Edouard Meylan, CEO of luxury independent brand, H. Moser & Cie., reflects on his company’s evolution on the occasion of the opening of its new Singapore boutique
H. Moser & Cie. Has opened its first standalone boutique at Raffles City in Singapore, offering local collectors a new home for the independent watchmaker. For CEO Edouard Meylan, the milestone marks a natural turning point driven by rising global visibility, deeper resonance with collectors, and the brand’s continued momentum in product development.
Founded in 1828 by Schaffhausen-born watchmaker Heinrich Moser, the brand first built its reputation in St Petersburg, supplying high- grade pocket watches to the Russian aristocracy and imperial court. Following its acquisition by the Meylan family’s MELB Holding in 2012, the brand entered a new chapter under Edouard as it rolled out timepieces marked by bold fume dials, clean no-logo aesthetics, and concept pieces that challenge conventional horological traditions. This evolution repositioned H. Moser & Cie. as a respected independent brand with a distinct voice grounded in watchmaking.
That spirit naturally finds an enthusiastic audience in Singapore, where appreciation for independent watch brands has broadened in recent years. “At a certain point, both the market and the brand feel ready,” Edouard notes. “As one of the most established independent brands, H. Moser & Cie. is well positioned to enter this market.”
The location of the Singapore boutique was approached with equal deliberation. Edouard explains that the decision came down to the right place, scale, and timing, and a preference for a space that felt neither imposing nor understated. This measured approach mirrors the philosophy that has long guided H. Moser & Cie., which is known for its minimalist design and considered growth.
We feel that this is the right time to open a dedicated boutique here. It’s really a convergence of different factors. On one hand, H. Moser & Cie has reached a certain level of maturity globally. At the same time, Singapore has expanded its reach and appreciation for independent watch brands.
Of course, location also matters. It’s about the right place, the right size, and the right timing. We didn’t want something too big or too small, and this location felt like the right fit. Singapore is a mature watch market and it is very symbolic of where H. Moser & Cie. is today. We are at the forefront of independent watchmaking and this boutique demonstrates the potential of independent brands.
Many people underestimate how powerful independent watchmakers can be. I hope this project helps change that perception. This is the only H. Moser & Cie. boutique in Southeast Asia. It’s about paving the way for independent brands, as we’ve done in other markets.
When you wear an H. Moser & Cie., you know what’s on your wrist and you don’t need others to recognise it. Our collectors are divided into two main groups. First, the hardcore collectors who are typically a little older and are always looking for special pieces. We also see a growing younger crowd that has been drawn to our tone, our innovation, and our disruptive approach. What both groups share is confidence and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Five years from now, we hope to double in size and fully establish ourselves as a new manufacture. We will also have successfully celebrated our 200th anniversary and brought many exciting innovations to the market. Today, we are a very masculine brand, but we are working hard to expand our women’s collection. In five years, I hope at least 30 per cent of our watches will be for women. If we achieve even half of what we’re working on, I believe we’ll be very successful.
This story first appeared in the March 2026 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
