Introducing the H. Moser & Cie. X Reebok Streamliner Pump

In shoemaking, like watchmaking, it is easy to think that there is no room left for innovation. Yes, brands have room to improve and refine their designs, right? Well, you’re wrong if you think that, and this latest collaboration between Moser and Reebok proves just that. The Streamliner Pump, developed with Reebok, is one of those cases where the concept is so out of this world and insane that it works perfectly. Clearly, innovators recognise kindred spirits across industries, which is how we have ended up here with a watch commemorating the iconic Reebok Pump sneakers. Let’s see what that actually means in terms of watches…

The Basics

Case: 40mm, Quartz Fiber.
Crystal: Sapphire.
Movement: Manual Winding.
Water Resistance: 100 Meters.
Strap Options: Integrated rubber strap (black or white).
Price: $38,900 USD.
Availability: Limited to 250 pieces per version.

The Juice

The defining feature of this watch has to be the winding system. Instead of turning a crown like you would on most other watches, here, you press an orange pusher integrated into the case. Each press transfers energy directly to the mainspring, and one press gives you more than an hour of power reserve. Where has this wonderful mechanism comes from? Straight from the original sneaker with its integrated pump. With this system, winding becomes a compeltely different tactile experience that is downright playful.

Mechanically, this is a big deal. Moser reworked their automatic HMC 500 caliber to accomodate this ‘hand-wound’ system. The result is the HMC 103, a manually pumped caliber with a 74-hour power reserve and a visible rack system that translates each press into stored energy. This is really out of the box thinking. You can see that mechanism through the dial side and it has been organized so you can understand exactly what is happening when you press the button. The power reserve indicator is also tied directly to this system, displayed via an orange disc that mirrors the pusher.

The case material is another point worth focusing on. Moser uses forged quartz fiber, which isn’t common in watchmaking. I, personally, have never even heard of quartz fiber before encountering this watch. Lighter than steel, more visually disruptive than carbon, and more accomodating to color, quartz fiber could be the next big thing for watchmakers down the road. There are two versions of this watch: black and white, each limited to 250 pieces.

The dial itself is relatively restrained compared to the rest of the watch. It’s lacquered with applied markers and Globolight inserts for low-light visibility. The simplicity is really all that is needed. Moser, who are known for their minimalist dials, clearly didn’t feel the need to over do it and draw attention away from the real star of this show.

Final Thoughts

The Streamliner Pump could have easily been another throwaway collab, where the brands just slap a logo on it and say that it is signifcant. But, we know that Moser could never settle for such a poor job. They do collaborations properly, with panache and substance. Re-inventing a centuries old winding mechanism is a bold move for a partnership, and we definitely could not see this one coming, even in our wildest dreams. That being said, the improbable combinations often yield the best results, and it is great to see players in different industries coming together and sharing their disruptive visions. That being said, will we be seeing a Moser sneaker any time soon?

Find out more about this watch here.