The H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Flying Hours tells time with three rotating hour discs orbiting a central minutes disc—not conventional hour and minute hands. Its defining detail is the instantaneous hourly change: the next numeral jumps into view as the previous one disappears. The current line includes a steel white fumé model and a 100-piece aventurine edition.
How the Pioneer Flying Hours display works
Three hour discs sit beneath shaped apertures around a central, skeletonised minutes disc. As the minutes disc indicates the minutes, one of the hour numerals appears in the apertures. H. Moser & Cie. says the numeral changes instantaneously at the hour, using an internally developed spring; the new numeral jumps into view as the previous one disappears. There are no conventional hour or minute hands.
The instantaneous change distinguishes the Pioneer version from the earlier Endeavour Flying Hours. WatchTime describes the Endeavour transition as gradual and the Pioneer transition as instantaneous: WatchTime’s September 7, 2025 coverage. That is a comparison reported by the publication, not an independent timing test.
Two current versions
| Reference | Case and dial | Production | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3240-1200 | Steel case, white fumé dial, rubber strap | Official page describes production as unlimited; Monochrome calls it part of the permanent collection | CHF 29,000 excluding VAT |
| 3240-0900 | 5N red gold with black DLC-treated titanium inserts, aventurine dial, rubber strap | Limited to 100 pieces | CHF 39,000 excluding VAT |
The prices are those displayed on the official product pages when accessed on October 7, 2026; prices and availability can change. The steel listing is on H. Moser & Cie.’s product page, and the aventurine specifications are on its French-language product page.
#1 Best Overall
- Wandering Hour Display: A Minimalist approach beyond convention, with hours drifting in continuous motion alongside the minutes. At the dial’s centre, a singular wandering assembly traces minutes; along its path, an hour disc rotates calmly, read against a fixed marker.
- Self-Developed Caliber CD-08: Based on the Japanese Miyota 9000-series automatic base, with 24 jewels supporting stable, consistent performance.Built upon the renowned Mivota 9000 series-42-hour reserve 28,800 vph, 24 jewels-this customized automatic is designatec CD-08.
- Super Black Dial: Absorbing 99.3% of light, the dial lets motion emerge from darkness without distraction. Raised minute indices, finely CNC-engraved, encircle the shadow, catching light and framing the motion.
- Sculpted 316L Steel Case: A layered case design combining polished and sandblasted surfaces for refined contrast. Slim and fluid at 11.8 mm, designed to rest close and composed on the wrist. Swiss Super-LumiNova enhances a distinct nighttime presence.
- FREE Warranty for 2 Years: CIGA Design is committed to providing high-quality products and perfect after-sales service. Every CIGA Design watch undergoes strict quality inspection before it leaves the factory. If you encounter problems when using the watch, please feel free to contact us. We will contact you within 24 hours and give you a satisfactory solution.We are committed to better service.
Shared specifications
Both official listings specify a 42.8 mm case, automatic HMC 240 calibre, 72-hour power reserve and 12 ATM water resistance. Those are manufacturer specifications, not results of an independent measurement or water test. Monochrome reports the steel model at 14.2 mm thick, or 10.6 mm excluding the crystal, with a screw-down crown; it describes water resistance as 120 m. The official page confirms the 12 ATM rating. See Monochrome’s hands-on coverage for its reported dimensions and construction details.
What stands out—and what to consider
A distinctive way to read the hour
The rotating discs make the time display the watch’s central design feature. The instant jump gives the hour change a crisp visual event, while the central minutes disc remains the familiar reference for reading minutes. The trade-off is that this is a less conventional display than hands; a buyer should be comfortable reading the apertures and orbiting numerals at a glance.
Rank #2
- OUR STORY: Nubeo Portrays and takes inspiration from both the space and sea to create timepieces in tribute, in function and in design.Each Nubeo timepiece is defined by performance, functionality yet with a design language that blends the organic with the industrial in a manner that makes for a truly unique exhibition of time.
- MOVEMENT: The Tri-star Orbit Automatic Limited Editionis powered by a powerful yet slim hacking 9039 Miyota Self-winding automatic movement featuring 24 Jewels, 28,800 bph and power reserve of 42 hours
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 38.5mm Stainless Steel Case , 20mm Rubber Strap Anti Reflection Coating Mineral Lens and Water Resistance Of Up To 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY : 2 Years International Warranty
Case size and water rating
At 42.8 mm across, the Pioneer Flying Hours is a substantial watch by its published diameter. The reported thickness of the steel version is 14.2 mm including the crystal, a useful consideration for fit beneath a cuff. The 12 ATM manufacturer rating is a specification, not a claim that the watch has been tested in water for this article.
Material choice and price difference
The steel reference is the lower-priced option and pairs its white fumé dial with a steel case. The aventurine reference costs CHF 10,000 more at the prices displayed on the official pages accessed October 7, 2026, and adds a 5N red-gold case, black DLC-treated titanium inserts and an aventurine dial; it is limited to 100 pieces. The movement and principal published specifications are shared.
Rank #3
- Wandering Hour Display: A Minimalist approach beyond convention, with hours drifting in continuous motion alongside the minutes. At the dial’s centre, a singular wandering assembly traces minutes; along its path, an hour disc rotates calmly, read against a fixed marker.
- Self-Developed Caliber CD-08: Based on the Japanese Miyota 9000-series automatic base, with 24 jewels supporting stable, consistent performance.Built upon the renowned Mivota 9000 series-42-hour reserve 28,800 vph, 24 jewels-this customized automatic is designatec CD-08.
- Super Black Dial: Absorbing 99.3% of light, the dial lets motion emerge from darkness without distraction. Raised minute indices, finely CNC-engraved, encircle the shadow, catching light and framing the motion.
- Sculpted 316L Steel Case: A layered case design combining polished and sandblasted surfaces for refined contrast. Slim and fluid at 11.8 mm, designed to rest close and composed on the wrist. Swiss Super-LumiNova enhances a distinct nighttime presence.
- FREE Warranty for 2 Years: CIGA Design is committed to providing high-quality products and perfect after-sales service. Every CIGA Design watch undergoes strict quality inspection before it leaves the factory. If you encounter problems when using the watch, please feel free to contact us. We will contact you within 24 hours and give you a satisfactory solution.We are committed to better service.
Where to check availability
For current availability or an inquiry, consult the official steel reference listing or the official aventurine listing. The brand’s Pioneer collection page also provides retailer discovery. The published prices above should be reconfirmed with the brand or retailer before purchase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE WALKIE-TALKIE CONCEPT & COSMIC SIGNAL: Named "Walkie-Talkie," this timepiece embodies a signal sent beyond the known universe, drifting through the deep silence in search of resonance. Designed for those who seek connection across distant frequencies, it carries a bold message on your wrist: "I am here. Can you hear me?"
- AVANT-GARDE JUMP HOUR & WANDERING DISC DISPLAY: Inspired by space telemetry and aerospace instruments, the watch features a unique 3-tier vertical disc display. The top window presents a jump hour readout, while the central half-moon arc displays continuous minutes with an intuitive blue pointer for a striking timekeeping experience.
- CONTINUOUS 6 O'CLOCK SECONDS SUBDIAL: Driven by a precision self-winding automatic movement, the dedicated subdial at the 6 o'clock position features an animated rotating seconds disc. The distinctive blue triangle indicator rotates endlessly like a signal beam sweeping through the cosmos.
- INDUSTRIAL TONNEAU CASE & SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL: Crafted with an armor-like 32x46mm tonneau brushed stainless steel case, this watch delivers a powerful, ergonomic wrist presence. Protected by ultra-scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and 50M (5 ATM) water resistance, it is built for durability and daily wear.
- TACTICAL LEATHER-CANVAS STRAP & PERFECT GIFT: Designed for style and comfort, the 20mm high-density canvas strap features a soft genuine leather backing and classic pin buckle. Delivered in a premium brand gift box, it makes an exceptional gift for watch collectors, pilots, and modern design enthusiasts.
Rank #4
- EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION: Strictly limited to only 50 pieces worldwide, this timepiece is a rare collector's item. Each watch comes with a premium Travel Packaging Box, making it a unique gift for watch enthusiasts or a distinguished addition to your own collection
- PREMIUM MATERIALS & SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL: Crafted with a durable 316L stainless steel case (41.2mm width, 12.3mm height) and protected by ultra-scratch-resistant Sapphire Glass with anti-reflective coating. The exhibition sapphire caseback allows you to admire the intricate movement in action
- RELIABLE MIYOTA 8215 MOVEMENT: Powered by the renowned Miyota 8215 Automatic Movement featuring 21 jewels and a 36-hour power reserve. It supports both automatic and hand-winding functions, ensuring precise timekeeping with a micro chain drive complication
- SUPERIOR VISIBILITY: Equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNove on the dial, offering unmatched legibility in any lighting condition. The advanced luminescent material absorbs light quickly and glows brightly in the dark, ensuring you can read the time clearly throughout the night
- WATER RESISTANT & COMFORTABLE: Designed for daily wear with 5 ATM (50m) water resistance, suitable for swimming and showering. The watch features a classic 20-18mm genuine leather strap with a stainless steel buckle for a comfortable and stylish fit
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
