As both a watch enthusiast and Formula 1 fan, I am acutely aware of the various horological sponsors of the sport, and one of the more interesting developments to occur among these partnerships for the 2024 session is H. Moser & Cie. becoming the official watch sponsor for the Alpine F1 team. When it comes to a bid for the championship, Alpine is hardly off to the best start this year, although the French racing team can at least take some comfort in knowing that it has some of the most interesting timepieces on the grid. As soon as the partnership between Alpine and Moser was announced, Streamliner models started popping up in the paddock, although Moser has just given Alpine its own signature model, and the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition is a skeletonized flying tourbillon that will be produced as a small batch of just 100 examples.

Crafted from stainless steel with radial brushing and high-polished accents, the case of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition (reference 6811-1200) follows the collection’s usual cushion-shaped profile, and it measures 42.3mm in diameter by 11mm thick. With that in mind, once you factor in the domed sapphire crystal that sits above the dial, the total height of the watch comes in at 14mm. Similar to other Streamliner models, a signed screw-down crown resides at the 3 o’clock location, while a screw-on display caseback closes up the reverse side of the watch, and water resistance comes in at a solid 120 meters to offer ample protection against most forms of moisture contact.

While the case of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition offers no real surprises, the rest of the watch represents a significant contrast compared to what can be found elsewhere within the collection. Unlike the recently announced Streamliner Skeleton Tourbillon, which features a pair of centrally mounted hands, the new Alpine Limited Edition displays the time with a small domed transparent dial crafted from bright blue synthetic spinel (a type of gemstone) that sits at the 12 o’clock location. Luminous Super-LumiNova indexes appear on the surface of the blue spinel dial, while the pair of hands receive Globolight inserts to offer increased legibility in low light conditions, and the rest of the display is highly open-worked, with the model’s flying tourbillon proudly showcased opposite the time-telling dial at 6 o’clock.

Rather than being fitted with the Streamliner’s signature biomorphic integrated bracelet, the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition is paired with a blue textured rubber strap completed by a signed stainless steel folding clasp. This is now the second time we have seen the Moser Streamliner swap out its bracelet for a rubber strap, with the first instance being the red gold Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Boutique Edition that debuted last year. While there will inevitably be some people who feel that the Streamliner’s bracelet is an integral part of its appearance, a rubber strap is a highly appropriate choice for a racing-themed watch, and it also allows this limited-edition model to lean further into the Alpine F1 team’s colors.

Powering the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition is the brand’s fully skeletonized Caliber HMC 811 automatic movement, which can also be found inside the brand’s Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton that first debuted in 2022. Running at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 74 hours, the 28-jewel Moser Cal. HMC 811 consists of 171 components, and it winds itself bidirectionally with a highly skeletonized rotor crafted from solid 5N red gold. Beating away inside the one-minute flying tourbillon is a cylindrical hairspring with two Breguet overcoils, and the mainplate and bridges of the movement are given an anthracite gray finish with diamond-polished bevels to create a striking and highly architectural appearance.

At the time of writing, the Alpine F1 team is currently in a three-way tie for last place, although the French squadron may have one of the coolest signature watches on the grid, and I personally love that Moser is expanding its presence into the world of sports. With an official retail price of $89,000 USD, the new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition (ref. 6811-1200) costs slightly more than both the Streamliner Skeleton Tourbillon and the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton that uses this same movement. With that in mind, it’s undeniable that this 100-piece limited edition brings a new aesthetic to the greater Streamliner series, and since there is absolutely no branding on the watch related to its partnership with Alpine, I imagine that some buyers will have zero affinity for the French F1 racing team and simply enjoy this model for its striking skeletonized design, flying tourbillon, and bright blue colorway. For more information on the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition, please visit the brand’s website.