24 五月 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
Team
Axel Kabus WRONG WATCH
Meet Axel Kabus, our After-Sales Expert and Guardian of Watches (once they’ve flown the nest to make their way in the world). A sort of Professor Xavier to our creations, Axel is one of a select few experts who take care of our clients’ every need. Repairs, damage, aesthetic requests or regular servicing: he’s got you covered. Ok, please don’t ask him to order you a limo at 2am. But pretty much anything else...
History
Chapter Six – Roger’s Review
In Chapter Six, Roger shares some personal favourites, muses on the intelligence of lions, and explains why he could never fall in love with a smartwatch. You can also catch up with Chapter One through Five here.
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.