H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch - Review
The H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch is probably one of the most controversial mechanical watches of the past years. Released in 2016 as a response to the Apple Watch It might look as an apple watch but it is powered by a purely traditional mechanical hand-wound movement with 4 days of power reserve.
The release of the watch was controversial and confusing: was this real ? Would Apple go against the small Swiss manufacturer and shout down this very similar watch ?
Not only the watch was not stopped but, after the first one featured in this article (limited to 50 pieces) it was released by moser in several iterations including other limited editions.
The watch is fantastic and a contradiction: it represent our times, dominated by the Apple Watch and other smart watches, yet it doesn't get obsolete as a smart watch. It can last one or more lifetimes (of course it depend on how much good care you take of it and if you service it). It has nothing to do with the gold apple watch that became obsolete just after 1 year. It would probably be even more so in 10 years where you couldn't probably update the software or charge it.
The Swiss Alp Watch is by definition understated and can be mistaken for a smart watch. It has a beatiful grey fume dial that, as you can see in the photos, morphs depending on the light.
Other iterations included black (very similar to an apple watch), cosmic green, blue fume and even yellow.
The strap is pretty distressed and sporty but some other versions had a crocodile strap. I think the distressed kudo leather fits the watch very well.
And here is the gorgeous movement: with a power reserve of 4 days, hacking seconds, interchangeable Moser escapement
In summary this watch is daring but very unique and perfect for the modern CEO.