With its sights and sounds, the thrill of an F1 race is a sensory feast best experienced live. This excitement parallels the allure of some watches, a connection that was on full display at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. H. Moser & Cie., in collaboration with the BWT Alpine F1 race team, introduced a limited edition pink tourbillon-equipped, skeletonized Streamliner watch.
Following the debut of a blue limited edition Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton in Shanghai during round 5 of the Formula 1 season, Miami saw the unveiling of an even more exclusive pink edition. The color scheme pays homage to the livery of the team’s A524 race car, with pink being particularly fitting for Miami’s sun-soaked International Autodrome street circuit.
The relationship between watches and Formula 1 is long-standing and symbiotic, dating back to the 1970s. The most meaningful partnerships go beyond commercial interests, embodying a deeper connection. While mechanical timekeeping in races has given way to digital precision, the spirit of mechanical craftsmanship persists and thrives.
H. Moser’s latest addition to the Streamliner collection is a mechanical marvel, showcasing the brand’s ability to blend seriousness with levity through innovative use of materials, textures, finishes, colors, and even irony. The new Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton stands out as more than just the sum of its parts.
F1 enthusiasts will recognize the bold liveries of the race cars, which honor team history and sponsors. The BWT Alpine F1 team’s distinctive pink livery, core to the BWT brand, aims to raise awareness for their mission of improving water quality. This pink inspired the second Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton, featuring not only a pink rubber strap but also a pink synthetic corundum within the dial. While the strap can be swapped for the collection’s signature integrated bracelet, the pink dial detail remains a permanent feature, subtly enhancing the watch’s dynamic open-worked movement and cylindrical tourbillon.
The HMC 811 caliber is fully skeletonized, including the gold oscillating weight, offering views of nearly every part of the movement. The main plate and bridges feature an anthracite finish with diamond beveling for contrast. The tourbillon cage, framed by a thin bridge, secures the going train on the left and connects the regulating organ to the hour and minute display at the top, with the mainspring below. This configuration highlights the tourbillon, which uses a cylindrical hairspring with a dual Breguet overcoil, making a full rotation every 60 seconds. The bridge securing the balance staff is rendered in blue, complementing the pink hues and adding dimensional drama.
At 12 o’clock, a pink synthetic corundum dial structure balances the tourbillon at the bottom. This domed disc, similar to ruby or sapphire, offers a soft, translucent pink that changes with the viewing angle and lighting. It features Super LumiNova hour markers and blued hands with Globolight inserts for surprisingly legible time tracking.
The Streamliner’s 42.3mm steel cushion case, known for its unique shape and absence of traditional lugs, integrates a rubber strap that wears comfortably and can be swapped for the iconic bracelet design. Despite its size, the case fits snugly on the wrist with no overhang, offering a compelling experience both visually and physically. This watch not only nods to Miami and the team’s partnership with BWT but also transcends mere corporate sponsorship, as highlighted in a conversation with Alpine driver Pierre Gasly.
The pink Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton by H. Moser & Cie. is a true celebration of mechanical artistry and the enduring bond between watches and motorsport.
