Moser x Azuki Elements of Time

In a move that signals a fascinating convergence of disparate worlds, Swiss independent watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. has partnered with the web3 anime brand Azuki. The result of this unlikely pairing is the "Elements of Time" collection, a series of timepieces that translates the digital-native lore of Azuki's universe into the tangible, mechanical language of haute horlogerie. This collaboration is not a simple co-branding exercise; it is a meticulously crafted bridge between centuries of Swiss watchmaking tradition and the bleeding edge of decentralized, community-driven digital culture.

H. Moser & Cie., established in 1828 by Heinrich Moser, has carved a distinct niche for itself in the often-staid world of Swiss watchmaking. The manufacture, based in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, operates with a philosophy of refined minimalism, often described as stripping timekeeping down to its bare essentials. This is most famously expressed in their signature fumé dials, which feature a graduated color effect, and their frequent omission of logos or excessive text. Yet, beneath this clean aesthetic lies a rebellious spirit and a deep technical prowess, with the company having developed over 20 in-house calibres and producing nearly all components internally, thanks to its sister company, Precision Engineering AG.



On the other side of this partnership is Azuki, a brand that exists at the dynamic intersection of streetwear, anime, and technology. Born from an NFT collection on the Ethereum blockchain, Azuki has rapidly evolved into a global movement. It empowers its community of artists, builders, and enthusiasts to shape a new form of digital identity through collaborative storytelling and shared creative experiences. The brand's ethos is rooted in the culture of the internet, valuing individuality, creativity, and the power of a collective to build a new universe of characters and lore.

The "Elements of Time" collection is where these two narratives collide and intertwine. The series draws its core inspiration from the Azuki Elementals NFT collection, which is organized into four distinct domains: Fire, Earth, Water, and Lightning. H. Moser & Cie. has interpreted these elemental forces through two of its key models. The collection features four exclusive, one-of-a-kind Pioneer Tourbillon models, one for each element, and four Pioneer Centre Seconds models, each produced in a limited run of just 24 pieces.



The visual centerpiece of each watch is its dial, a canvas where H. Moser & Cie.’s artisanal skill brings Azuki's elemental themes to life. Each dial is treated with the brand’s characteristic fumé finish, creating a dramatic gradient that darkens towards the edge, adding immense visual depth. This is further enhanced by an intricate, engraved guilloché motif unique to each element. These are not simple patterns; they are sculpted textures designed to play with light and shadow, evoking the dynamic nature of the forces they represent.

For the Fire editions, the dial glows with a warm, intense gradient, transitioning from a bright, burning center to a dark, smoky periphery. The guilloché work suggests the licking, unpredictable movement of flames, giving the surface a sense of heat and energy. It’s a design that channels the passionate and brazen spirit described in Azuki's lore.



The Earth models feature a rich, grounded color palette, perhaps a deep ochre or brown fumé, reminiscent of fertile soil or ancient rock formations. The engraved pattern is described as a "tremor" or "terrain" motif, giving the dial a textured, almost topographical feel. It conveys a sense of stability and permanence, embodying the unshakeable strength of the mountains.

In the Water variants, the dials are a captivating spectacle of blues and teals, fading from a light, clear center to the dark abyss of the deep sea. The guilloché pattern is a series of flowing, concentric ripples, as if a stone were just dropped into a still pond. This design perfectly captures the fluid, serene, and intuitive nature of water.



Finally, the Lightning models crackle with visual energy. Their dials showcase a brilliant, electric blue or stark white-blue fumé effect that transitions into a stormy, dark background. The engraving is a sharp, jagged pattern of "electric pulses," mimicking a bolt of lightning as it cuts across the sky. The design is charged, wild, and unpredictable, reflecting the sudden and powerful nature of the element.

Beyond the dials, the collaboration features a key design detail that directly references the Azuki community. In place of the standard marker at 12 o'clock, each watch features a "Bean Index." This subtle but significant alteration is a direct nod to Azuki's lore and serves as a point of connection for those initiated into its world. The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, filled with Globolight®, sweep over appliqué indices also treated with Super-LumiNova® for low-light visibility.



Further cementing the link between the physical and digital, each timepiece comes with a PBT-enabled warranty card. PBT, or Physically Backed Token, is a technology that anchors the watch's identity and ownership on the Ethereum blockchain. This creates a secure, verifiable, and transferable digital record of authenticity, perfectly embodying the project's theme of bridging horological legacy with decentralized creativity.

All eight watches in the "Elements of Time" collection are housed in the versatile and robust H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer case. Crafted from lightweight and durable titanium, the case measures a modern 40.0 mm in diameter. It features a curved sapphire crystal, a see-through case-back to display the intricate movement, and a screw-in crown adorned with the Moser "M," ensuring water resistance up to a substantial 12 ATM. While sharing the same core architecture, the Pioneer Centre Seconds models are distinguished by the inclusion of a uni-directional rotating bezel, adding a touch of sporty functionality.



The entire collection is presented on an integrated titanium bracelet, which flows seamlessly from the case lugs. This design choice reinforces the contemporary, sporting character of the Pioneer line. The bracelet is secured with a titanium buckle that is finely engraved with the H. Moser & Cie. logo, completing the cohesive and premium feel of the timepiece.

Powering the four limited-edition Pioneer Centre Seconds models is the HMC 200 automatic calibre. This movement is a testament to Moser's in-house manufacturing capabilities. Measuring 32.0 mm in diameter and 5.5 mm in height, it operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The calibre is equipped with an efficient bi-directional pawl winding system, an engraved oscillating weight, and offers a generous power reserve of at least three days. It features hacking seconds for precise time-setting and incorporates an Original Straumann® Hairspring, produced by Moser's sister company, Precision Engineering AG.

For the four unique Pioneer Tourbillon pieces, H. Moser & Cie. has fitted the exceptional HMC 804 automatic Manufacture calibre. This movement shares the same diameter and height as the HMC 200 but incorporates one of watchmaking's most revered complications. At the 6 o'clock position, a one-minute flying tourbillon with a skeletonised bridge performs its captivating rotation. The tourbillon mechanism, which houses the balance and escapement in a rotating cage, is designed to average out and counteract the disruptive effects of gravity on the regulating organ, enhancing precision.



The HMC 804 calibre also features an 18-carat red gold oscillating weight and is equipped with an original double hairspring. This innovation, also developed by Precision Engineering AG, involves two matched hairsprings that expand and contract in opposite directions. This corrects the displacement of the center of gravity and reduces the effect of friction, significantly improving accuracy and isochronism. Like its counterpart, it provides a minimum power reserve of three days.

The realization of this ambitious project was facilitated by The 1916 Company, a global retailer of luxury watches. Their involvement was pivotal in bridging the cultural gap between a historic Swiss watchmaker and a modern web3 community, creating a physical touchpoint for a digitally-inspired product. Collectors will receive their timepieces in person at The 1916 Company's showrooms and lounges, adding a layer of traditional luxury service to this very untraditional collaboration.

This partnership is a compelling case study in modern luxury. It demonstrates a willingness from H. Moser & Cie. to engage with new cultural movements and a desire from Azuki to express its brand ethos through physical, masterfully crafted objects. As stated by Bertrand Meylan, CEO of MELB Luxe Subsidiaries, it represents a chance "to explore a way of storytelling that speaks to a generation that values individuality, creativity, and culture."



For Alex "Zagabond" Xu, CEO of Azuki Labs, the project is a natural extension of the community's core values. "Working with H. Moser & Cie. is an opportunity to express this ethos through a new lens, one that celebrates craftsmanship, culture and long-term value," he remarked. The result is a collection that respects the integrity of both brands, creating something new and compelling in the process.

The Moser x Azuki "Elements of Time" collection is offered with distinct pricing and availability reflecting its exclusivity. The four one-of-one Pioneer Tourbillon models—Fire, Earth, Water, and Lightning—are each priced at $75,000 USD. The Pioneer Centre Seconds models, limited to 24 pieces for each of the four elements, are priced at $25,000 USD. Given the extremely limited quantities and the passionate communities behind both brands, prospective collectors are encouraged to register for early access, as demand is expected to far outstrip the limited supply.

Moser x Azuki Pioneer Centre Seconds

Case: Titanium, 40.0 mm diameter, 11.4 mm height with sapphire crystal. Features a uni-directional rotating bezel, curved sapphire crystal, see-through case back, screw-in crown, and 12 ATM water resistance.

Movement: HMC 200 automatic calibre. 3-day power reserve, 21,600 Vib/h frequency, 27 jewels, hacking seconds, and Original Straumann® Hairspring.

Dial: Fumé with element-specific engraved guilloché pattern. Applique indexes in Globolight® with Super-LumiNova®, and a unique Bean-shaped hour marker at noon.

Strap: Integrated titanium bracelet with a titanium buckle engraved with the H. Moser logo.

Price: $25,000 USD

Reference Number: Fire (3200-0504), Water (3200-0503), Earth (3200-0505), Lightning (3200-0506)

Notes: Limited edition of 24 pieces per element. Features a "Bean Index" at 12 o'clock and a PBT-enabled warranty card to link the watch to the Ethereum blockchain.



Moser x Azuki Pioneer Tourbillon

Case: Titanium, 40.0 mm diameter, 11.4 mm height with sapphire crystal. Features a curved sapphire crystal, see-through case back, screw-in crown, and 12 ATM water resistance.

Movement: HMC 804 automatic Manufacture calibre. 3-day power reserve, 21,600 vibrations/hour frequency, original double hairspring, and a one-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock.

Dial: Fumé with element-specific engraved guilloché pattern. Applique indices with Super-LumiNova® markers and a unique Bean-shaped hour marker at noon.

Strap: Integrated titanium bracelet with a titanium buckle engraved with the H. Moser logo.

Price: $75,000 USD

Reference Number: Fire (3804-0501), Water (3804-0500), Earth (3804-0502), Lightning (3804-0503)

Notes: Unique one-of-one piece for each element. Highlights include the flying tourbillon, the "Bean Index," and a PBT-enabled blockchain warranty card.