H. Moser & Cie unveils the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds Midnight Blue

Check out this gorgeous H. Moser & Cie watch

By Nathan S.R Published October 3, 2024

Pioneer Retrograde Seconds — H. Moser & Cie

H. Moser & Cie recently unveiled a new retrograde timepiece: the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds. This watch’s dial, thanks to the Midnight Blue fumé gradient, preserves the H. Moser & Cie look we all love.

While a large section of the dial has silver hour markers, the bottom section is fitted with a 30-second retrograde mechanism. Apart from that, the display is complemented by a hand that sweeps from the left to the right side.

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Due to the blue straps, blue gradient, and retrograde display, this timepiece has a modern and stylish allure that makes it stand out. It is also fitted with Pioneer’s signature case, with a polished finish for a brighter look. Since the Pioneer collection leans more toward the sporty side, its newest addition—the Retrograde Seconds Midnight Blue timepiece—also has a sporty touch, just like the previous watch models.

As the brainchild of a Swiss manufacturer, Agenhor SA, the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds timepiece is powered by a high-end movement that delivers 21,600 vibrations per hour for precision and accuracy. Fitted with a transparent back casing, Pioneer’s newest watch also offers beautiful sightings of its mechanism, which is made up of skeletonised bridges and rotors. The transparent casing also complements the design.

This watch also comes with a water-resistant casing that can reach deep depths of about 120 meters.

The new Retrograde Seconds Midnight Blue watch is offered in a few different strap options, which are manufactured from steel, textile, leather, and rubber. At the moment, the watch retails at $21,900.

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Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…

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Breitling refreshes its Superocean Heritage collection for the first time since 2017, introducing updated sizes, the new B31 manufacture movement, and a limited edition created in collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater. This revision balances vintage 1950s style with modern elegance and pays tribute to Hawaiian surf culture through special partnerships.

The Superocean Heritage line originally launched in 1957 as Breitling’s dive watch, combining stylish design with underwater capability. Early models like the Ref. 1004 time-only and Ref. 807 chronograph featured spear and arrow hands, anodized rotating bezels, and compact proportions—appealing to those who valued both aesthetics and function.

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Frederique Constant has extended its partnership with British carmaker Healey, marking two decades of collaboration. This year, two new limited editions have been introduced, departing from the traditional British Racing Green. Instead, they feature pale blue dials inspired by early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII models. Priced at €1,695 and €3,395, these timepieces continue an unusual collaboration that began in 2004.
At the heart of the partnership is a single historic vehicle: the ex-Works 1953–55 Austin-Healey 100S Special Test Car, registration NOJ393. This car competed in the World Sports Car Championship and was sold unrestored at Bonhams in 2011 for £843,000 ($1,000,000). Since then, it has been restored to its 1955 Le Mans specification.
Unlike typical automotive collaborations that focus on brand logos and color matching, Frederique Constant’s approach is different. The brand aims to capture the essence of this specific car and also supports Healey classic car rallies and community programs. Over 20 years, the partnership has produced many timepieces, most featuring the 100S’s distinctive green livery.
This year’s editions take a new aesthetic direction. The pale blue sunray dials with metallic coloring are inspired by the early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII, moving away from the traditional green to reflect the broader Austin-Healey palette while maintaining a connection to racing heritage.
The three-handed automatic variant features a curvaceous 36mm polished steel case, incorporating both Frederique Constant and Healey dial elements. Applied hour markers, including an oversized 12, are hand-polished silver with white luminous material. The bright red central seconds hand adds a sporty, dashboard-inspired touch, while the dark blue minute track flange matches the co-signing.
The chronograph edition measures 41mm and has a polished steel case with a two-counter layout. Bright red accents appear on both the central chronograph hand and the 30-minute subdial, which sits opposite the small seconds display. This color coordination visually connects to automotive instrumentation while maintaining horological function.
Both models are paired with blue leather straps and closed case backs engraved with the historic 100S. Each is limited to 1,888 pieces, emphasizing the partnership’s exclusivity while still offering reasonable availability for enthusiasts.
The automatic model costs €1,695, making it an accessible entry point into the collaboration. The chronograph is priced at €3,395, targeting collectors seeking additional complications. These price points are competitive with similar Swiss offerings and provide a sense of automotive provenance.
Frederique Constant has also reintroduced the 40mm 2023 Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic, featuring a steel case and British Racing Green dial. This model becomes a core collection piece, losing its limited edition status to broaden accessibility.
This partnership demonstrates how authentic collaborations can move beyond typical co-branding, emphasizing genuine community engagement and respect for automotive heritage. The result is a series of distinctive timepieces that appeal to both watch and car enthusiasts

Fashion & Style

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Since 1969, the DEFY collection has earned the nickname "time safe" for its robust construction, which protected movements like a vault. The original DEFY Diver A3648, known as the DEFY Plongeur, showcased serious diving credentials with 600-meter water resistance and a rotating bezel—qualities these Shadow editions pay tribute to, while also introducing contemporary materials and bold visual statements.
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The DEFY Revival Diver Shadow faithfully echoes the original A3648, with a 37mm micro-blasted titanium case and the signature fourteen-sided bezel. The unidirectional bezel features a yellow-tinted sapphire insert, and the screw-down crown is positioned at 4:30, just like the first model. Water resistance remains at 600 meters, or 1,969 feet—a nod to the DEFY collection’s founding year.
The Elite 670 automatic caliber powers the Revival Diver, operating at 4Hz with a 60-hour power reserve. Its display case back reveals a Geneva-striped oscillating weight shaped like the Zenith star.
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These Shadow editions highlight Zenith’s ongoing innovation in professional dive watch design, seamlessly combining technical excellence with bold, contemporary styling.