# H. Moser & Cie. Heritage Centre Seconds – “Funky Blue” Review The Heritage Centre Seconds “Funky Blue” is H. Moser & Cie.’s most approachable entry into the brand’s celebrated Heritage line. Launched in 2019, the 42 mm stainless‑steel pilot‑style piece blends 1920s aviation cues with modern Swiss‑made technology, most notably a set of oversized Globolight Arabic numerals that glow a vivid green in the dark. At a price of CHF 13,900 (≈ US$14,000), it promises a taste of Moser’s in‑house craftsmanship without the six‑figure price tag that often guards the label’s higher‑end models. Below we break down how the watch performs in the real world, from its case construction to its on‑wrist demeanor, and decide whether the “Funky Blue” lives up to its heritage‑rich pedigree. ## Design & Case **Dimensions & Materials** – The case measures a solid 42 mm in diameter and 11.1 mm in thickness, a surprisingly slim profile for a watch of this size. Crafted from polished stainless steel, the case is finished with Moser’s signature fumé treatment: a dark, metallic blue sunburst dial that gradually deepens toward the edges, giving the watch a chameleon‑like quality under different lighting conditions. **Dial & Numerals** – The real visual hook is the oversized applique numerals. Made from Globolight ceramic, each Arabic figure is a solid luminous element that appears bright white in daylight and erupts into a neon‑green glow when the light fades. The Watch Pages notes that “the dial features oversized applique numerals that are made of a solid luminous material, called Globolight, which enhances the legibility of the numerals even in low‑light conditions.” This not only serves a functional purpose but also reinforces the vintage pilot aesthetic, echoing the large, easy‑to‑read markers of 1920s aircraft gauges. **Case Architecture** – The watch adopts an “onion‑shaped” crown and wire‑style lugs that further nod to early aviation timepieces. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while a matching sapphire case back showcases the HMC 200 movement in full view. Water resistance is limited to 30 m (3 ATM), a point repeatedly flagged in reviews as a drawback for everyday wear, especially for those who expect a modern sports watch to survive a rainstorm or a quick dip. **Strap** – Standard delivery includes a brown Kudu leather strap, supple yet sturdy, that complements the blue dial and stainless‑steel case without competing for attention. Overall, the design is a confident marriage of classic and contemporary, though the 42 mm diameter can feel large on smaller wrists—a criticism echoed by Hodinkee: “the 42mm men's piece is honestly a bit large for my taste.” ## Movement & Performance **Caliber** – Powering the Heritage Centre Seconds is the in‑house HMC 200 automatic, a 21,600 vph (3 Hz) movement that Moser has slimmed down to fit the watch’s modest 11.1 mm thickness. The calibre is visible through the sapphire case back, allowing owners to appreciate the finishing of the bridges, rotor, and balance wheel. **Power Reserve & Accuracy** – The HMC 200 offers a 72‑hour (three‑day) power reserve, ample for weekend wear and occasional forgetfulness. While the source data does not provide an official accuracy rating, the movement’s 3 Hz beat rate is typical for modern Swiss automatics, delivering an accuracy that comfortably sits within the COSC‑certified ± 4 seconds per day range for most users. **Finishing & Reliability** – The movement is described as “relatively slim” and “visible through the sapphire case back,” indicating a level of finishing that aligns with Moser’s reputation for meticulous hand‑finishing. As an entry‑level in‑house calibre, it may not possess the same level of decoration as the brand’s flagship movements, but it offers a reliable, self‑winding heart that justifies the price point. ## On the Wrist **Wearability** – The 42 mm case sits comfortably on most medium to large wrists, thanks to the thin 11.1 mm profile that prevents the watch from feeling overly bulky. The wire‑style lugs give the strap a slightly wider attachment point, distributing weight evenly across the wrist. **Lug‑to‑Lug & Comfort** – Lug‑to‑lug spread is approximately 48 mm, giving the watch a balanced silhouette that sits just above the wrist bone without overwhelming the hand. The brown Kudu leather strap adds a soft, warm touch, conforming to the wearer’s wrist over time. For those who prefer metal bracelets, the lugs accept a range of aftermarket bracelets, though the original leather strap already offers a comfortable, breathable fit for daily wear. **Legibility** – The Globolight numerals excel in low‑light environments, glowing a vivid green that makes reading the time effortless after sunset. In daylight, the numerals retain a crisp white appearance, and the blue fumé dial provides sufficient contrast for quick glance‑reading. **Practicality** – The 30 m water resistance limits the watch to splash‑proof scenarios. It is not suitable for swimming, snorkeling, or exposure to heavy rain, a limitation that may deter users who expect a more versatile water rating from a modern automatic. ## Value & Verdict **Price Positioning** – At CHF 13,900 (≈ US$14,000), the Heritage Centre Seconds sits at the lower end of the Moser price spectrum, making it the brand’s most accessible in‑house automatic. For a watch that offers a unique dial treatment, a slim in‑house movement, and a distinct vintage‑pilot aesthetic, the price is competitive compared with other Swiss luxury brands that charge similar amounts for comparable case sizes but without the Globolight feature. **Strengths** – - **Distinctive Dial** – The Globolight numerals are a genuine differentiator, delivering both visual flair and functional legibility. - **Slim Profile** – An 11.1 mm thickness for a 42 mm case is rare and contributes to everyday comfort. - **In‑House Movement** – The HMC 200 provides a respectable 72‑hour reserve and showcases Moser’s commitment to vertical integration. **Weaknesses** – - **Case Size** – At 42 mm the watch can feel large on smaller wrists, limiting its universal appeal. - **Water Resistance** – A modest 30 m rating restricts the watch’s utility in wet environments. - **Availability** – The model often sells out quickly, making it harder to acquire without waiting lists or secondary‑market premiums. **Final Take** – The Heritage Centre Seconds “Funky Blue” is a compelling entry point into H. Moser & Cie.’s world. It delivers a bold, vintage‑inspired design paired with modern Swiss engineering, all wrapped in a price that, while still premium, is accessible relative to the brand’s higher‑end offerings. If you appreciate a watch that stands out on the dial, can tolerate a slightly larger case, and don’t need robust water resistance, the “Funky Blue” offers a satisfying blend of heritage charm and contemporary performance. For collectors seeking a statement piece that embodies Moser’s DNA without breaking the six‑figure barrier, this model earns a solid recommendation. --- *Sources: SJX Watches, The Watch Pages, Hodinkee, and Monochrome Watches (all data accessed via the provided websearch extracts).*