In a landscape often dominated by black dials and conservative palettes, H. Moser & Cie continues to surprise collectors and enthusiasts alike. With the new Pioneer Centre Seconds “Sunny Side Up”, the Schaffhausen-based brand delivers a bold statement watch that blends technical mastery with playful irreverence—without ever losing its horological seriousness.
Moser’s audacity, framed by tradition
Founded in 1828, H. Moser & Cie has always operated at the intersection of classic watchmaking and independent spirit. While its fumé dials and minimal branding have become its signature, the brand doesn’t shy away from provocation. From the Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade to the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton, Moser knows how to capture attention—but never without substance. The Pioneer collection, launched in 2015, is its most pragmatic line: a daily-wearable luxury sports watch built with durability, functionality, and flair. With this new Sunny Side Up edition, the Pioneer takes a sunny detour, channeling Moser’s unique humor into a surprisingly refined execution.
Inside the egg: technical ingredients
Behind the cheerful façade lies a robust and finely finished HMC 201 automatic movement, produced entirely in-house. It delivers 72 hours of power reserve, regulated by Moser’s own pioneer escapement with a Straumann hairspring. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, revealing an openwork oscillating weight engraved with the Moser logo. Encasing it is a stainless steel case measuring 40mm, water-resistant to 120 meters—true to the Pioneer’s go-anywhere DNA.
The standout feature, of course, is the handcrafted yellow smoke dial, mimicking an egg yolk caressed by the sun. Moser applies lume-filled hands and markers next to the indices so this piece, while playful, remains legible and practical. It’s paired with a white rubber strap, ensuring comfort and a seamless visual impact.
Who is this watch really for?
This is not a watch for the faint of heart—or for those who take themselves too seriously. It’s for collectors who appreciate independent watchmaking, who know their tourbillons from their coaxials, but aren’t afraid to wear something that starts a conversation. The design influences are whimsical but meticulous, as if René Magritte had turned his eye to watch dials. It also aligns with a growing trend: haute horlogerie with a wink. Brands like Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, and now Moser have shown that playfulness and high-end craft aren’t mutually exclusive.
In daily wear, it offers a light-hearted companion with serious specs—perfect for weekends, casual outings, or simply as a mood-lifter during boardroom meetings. The yellow strap, while bold, complements a surprisingly broad range of outfits, and the steel case brings ruggedness to the table.
Final thoughts and availability
The Pioneer Centre Seconds Sunny Side Up is limited to just 50 pieces, making it a rare collectible that won’t linger on shelves. Priced at $15,900 USD, it’s not just a novelty—it’s a statement piece backed by genuine horological pedigree. Deliveries will begin in late June 2025, available through H. Moser & Cie boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.
There’s something beautifully subversive about seeing a masterfully constructed Swiss timepiece rendered as breakfast food—and it works. Moser, once again, proves that serious watchmaking doesn’t have to take itself too seriously, quite the opposite actually…just like they did with the Spiced Aqua series !
