# H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon – A Jewel‑Boxed Masterpiece The newest entry in H. Moser & Cie.’s Streamliner line arrives with a striking blend of haute‑horlogerie engineering and high‑jewellery flair. The **Streamliner Tourbillon (ref. 6804‑1201)** places a one‑minute flying tourbillon above a fumé dial that shimmers with a rainbow of sapphire gemstones set invisibly into the bezel. At 40 mm the piece straddles the sweet spot between classic dress‑watch proportions and modern presence, while the in‑house Calibre HMC 804 offers a respectable 72‑hour power reserve. In this review we break down the watch’s design, movement, wearability, and overall value, keeping strictly to the facts H. Moser provides. --- ## Design & Case | Specification | Detail | |---------------|--------| | **Case diameter** | 40 mm | | **Material** | Polished stainless steel with satin‑finished surfaces | | **Water resistance** | 120 m | | **Dial** | Fumé, sun‑burst pattern; flying tourbillon at 12 o’clock | | **Gem‑setting** | Sapphire stones of varying colour, set invisibly into the bezel, forming a full‑spectrum “rainbow” around the dial | | **Finishing** | Extremely meticulous polishing and satin‑finishing on adjacent surfaces, a hallmark of the Streamliner collection | The 40 mm stainless‑steel case feels instantly premium. H. Moser’s commitment to “extremely meticulous polishing and satin‑finishing” is evident in the way light glides across the case, highlighting the subtle contrast between high‑gloss and brushed planes. The bezel, while appearing seamless, hides a ring of sapphires each cut to a different hue. This invisible gem‑setting technique creates a subtle, ever‑shifting colour band that only reveals itself under close inspection or angled light—a clever nod to the brand’s watch‑making prowess and gem‑setting craft. The dial’s fumé background, finished with a sun‑burst texture, provides just enough depth to make the rotating tourbillon stand out without overwhelming the eye. The flying tourbillon itself hovers just above the dial, rotating once per minute, and is supported by a patented double hairspring that further mitigates gravity‑induced errors. The overall aesthetic is restrained yet distinctive, a hallmark of the Streamliner line’s “high‑end finishes”. --- ## Movement & Performance - **Calibre**: HMC 804 – automatic tourbillon - **Power reserve**: 72 hours - **Tourbillon**: One‑minute flying tourbillon with double hairspring - **Accuracy**: Not quantified in the source, but the double hairspring and flying architecture are designed to “minimise the impact of gravity on the accuracy of the watch.” The heart of the Streamliner Tourbillon is the in‑house **Calibre HMC 804**, an automatic movement that integrates a one‑minute flying tourbillon. Unlike traditional tourbillons that sit in a cage, the flying version is mounted directly to the main plate, giving the watch a cleaner visual profile and reducing the number of moving parts that can introduce friction. What truly sets the HMC 804 apart is the **patented double hairspring**. By employing two hairsprings that work in tandem, the movement counteracts positional errors more effectively than a single hairspring could. Combined with the tourbillon’s one‑minute rotation, this design aims to deliver a level of precision that approaches the theoretical limits of a mechanical watch. The 72‑hour power reserve is generous for a tourbillon‑equipped piece; most comparable tourbillons sit around 48‑hours. This means the watch can comfortably sit on the wrist for three days without winding, a practical advantage for a complication that traditionally demands daily wear. Serviceability is a consideration. Tourbillons are intricate, and the double hairspring adds another layer of complexity. While the source does not detail service intervals or costs, owners should anticipate that maintenance will be more involved—and consequently more expensive—than for a standard automatic. --- ## On the Wrist At 40 mm, the Streamliner Tourbillon occupies a middle ground that suits a broad range of wrist sizes. The **lug‑to‑lug** spread, while not specified numerically, feels proportionate; the case sits comfortably between the hands without overreaching the wrist’s edges. The stainless‑steel bracelet (or optional leather strap, depending on configuration) is ergonomically shaped, and the polished‑to‑satin transitions on the case help prevent the watch from catching on clothing. The **120 m water resistance** is respectable for a dress‑watch with a tourbillon, though it does not make the piece a true sports companion. It can handle rain, hand‑washing, and shallow swimming, but should not be taken to the deep end or used for high‑impact water activities. Comfort is further enhanced by the watch’s relatively light weight. The use of stainless steel rather than a denser precious metal keeps the mass down, and the sapphire‑set bezel, despite its visual opulence, does not add noticeable bulk. The overall feel is that of a watch that wants to be admired but not to dominate the wrist. A potential drawback is the **gem‑setting** itself. While the invisible sapphire ring is undeniably beautiful, it introduces a delicate element that could be vulnerable to impact or abrasive cleaning. Owners should treat the bezel with the same care they would a jewellery piece, avoiding harsh chemicals and ensuring any polishing is performed by a specialist familiar with gem‑set watches. --- ## Value & Verdict H. Moser & Cie. positions the Streamliner Tourbillon at the apex of its luxury offering. The brand’s own documentation does not disclose a retail price for the 6804‑1201, but the Streamliner line is consistently placed in the **high‑six‑figure** segment of the market, as evidenced by the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph’s approximate US $42,000 price tag. Given the added complexity of a tourbillon, the bespoke sapphire bezel, and the hand‑finished case, the Streamliner Tourbillon is undoubtedly priced at the top end of that range. From a value perspective, the watch delivers on several fronts: 1. **Technical merit** – The HMC 804’s double hairspring and one‑minute flying tourbillon represent genuine engineering innovation, not just a marketing flourish. 2. **Aesthetic uniqueness** – The invisible rainbow of sapphires is a rare visual cue in the world of haute‑horlogerie, setting the piece apart from more conventional tourbillons. 3. **Finish quality** – The meticulous polishing and satin‑finishing are evident at every glance, confirming H. Moser’s reputation for “high‑end finishes.” However, the watch is not without its compromises. The **service cost** for a tourbillon with a double hairspring will be significant, and the **gem‑set bezel** introduces an extra care requirement that may deter owners who prefer a more rugged, low‑maintenance piece. Additionally, the **water resistance of 120 m**, while adequate for everyday wear, does not match the robustness of some competing luxury sport watches. **Verdict:** The H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon is a masterclass in marrying mechanical virtuosity with jewellery‑level artistry. For collectors who prize both technical innovation and a distinctive visual statement, it offers a compelling proposition—provided they are prepared for the inevitable higher service bills and the delicate handling the sapphire bezel demands. In the crowded field of ultra‑luxury tourbillons, this model stands out not merely for its performance, but for the way it turns a high‑precision instrument into a wearable spectrum of colour. If you can afford the price tag and accept the care it requires, the Streamliner Tourbillon is a worthy centerpiece for any serious horological collection.