By Jovan Krstevski
H. Moser & Cie. is at it again, tossing convention out the window and serving up haute horology with a generous helping of humor. The new Pioneer Centre Seconds Sunny-Side Up is basically what happens when you mix Swiss watchmaking with scrambled style panache; and it works way better than you’d expect.
At first glance, the yellow fumé dial is all sunshine and good mood, but zoom in and you’ve got that trademark Moser gradient that shifts from bright egg-yolk yellow at the center to a darker tone at the edges. It’s vibrant, punchy and just a little cheeky.
The minimalist indices and leaf-shaped hands (with lume, of course) keep things clean and the seconds hand adds a subtle flex with its openworked counterweight.
The 40mm x 12mm stainless steel case is pure Pioneer; rugged but not clunky, with 120m of water resistance, ridged sides and a domed crystal that gives it a slightly vintage curve. The white rubber strap plays off the dial in a way that feels very intentional; like egg and toast, or maybe egg and smoked salmon if you’re feeling fancy. And yeah, there’s a steel bracelet option if you want to tone down the Easter egg thing.
Flip the watch over and you’re greeted by the HMC 201 movement; a slightly upgraded version of the HMC 200. You’re looking at 72 hours of power reserve, Straumann hairspring, and all the striping and skeletonization that make Moser’s calibers so photogenic through that sapphire caseback.
Price-wise, it’s CHF 15,000 (or $15,900 USD) on the rubber, which puts it right in line with Moser’s other steel sports watches. This watch has personality in spades and if you ever wanted to show up to brunch wearing a fried egg on your wrist, then this is how you do it without getting kicked out of the restaurant.
