Lifestyle

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Sponsored Article – August 20, 2026

Why Serious Collectors Borrow Against Watches Instead of Selling Them

Most coverage of asset-backed lending is written for people who need money. This is written for people who own things they would rather not lose. When capital is required on short notice, the reflex is to sell a piece out of the collection. For a collection assembled over years, that is usually the most expensive option available. A watch sold under time pressure rarely reaches its true market value, and the piece does not return. The alternative is to borrow against an already-owned watch, a structure that separates liquidity from ownership rather than trading one for the other. The process is more straightforward than most owners expect. The timepiece is appraised, then vaulted and insured for the duration of the term. Ownership never transfers. On repayment, the watch is returned. What a lender assesses is narrower than most owners anticipate. The reference number establishes the market. Condition, service history, and the presence of original box and papers determine where a given example sits within it. Sentiment and original purchase price carry no weight in the appraisal. Speed follows from that discipline. Because the asset secures the loan rather than the borrower, there is no credit review and no income verification required. Qollateral structures these as non-recourse loans, with offers typically issued within 30 minutes. Liquidity and ownership are not mutually exclusive. Understanding which details determine what a watch can support is what separates a considered decision from a forced one. Visit Qollateral.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 15, 2026

How To Buy: Patek Philippe's Coffee Table Book

If you've spent any time around luxury watches, you've probably heard the name Patek Philippe. The Swiss watchmaker has been setting the standard for fine watchmaking for generations, creating everything from timeless dress watches to some of the most complicated mechanical movements ever built.With nearly 200 years of history behind it, there's no shortage of stories to tell. That's what makes Patek Philippe: The Impossible Collection from Assouline such an enjoyable read for enthusiasts and collectors. Instead of being a history lesson, the book takes a deep dive into many of the watches that helped shape the brand's legacy, with incredible photography, stories, and insights from some of the world's most respected collectors.Founded in Geneva in 1839, Patek Philippe has introduced some of watchmaking's most important pieces, like the Nautilus, born from the mind of the great Gerald Genta. As the industry reaches its highs and lows, Patek watches have always been recognized as the most desirable pieces in the collector world. Considering the brand has produced fewer than a million watches over the course of its history, it's easy to understand why vintage and modern examples continue to command so much attention and value. Whether you're already a Patek Philippe collector or an enthusiast with an appreciation for design and craftsmanship, Patek Philippe: The Impossible Collection is an easy book to recommend. Grab your own copy by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 01, 2026

Porsche Design's Lightweight Chronograph 1 Pays Tribute To A 1975 Classic

For decades, Porsche has been doing things differently, fitting engines at the rear of its sports cars and even using its expertise and resources to establish its own watch brand. As if engineering and designing a chronograph of its very own wasn’t innovative enough, Ferdinand Porsche pushed the boundaries even further with the debut of Porsche Design’s all-black Chronograph 1 in 1972. It wasn’t until 1975 that the chronograph finally adopted a more traditional stainless-steel look, while still retaining its focus on form and function, like the 911. Porsche Design is excited to honor that 1975 Chronograph 1 with a new titanium all-numbered edition, tapping into its adventurous and innovative spirit. The Chronograph 1 - 1975 Limited Edition is the perfect reinterpretation of its 70s counterpart, showcasing a design crafted entirely of ultra-lightweight titanium, making history as a first for Porsche Design. Familiarity returns to the matte black bezel and dial, both of which retain their original fonts but have been updated with high-contrast Super-LumiNova white numerals and indices for legibility. The Chronograph 1 comes powered by an in-house Porsche Design WERK 01.400, a COSC-certified chronograph movement with a day-and-date display and a 48-hour power reserve. The inner workings are visible from the sapphire backcase and also feature each watch’s numbered engraving. Hand-crafted at Porsche Design’s new Timepieces Manufaktur in Grenchen, Switzerland, which celebrated its official opening in March, the all-new Chronograph 1 - 1975 Limited Edition is now available for $8,250. Shop Now

A hardcover coffee table book titled "Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection" by Assouline rests on a dark cushioned surface, featuring a detailed watch on the cover.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2026

How To Buy: Assouline's Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection

Everything you need to know about Richard Mille. From the eyes of a new independent watchmaker, the luxury watch industry seems daunting, to say the least. With household names like Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe leading the way, it's a niche market filled with age-old brands that embody centuries of success and expertise. Establishing a world-renowned presence with bold designs and massive price tags, Richard Mille has quickly evolved into a luxury powerhouse in less than 25 years, proving that you don't need to be a pioneer to find yourself in the upper echelon of horology. Celebrating Richard Mille and its history of creating some of the world's most exclusive and innovative watches, Assouline Publishing recently debuted the release of its all-new Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection as part of The Ultimate Collection series. Richard Mille hasn't been around long by Swiss watchmaking standards but has made waves like few others. Known for its futuristic design and cutting-edge materials, Richard Mille watches have become go-to pieces for athletes, collectors, and celebs looking for something bold and performance-oriented. A new collector's book curated by watch expert Fabienne Reybaud highlights 79 of the brand's most memorable models, from the original RM 001 to the technically wild RM 16-02. Even the book itself leans into the Mille aesthetic, wrapped in textured rubber to reflect the look and feel of the brand's signature straps. What makes Richard Mille stand out is the mix of engineering and experimentation. Whether it's the lightweight cases made from materials borrowed from aerospace or the skeletonized movements that look like mini machines, these watches are unlike anything you've seen before. Richard Mille's partnerships with names like Rafael Nadal and McLaren bring that high-performance mindset front and center. This new release gives collectors and enthusiasts a closer look at the creative chaos behind the scenes. For anyone who's ever been curious about what makes a Richard Mille tick, this is a laid-back, inside look at one of the most unconventional watch brands out there. Shop Now Source: Assouline Publishing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 16, 2026

TAG Heuer Channels Its Racing Roots at Watches and Wonders

This year, TAG Heuer returns to Watches and Wonders Geneva, and the brand has doubled down on what it arguably does best, chronographs, with a display that both honors its rich heritage in motorsports, while continuing to pave a way for the future of watchmaking. Back in its usual spot within the LVMH corner, the TAG Heuer’s familiar footprint completely reworks the experience for visitors, centering everything around the Monaco and its deep-rooted connection to chronographs. At the center of it all is the new TH80-00 movement, presented not only as the latest-and-greatest in movement technology, but as the heartbeat of the booth. A larger-than-life suspended version of the movement turns something typically reserved for watchmakers into a main spectacle, while the surrounding displays welcome visitors through the brand’s history as a pioneer in the chronograph space. From the immersive TAG Heuer Lab to the detailed timeline wall tracing decades of timing precision, everything is intentional, showcased for education and entertainment. Even the presence of an Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 race car and Porsche 917 ties it all together, bridging eras from Steve McQueen to Max Verstappen. Add in a couple of new TAG Heuer Monaco models, and you have a serious celebration that will go down in Watches and Wonders history, fueled and driven by the watchmaker’s passion for all things motorsports. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph GALLERY-EMBED The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is the perfect reset for a truly iconic watch. Born in 1969 as one of the first automatic chronographs, with its square case and left-hand crown, the Monaco has always had a rebellious look and feel. TAG Heuer's latest version goes back into that original styling, tightening up the design with sharper lines, better proportions, and a lighter grade-5 titanium case that actually makes it more wearable day to day. Under it all, the new TH20-11 movement meets modern expectations with greater power reserve and reliability, while retaining small details that collectors care about. Paired with a few new color options, including the classic blue made famous by Steve McQueen, it all comes together as a Monaco that’s familiar but genuinely improved. TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph GALLERY-EMBED The all-new TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph takes everything that made the Monaco unconventional back in 1969 and pushes it even further. Instead of just tweaking a few characteristics, this model focuses more on a conceptual approach, with a transparent dial that makes the movement feel like it’s floating inside the case. The design still pays homage to the original reference 1133, but updated proportions, curved caseback, and lightweight titanium design make it noticeably more comfortable to wear on the daily, whether it's in the office or out on the race track. The balance of the subdials, the sweeping bridges, and even the left-side crown all tie back to the Monaco’s original styling, just reworked in a more modern way. It’s offered in a blue version that channels Steve McQueen and a darker, stealthier version. Either way, both stand out without losing that core Monaco identity.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2026

Richard Mille Reveals Its New $212,000 RM 55-01

For generations, timepieces largely followed a familiar playbook in design, but modern haute horology has flipped that on its head, proving there really is no blueprint anymore as brands continue to break molds and push boundaries in pursuit of something entirely new. One of those breakthrough brands is Richard Mille, which has taken the watch world by storm since its launch in 2001, showcasing rugged, reliable models defined by its signature tonneau-shaped cases and ultra-complex movements. The all-new RM 55-01 focuses fully on that perspective, embracing an airy approach that prioritizes lightness, transparency, and balance. At the heart of the RM 55-01 is Richard Mille’s new, in-house Caliber RMUL4, a manual-winding movement that weighs in at under five grams. Refraining from an automatic rotor allows light to move freely through the openworked design, adding to that sense of weightlessness both visually and physically. The movement is built on a grade 5 titanium baseplate, a material more commonly seen in aerospace engineering, and finished with microblasting and black PVD for a stealthy look. Its bridges are also made of titanium and treated with Titalyt to create a suspended effect, giving the watch a sense of weight without ever feeling it on your wrist.Available in Carbon TPT, White Quartz TPT, and Grey Quartz TPT, the RM 55-01 reflects Richard Mille’s obsession with new materials and performance-focused designs. On the wrist, it’s all about comfort and balance, with a presence that doesn’t scream for attention but definitely deserves a closer look. The RM 55-01 shows how far modern skeleton watch design can go when you focus on the essentials.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2026

Inside L’Epée 1839’s Wildest Creations at Watches and Wonders

At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, where the usual heavy hitters tend to dominate the conversation, L’Epée 1839 shows up doing its own thing, and honestly, that’s kind of the point. While most of the festivities are centered around what goes on your wrist, L’Epée goes in the opposite direction with sculptural clocks that take shape as true works of art. I’ve witnessed them in person, and they’re the kind of pieces that stop you mid-walk because you’re trying to figure out exactly what you’re looking at, and how it even works. It’s a refreshing shift in luxury watch world, and one that tends to pull people back for a second (or third) look. Originally founded by Auguste L’Epée, the brand has more than 185 years of traditional clockmaking behind it, which makes its newest novelties even more impressive. It’s not like this is a newcomer experimenting for the sake of it. L’Epée has done the serious, technical side for generations, from escapements to carriage clocks. What collectors and enthusiasts are seeing in Geneva today is more of an evolution of a pioneer, and the future of clockwork. Modern marvels like The Belly Tank Racer and The Gekko are more expressive and more fun, while still grounded in real mechanical art. In a space filled with dive watches and perpetual calendars, that balance lands well. The Belly Tank Racer GALLERY-EMBED The Belly Tank Racer from L’Epée 1839 pays homage to early hot-rod legends born from WWII aircraft leftovers, sparking an automotive era unlike any other. Housed in a long, lightweight aluminum body, each piece draws inspiration from vintage land-speed racers, featuring a low, streamlined shape and a polished finish. Time is displayed on two transparent discs for hours and minutes, set by rotating the minute disc manually. Around the back, the winding system is built into the rear wheels. Turn them like a pullback car, and it charges the in-house movement, which delivers an 8-day power reserve. The build combines materials like palladium-plated brass, stainless steel, and acrylic, with steel rims and actual rubber tires adding to the automotive detailing. Limited to 99 pieces, it’s offered in multiple colors including blue, green, metallic grey, red, and black. The Gekko GALLERY-EMBED The Gekko from L’Epée 1839 features a wall-mounted design, built around an openworked in-house movement with an 8-day power reserve. The design is modeled after the lizard itself, with the escapement positioned in the head and a detailed metal structure across the dial that mirrors the texture of gecko skin. Time is displayed by a rotating ring, which can be adjusted depending on how you position the clock. There are 10 wall-mounted positions plus a freestanding option on its legs, so it’s designed to be appreciated from all angles. Winding is handled by moving the tail side to side, while time-setting is done on the back with a dedicated key. The Gekko combines stainless steel, brass, and lacquered parts with a mix of satin and polished finishes. Like the rest of the collection, it’s limited to 99 pieces and available in finishes including full gold-plated, black and silver, and champagne.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2026

Roger Dubuis Just Revealed Its Most Extreme Excalibur Watches Yet

For an industry rooted in centuries of tradition, the world of luxury watches has become a lot more open-minded over the past few decades. What was once all about sticking to the classics has shifted into something more expressive, with brands feeling comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and pushing the limits of what a modern wristwatch can actually be. Roger Dubuis is one of the unrestrained brands that take pride in going against the grain and continuing to write its own history with flagship models like the Excalibur. Today, at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Roger Dubuis is proud to showcase the next generation of Excalibur watches, featuring everything from a complex perpetual calendar to a gem-set work of art for women. While Roger Dubuis first introduced the Excalibur in 2005, defined by its skeletonized design and double tourbillon, the collection hasn’t stood still, continuing to evolve with a mix of bold creativity, freedom, and just the right amount of madness. That mindset is front and center once again at Watches and Wonders Geneva, where the latest Excalibur models take things even further, introducing new materials, sharper aesthetics, and complications that continue to blur the line between watchmaking and pure mechanical art. Excalibur Biretrograde Perpetual Calendar GALLERY-EMBED The latest from Roger Dubuis takes its signature biretrograde style and pushes it into a more evolved space with a new perpetual calendar built around the RD850 caliber. Cased in pink gold and sized at 40mm, it pairs sweeping retrograde day and date displays with a precise astronomical moonphase that’s accurate for well over a century. The open-work dial focuses on a celestial theme, layering different textures and tones of deep “Astral Blue” for an atmospheric look. Inside, the upgraded movement brings practical upgrades too, like an easier month adjustment and a solid 60-hour power reserve. Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar Steel GALLERY-EMBED The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar showcases subtle styling while retaining everything that defines Roger Dubuis. Sized at 40mm and finished in steel, it leans into a sport-chic space, but the real focus is the signature biretrograde display, with the day and date sweeping across the dial. The deep “Cosmic Blue” dial adds a lot of depth, especially with its layered look, which gives it real depth in different light. Inside, the RD840 caliber keeps things reliable with a 60-hour power reserve while still meeting the brand’s high standards. The Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar is completed with a multi-link bracelet in stainless steel. An additional blue rubber strap is also included with each watch, completed with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel. Excalibur Lady of the Lake GALLERY-EMBED The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Lady of the Lake takes the brand’s signature storytelling approach and gives it a feminine edge. Inspired by the legend of Viviane, a key Arthurian enchantress , Roger Dubuis layers its dial in shades of grey, mixing textures and materials to create a miniature scene rather than a standard watch face. The rose gold case features a jewelry-like design, complete with a diamond-set bezel that adds an extra layer of luxury. Flip it over, and the automatic RD830 beats as its mechanical heart.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2026

H. Moser & Cie. Shows Off A Handful of New Creations at Watches and Wonders

Every spring, Watches and Wonders turns Geneva into the center of the watch world, where heritage brands and independents show what’s next, and, just as importantly, how they’re thinking about the future. It’s a technical showcase and creative reset, with everything from ultra-complicated showpieces to subtly refined everyday watches sharing the same stage. This year feels especially open-ended, with brands focusing less on tradition for tradition’s sake and more on reimagining what modern watchmaking can actually be. That’s exactly where H. Moser & Cie. tends to thrive. Positioned as somewhat of an industry insider, Moser shows up to Geneva with serious watchmaking credibility, continuing to blur the line between high-end horology and experimentation. The brand’s latest releases lean into that identity, pushing unusual materials, rethinking how we interact with mechanical watches, and stripping complications back to their simplest forms. Consider this a preview of where Moser is heading next, equal parts serious, experimental, and just a little bit revolutionary. Streamliner Pump GALLERY-EMBED Back in the late ’80s, Reebok’s Pump turned a simple sneaker into something you could feel. Today, H. Moser & Cie. brings that idea into watchmaking with the Streamliner Pump, replacing the crown with an orange pusher that winds the movement with each press, building power reserve while setting the mechanics in motion under a partially openworked design. The reworked hand-wound calibre stays compact and clean, visible through the caseback, while the 40mm forged quartz fiber case adds a matte, marbled texture backed by a titanium core. A polished dial, subtle orange accents, and an integrated rubber strap keep everything just unconventional enough to bear the H. Moser logo. Streamliner Two Hands 34mm GALLERY-EMBED With its latest Streamliner releases, H. Moser & Cie. shifts focus to something often overlooked, scale. Offered in 34mm and 28mm, these new two-hand models strip things back to the essentials, proving smaller watches don’t have to mean compromise. Both are powered by automatic in-house movements, stylishly finished and visible through the caseback, with solid gold rotors and a 60-hour power reserve. The steel cases keep the signature Streamliner curves and integrated bracelet. Under the sapphire crystals, the fumé dials in silver or burgundy ditch logos and indices entirely, replaced by a frosted, light-catching texture. Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton GALLERY-EMBED H. Moser & Cie.’s new Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton takes haute horlogerie and turns it into theatrics, where mechanics aren’t hidden but put on center stage. Inside the 40mm titanium case, the fully skeletonized HMC 909 movement is fully exposed, its 415 components set like a moving work of art. The minute repeater hammers and chimes sit on the dial side, while curved gongs and openworked bridges stay in constant motion. At 6 o’clock, a one-minute flying tourbillon adds a second layer of rhythm, suspended like it’s literally floating. A Funky Blue fumé sub-dial at 2 o’clock breaks up the transparency with a vibrant flash of color. Finished on a grey alligator strap, it’s a statement watch limited to only 20 pieces. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum GALLERY-EMBED H. Moser & Cie.’s Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum takes one of watchmaking’s most notable complications and simplifies it down to its core. The 42 mm case is carved entirely from tantalum, a rare metal known for its density, corrosion resistance, and shifting dark-grey sheen, while the dial is cut from the same material and finished in a brushed sunburst. No logos, no indices, no visual distractions, just a perpetual calendar reduced to a big date, power reserve, and month hand. Everything looks designed to feel obvious, including the ability to adjust the calendar forward or backward at any time using the crown. Inside, the hand-wound HMC 800 caliber delivers seven days of power. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2026

Ulysse Nardin Just Unveiled The Most Complex Time-Only Watch Ever Made

While so many watches today push the boundaries of traditional horology through ultra-complex movements, advanced materials, and space-age engineering built for lightness and durability, it’s easy to forget they all ultimately begin with something far simpler: telling the time. It’s a sentiment that perfectly reflects Ulysse Nardin's 180-year legacy as a pioneer in watchmaking, evolving from precise, time-only tool watches into outside-the-box creations like the iconic Freak collection. As part of Watches and Wonders 2026, Ulysse Nardin is proud to debut the all-new [Super] Freak as the most complex time-only watch ever made.At the heart of the Super Freak is the new in-house Caliber UN-252, a 511-component movement developed over four years and designed as an expression of everything the Freak has stood for since 2001. Two flying tourbillons sit on a tilted axis, rotating in opposite directions, each completing a full revolution every 60 seconds. They’re mounted on a minute bridge made up of 327 components, yet the entire structure weighs just 3.5 grams.The case, crafted in white gold at 44mm, wraps this entire movement in a more compact, wearable form than previous Freak references, while the bezel-based time-setting system keeps the signature Freak look and feel. Nearly every visible surface is in motion, with over 97% of the movement working when running.More than 70% of its components are finished by hand inside Ulysse Nardin’s Haute Horlogerie Atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where a handful of specialist watchmakers build each piece from start to finish. Titanium bridges, silicon components, and DiamonSil escapements all require an incredible level of finishing. With 60 hours of assembly and multiple rounds of testing, each watch undergoes one of the most intensive mechanical processes in modern watchmaking.

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