A number of watch brands have sought partnerships in motorsport, particularly at the technical pinnacle that Formula 1 represents. Drivers often strap on their timepiece as soon as they step out of the car, and much attention is paid to what they have on the wrist on their off days, as well. One of the newest associations began earlier this year, when Alpine Motorsports forged a global partnership with the watch manufacturer, H. Moser & Cie.

This partnership is based on Moser and Alpine’s common pursuit of innovation and technology. Alpine, founded in 1955, began by modifying Renault cars for racing and went on to create iconic rally cars such as the Alpine A110, whilstH. Moser & Cie., building on its horological heritage, has often taken a very modern approach of exploring new materials in watchmaking. It is worth mentioning that the connection is further strengthened by a personal touch: the Meylan family, owners of H. Moser & Cie., share a deep-seated passion for motoring, and in particular, Alpine cars, having owned and raced them over the years.

This collaboration is naturally emphasized beyond the logo placement on the F1 cars; in April, H. Moser & Cie. introduced the Streamliner Alpine Limited Edition, featuring a cylindrical tourbillon with a skeletonized dial. The watch design adapts H. Moser & Cie.’s philosophy in a minimalist way while embodying iconic features of both brands. Housed in H. Moser & Cie.’s signature Streamliner case, the hours and minutes are displayed on a small domed bright blue (Alpine Formula One racing team color) synthetic spinel in the simplest way (white baton hands and markers), creating a dynamic context for the skeletonized movement that’s devoid of any unnecessary elements. It was important for both that the design be instantly recognisable as an example of their partnership, without explicitly placing logos on the timepiece (an aspect that H. Moser & Cie have explored, even on their own watches, which have featured transparent brand markings, and, on occasion, no markings at all).

The automatic caliber HMC 811 features H. Moser & Cie.’s in-house cylindrical balance spring and a one-minute flying tourbillon, produced by their subsidiary company Precision Engineering AG). The cylindrical balance spring is a signature of the watch brand, as only a few watch houses have the capability to create their own hairspring, let alone a cylindrical one. Not only does it provide additional visual pleasure when viewing the movement, but from a horological perspective, a cylinder-shaped balance spring provides better performance when amplitudes change.

The watch comes with a bright blue rubber strap that again matches the identity of Alpine’s Formula One racing team, with a second version also presented at the Miami Grand Prix, with pink details

Alpine’s driver, Pierre Gasly, is also very enthusiastic about this association and is also directly an H. Moser & Cie. brand ambassador, another first for the maison. With many races to go in this year’s F1 season, we look forward to seeing this partnership develop further, on and off the track.