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Image : Chapter Six: The End of an Era

Chapter Six: The End of an Era

The ‘Moser dam’ makes history, and Henri gets a bit carried away with the celebrations. Heinrich Moser suffers a loss, but sees new love through a lucky pair of spectacles. Two new Mosers arrive on the scene, just before the end of an era…

The Moser dam was no light piece of weekend carpentry. There were several –ahem–’ruptures’, and Papa seemed to be locked in a battle against the very forces of nature. Unsurprisingly, he won. The waterworks were completed in April 1866 and were, at that moment, the largest in Switzerland. In celebration, I tried (quite a lot) of champagne for the first time… and may even have overindulged a little. Papa had established himself not only as a local hero, but as a star in the international Industrial firmament.

Very sadly, Mama had died suddenly in a carriage accident in 1850, unable to witness all of the exciting industrial activities. This untimely end cast a long shadow over our celebrations. But In 1870, Papa married his second wife: my Stepmother, Baroness Fanny Louise of Sulzer-Wart. The two met rather romantically: on a train, when Fanny’s glasses broke and Papa offered his services to mend them. Though in her early 20s, she was quite a bit younger than he, the pair got on famously and produced two daughters. Tragically, it was only four days after the birth of my younger half-sister Mentona that Papa died: on October 23, 1874 at the age of 68. It was, undoubtedly, the end of an era.

 

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Chapter Five
The Meaning of Luxury – Very Rare, Now and Beyond

In Chapter Five, 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. 

Martina Egy

Meet Martina Egy– with her famously dexterous fingers all but permanently attached to a pair of specialised tweezers, our deputy head of watchmaking is a perpetual calendar whizz, and a real artist of engineering. Her quiet exterior belies an inner passion– much like the impeccable watches she creates. 

Vantablack® Beauty: Meet the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack®.

If you’re a true Moser Pioneer (aka you’ve been following Pioneer Chronicles for a while), you’re probably familiar with the modern miracle that is Vantablack®. But our latest creation, a Concept design that’s minimal enough to be mistaken for modern art yet ambitious enough for an astronaut, is flying to new heights. 

Chapter Four
Keeping the Legacy Alive – Moser in the World of Watchmaking Today

In Chapter Four, we discuss what a time-travelling Heinrich would make of Moser’s revival, and the world of Swiss watchmaking today. Mr. Balsiger explains why Social Responsibility is a watch-word both behind the scenes and on the public stage at Moser. And why a timepiece covered in moss is making headlines. You can also catch up with Chapters One to Three here. 

Stephan Christ

One of only 60 Spring-Masters in the world, you might imagine Stephan Christ would be somewhat ‘tightly-wound’. In fact, his impressive patience is the stuff of legend. Stephan takes precision to the next level, tuning the details of the details and minutiae so fine you’d think his fingers were made by fairies. But don’t be fooled–mention ‘dust’ and you’ll see a sterner side of Mr. Christ.

A Guide to Gilding the Lily

What’s the equation for improving on perfection? If you’ve joined us before on Pioneer Chronicles, you’ll know that we don’t just produce our own movements – unlike most watch brands, we also make our own escapements and hairsprings.  (It’s been said we’re ‘very rare’.)

Chapter Three
Turning the Tide – Moser and the Revival of Schaffhausen

In Chapter Three, we discover the many contributions Heinrich made to his hometown of Schaffhausen.  From miniscule watchwork to revolutionary railways, there was no project too big or too small for Mr. Moser. Not even putting bread on the table. You can also catch up with Chapters One and Two here. 

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.