Just debuted at Dubai Watch Week, the Heritage Bronze “Since 1828” is different from the usual Moser watches. A limited edition with a bronze case, the Since 1828 is styled like an aviator’s watch, with a design that draws heavily on early 20th century wristwatches. The dial is naturally smoked, as most Moser dials are, but in a subtle manner.

And in a nod to its own history, the dial bears the H. Moser & Cie. logo in Cyrillic, which before the Russian Revolution was found on most of the brand’s timepieces.

Initial thoughts

Moser is today best known for its fume dials and Streamliner sports watch, with the Heritage line being a lesser known part of its line up. Still, the Heritage watches offer the usual Moser quality – of both innovation and finishing – in a different package.

Admittedly, a bronze pilot’s watch isn’t exactly novel, but it’s atypical for Moser. And it is executed well, with a retro design that features smart details like the wire-like lugs, flat crown, and applied numerals.

But perhaps the best feature is the Cyrillic logo on the dial, which is a minor detail but manages to give the watch a different look. And it is historically appropriate, given that the Russian Empire was once the key destination for Moser’s watches.

And with a price of about US$18,000, the Heritage Bronze “Since 1828” is a fair deal for a watch with a solid, attractive in-house movement along with a dial and case featuring good details.

Atypically Moser

The Heritage line is modelled on the brand’s early 20th century wristwatches that were often exported to the Russian Empire, then the firm’s biggest market, explaining the Cyrillic logo on the dial.

The dial is a medium grey that darkens only slightly towards the edges, resulting in a smoked finish that’s not as pronounced as on the brand’s usual fume dial.

It features applied numerals that are cast from Globolight, a ceramic composite that’s impregnated with Super-Luminova so it glows in the dark.

The case is simple with thin lugs inspired by the wire lugs of early 20th century wristwatches. Made of an copper-aluminium bronze alloy, the case is 42 mm in diameter, which is typical for a pilot’s watch. But it’s relatively thin at just 11.1 mm high.

Movement-wise the Since 1828 relies on the HMC 200. It’s one of Moser’s simpler calibres, but high-spec for a base-model movement. It boasts a free-sprung balance – attached to Moser’s own hairspring made by its sister company – as well as a three-day power reserve.

Key Facts and Price

H. Moser & Cie. Heritage Bronze “Since 1828”
Ref. 8200-1701

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 11.1 mm
Material: Bronze
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: HMC 200
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 days

Strap: Grey kudu leather strap with bronze pin buckle, and additional strap in black fabric

Limited edition: 50 pieces
Availability: At Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons as well as H. Moser & Cie.’s online store
Price: CHF17,900

For more, visit h-moser.com.