The H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Retrograde Seconds makes the half-minute reset its main event: at six o’clock, the seconds hand travels across an arc, then swiftly returns to its starting point every 30 seconds. The Midnight Blue model is reference 3250-1200, with a 42.8 mm steel case, 12 ATM water resistance and a manufacturer-listed 72-hour power reserve.
What happens to the seconds hand every 30 seconds?
Rather than making a full turn once per minute, the hand sweeps along a short arc and snaps back to the beginning twice during each minute. The open display at six o’clock reveals the retrograde mechanism, while a two-tone disc distinguishes the two halves of the cycle, according to launch coverage.
H. Moser & Cie. describes the action this way: “Instead of a traditional seconds hand that rotates once every 60 seconds, the retrograde seconds mechanism follows an arc and resets every 30 seconds, with the seconds hand swiftly returning to its starting position.” That unusual motion is the point of the watch—and the reason its dial gives over a prominent area to the mechanism.
Monochrome’s 2024 launch description says a double snail cam and spring store and release energy, while a rack guides and positions the hand. Those details explain the mechanism as reported at launch; they are not a claim of independent performance testing.
#1 Best Overall
- 3D Metallic Dial Chronograph, 100 M water resistant, Stopwatch
- Date Display, Module 5490, Approx. battery life: 3 years on SR920SW
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 48.50mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
What movement powers it?
The watch uses H. Moser & Cie.’s automatic HMC 250 calibre, based on the HMC 201 and coupled to a retrograde module designed by Agenhor SA. The manufacturer lists a 72-hour power reserve. Monochrome’s 2024 launch specifications also report a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a Straumann hairspring.
How large is the case, and what is the dial like?
The manufacturer lists a 42.8 mm steel case and water resistance of 12 ATM. Monochrome’s 2024 launch specifications give an overall thickness of 14.2 mm with the domed sapphire crystal, or 10.6 mm without it, and describe a sapphire exhibition caseback.
Rank #2
- CASIO'S BEST-SELLING SLIM ANALOG — NOW ECO-CONSCIOUS — The best-selling MQ-24 is back, now made with more environmentally responsible materials. The hour, minute, and seconds hands design features simple index numbers in a lineup of different monochromatic color schemes, all polished to a slim, minimalist look and feel. A clean, timeless aesthetic that has made the MQ-24 one of Casio's most enduring designs.
- BIO-BASED RESIN BAND — STYLE WITH LESS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT — The band is made with bio-based resin, a material produced using renewable organic resources that is expected to help reduce environmental impact — a meaningful eco-friendly detail that sets the MQ-24B apart from standard resin-band watches without compromising durability or comfort.
- ULTRA-SLIM 7.8MM PROFILE | 20G FEATHERLIGHT — A thin standard model with three hands that fits lightly on the wrist. Case and bezel material is resin, with a resin glass and resin band. Case size is 38.8 × 34.9 × 7.8mm and weighs just 20 grams. One of the slimmest and lightest analog watches in Casio's lineup — made for all-day comfort on any wrist size.
- JAPANESE QUARTZ MOVEMENT | ±20 SEC ACCURACY | MONOCHROMATIC COLORWAYS — Powered by a Japanese quartz movement with accuracy of ±20 seconds per month. Available in monochromatic color schemes including Black, White, Green, Beige, and Pink — each with matching case, dial, hands, and band for a seamlessly coordinated look from any angle.
- WATER RESISTANT | 3-YEAR BATTERY | FITS 145–205MM WRISTS — Water resistant for daily use, powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, fitting wrist sizes from 145 to 205mm. The simple 3-hand analog display — hour, minute, and second — keeps timekeeping clean, intuitive, and always easy to read at a glance.
The Midnight Blue fumé dial has a transparent logo and leaves the retrograde display visible at six o’clock. Launch descriptions also mention applied faceted indices and luminous hands. These measurements and features describe the construction; they do not establish how the watch will fit or feel on an individual wrist.
What does the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds cost?
Published prices differ in both date and tax basis, so they should not be treated as interchangeable quotes.
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- [Digital Watch]: Imported EL backlight screen, the time can be clearly displayed in the backlight. The digital watch also has 12/24H, stopwatch, alarm,hourly time signal day and date.
- [Adjustable Strap]: 260mm adjustable soft rubber strap fits up to 10 inch wrist circumference, 45mm resin case with acrylic lens,easy to read.
- [5ATM/50M Waterproof]: In general,waterproof watch suitable for swimming in shallow water and cold showering, but keep away from hot water and steam, not suitable for long time underwater activities such as diving.
- [Sports Watch]: Digital watch Suitable for men and women, especially to those who like doing sports, multi-functions make it perfect for both outdoor and indoor sports, such as running, climbing and so on.
- [Prefect Gift]: A perfect gift for Valentine's Day, anniversary, business, birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day Christmas etc.
| Source | Price | Context |
|---|---|---|
| H. Moser & Cie. | CHF 19,900 excluding VAT | Manufacturer product page accessed 8 October 2026; not a verified quote for every region or configuration. |
| Monochrome Watches | CHF 19,900 including tax | Launch coverage dated 2 October 2024. |
| Hodinkee | $21,900 | US launch price reported 2 October 2024; not a current quote. |
The difference between the current manufacturer listing and Monochrome’s launch figure is the stated tax basis. The dollar figure is specifically a 2024 US launch price, not evidence of today’s price in the United States.
Which strap or bracelet options are available?
Launch coverage described the watch with alligator leather, rubber, textile and steel bracelet options. The manufacturer’s current technical page lists rubber. Since the published configuration details differ, confirm the supplied strap or bracelet with the manufacturer or seller before ordering.
Rank #4
- Unisex Minimalist Design: 8.8 mm thickness slim dial with round case, simple and fashionable appearance with large round dial that is casual and generous
- Comfortable Silicone Strap: Silicone watch strap that is not easy to deform, comfortable to wear, and does not hurt the skin. Glass mirror is clear and not easy to scratch. Quartz Movement provides precise and accurate timekeeping
- Convenient Pin Buckle Closure: Pin buckle is easy to put on and take off, comfortable to wear and fits the wrist. Product Specifications include dial diameter 40.5mm, thickness 8.8mm, band width 20mm, length 245mm, and weight 45.7g
- Water Resistant Design: Fashion wrist watch water resistant to 30m, suitable for hand washing, rainy days, and daily use. Not suitable for underwater activities, swimming or diving. Please do not press any buttons in the water
- Versatile Occasion Wear: Unisex wrist watches suitable for any occasion including Valentine's Day, anniversaries, business events, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Christmas, and more. Suitable choice for lovers, friends, family, and relatives on any special occasion
How can you check availability?
The manufacturer’s model page offers “Ask for more information” and “Reserve” actions, as well as retailer discovery. Those options provide a route to ask about the specific reference, configuration and local price; they do not establish stock or delivery timing. Hodinkee described the watch as available at launch in October 2024, but that dated report is not a current inventory check.
For further launch specifications and reporting, see Monochrome Watches’ 2 October 2024 coverage and Hodinkee’s 2 October 2024 introduction.
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Quick Recap
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- Design concept: Using manga style, this watch has a 3D visual effect. It reflects modern technology and recalls adolescence comics. It can be worn in a business style or casual style. A watch with a very high usage rate, suitable for any crowd.
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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.
