H. Moser & Cie Mayu

We’re in an age of sobriety following a multi-year horological binge during which watches generally became much larger, much wilder, and much more expensive. The H. Moser & Cie Mayu is the perfect watch for these times. This watch is about simplicity, elegance, innovation, craftsmanship, and perhaps most of all, intrinsic value. The design approaches perfection. The dimensions – petite by today’s standards – hark back to a day not long ago when a gentleman’s dress watch measured less than 40mm (the Mayu measures 38.8mm). The manual winding in-house movement is regulated by a Straumann double hairspring escapement. The twin springs – produced in-house – “breathe” in opposite directions, offsetting center-of-gravity errors. An 80-hour power reserve is more than adequate, and the owner can view the state of wind via a unique power reserve indicator visible through the display back. This is a true in-house movement in every sense – something few brands can claim.

For fine horology fans, the Moser Mayu is a complete package, and best of all, a white gold model is available at just $12,000. The stylish palladium version shown below is a mere $16,800, and in platinum you will pay only $17,700. If I had said this watch retails for $30,000, I suspect very few eyebrows would have been raised. That it can be had for less than half that price makes it one of the best values in fine watchmaking today.