24 mai 2023
Simon Blum
Simon maintains Moser’s impeccable standards–from the hundreds of individual, unique parts to the final finishing touches. Guardian of our watches’ inner lives, he’s a bit like a conductor, directing an orchestra of components and ensuring every single piece is beautiful both inside and out.
What does ‘very rare’ mean to you?
Moser is a small company, but we make a huge variety of components to a very high standard, using a wide range of processing technology. Every employee works on different steps of the process, and every team member is an expert in his or her field. That, to me, is very rare.
What makes Moser’s production staff so good at what they do?
The absolute determination to achieve the best possible results, always. It’s remarkable.
The achievement you’re most proud of?
The variety of components we are able to cover… we make nearly every single one… Also, next year will be my tenth year at Moser, and in every one of those years we’ve made such progress–I am very proud of how our department has evolved.
What is the greatest ‘component’ challenge you face day to day?
My biggest challenge is for the component to look good–whether polished or matte, in the right places. For instance, the cage wheel of the Tourbillon attracts a lot of attention, so it has to be impeccable, both technically and aesthetically.
You play a large role in making Moser watches so beautiful–what’s the most important part of that process?
The ‘Moser Polish’ is the famous (almost) final step in the process… it’s really an aesthetic process, just before the coating and the cleaning… but when it comes to Moser watches, aesthetics are essential!
What’s a Day in the Life like?
I’ve been Head of Component Production since 2014, and I have a team of 5 people. We mill, work on surfaces, wind, clean, finish… the list goes on! We produce around 320 components for the perpetual calendar alone– but also plates, bridges, handles, springs, cylindrical pins, screws…
The most precious component in your repertoire?
The most valuable material we use is rosé gold. When we work with this material, there’s no room for ‘rejects’… and then we also pick up all the microscopic shavings and recycle them!
What do you love about your job?
The fact that my role is so diverse. I have administrative tasks, technical tasks… I get to work on the machines myself, so I do understand them quite well. And I get to work with such a talented team of people.
And, finally, your favourite Moser watch?
I love the Pioneer Tourbillon… the case design is simple, but to me it’s the strongest, most pleasingly masculine design. Also, I probably like it even more because I got to work on the components myself!
Pioneer Centre Seconds Spiced Aqua
A striking turquoise dial that demands your attention. A flange that comes alive after dark. A flawless white strap. The Pioneer Centre Seconds Spiced Aqua runs on our exceptional HMC 201 automatic calibre. Clean, precise and unapologetically bold, this is a timepiece that exudes chromatic cool. Three hands, zero compromise.
DiscoverMust read
History
Chapter Two – Heinrich, Man Behind the Myth
In Chapter Two we continue our discussion with Roger Balsiger– this time we cover great-grandpa Moser’s Industrial Era, a Dam good invention, and a certain ‘Outlaw State of Mind’...
History
Chapter Five – The Meaning of Luxury
In Chapter Four, we talked to Mr. Balsiger about Moser’s unique identity– and his predictions for the future. From the meaning of luxury, to what makes Moser ‘very rare’, and a particularly fateful meeting with a Stranger on a Train. You can also catch up with Chapter One through Four here.
Team
Andreas Albert
The Master of Balance, King of Precision, Artiste of Assembly. Nothing escapes Andreas Albert, with his eagle-sharp eye and surgically-accurate hands. He may run a tight ship, but his atelier sounds like quite a fun place to be. An affectionate guardian to our complex machinery, Andreas is also a bit of an inventor!