular "Streamliner" collection.
"I went to a supplier's exhibition and saw samples. I realized there were many different variations. I tried combining different stones on the spot to see what would come out. I combined 100 or 200 different stones, and finally settled on these six types."
The interesting thing about H. Moser is that it's simple, but not boring.
"For example, the Vantablack® model. Some people thought it was interesting, but others found it boring. I think there are pros and cons. But it's impossible to make a watch that everyone finds interesting. I would like to make a watch that will resonate deeply with a select group of people." Another point is that, despite the company focusing on basic models, for some reason it has a large number of repeat customers. Only H. Moser & Cie. and a few other companies have been able to establish this type of business model.
"That's because each and every watch has its own story. The materials, shape, and dial are all different. In other words, each one has a different story. In fact, some of our customers only collect H. Moser & Cie. three-hand models, while others buy different colors of the pop watches. I think our attitude of telling a story resonates with our customers, and that's why they keep coming back." I asked again about the product lineup. Now, by bringing Agenau under its umbrella, H. Moser & Cie. has been able to increase the number of complications. However, the company's product lineup is basically three-hand models and complications. In other words, the business is running despite the fact that there is no established product pyramid.
Edouard Meylan cited the Streamliner chronograph as one of the models that brought about major change for H. Moser & Cie. He called it "an ambitious model that transformed H. Moser & Cie." It features an extremely elaborate dial, with the base emphasized by pressing and the fumé finish applied with lacquer. Automatic winding (Cal. HMC907). 55 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.3mm, thickness 14.2mm). Water resistant to 12 bar. Estimated price: 8,404,000 yen (tax included).
"It's not that we don't have a pyramid. What sets us apart from other companies is the shape. It's not a pyramid that widens at the bottom, but a diamond shape with a wide middle. In other words, we have to offer rare models not only at the high end, but also at the entry level. Many people don't understand this even in the luxury world, but this is very important." However, creativity is essential to stick to this stance.
"To have creativity as a company culture, the external environment as well as the team are important. A good example of this is this year's Pop. As CEO, I believe one of my roles is to create that environment and gather the best people."
