Scottish Watches Podcast #754: Rare Red Releases from Moser, Sartory Billard, Armin Strom and More

Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Scottish Watches dives deep into a series of new and spectacular watch releases—many featuring the color red—including dramatic launches from Moser, Armin Strom, Sartory Billard, and more. The hosts, Ricky and Dave, also discuss industry news, such as the tightening of COSC standards, offer updates on the Glasgow Watch Show, and share their wrist checks with a focus on value-driven, creative timepieces.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Concept Ceramic

[01:16 – 08:10]

• Ceramic Innovation:
  For the first time, Moser launches a Streamliner model in anthracite-grey ceramic—including both the case and bracelet—a technical and aesthetic milestone for the brand.

  “For the first time in the history of Moser, they are using ceramic not just for the case but also for the bracelet. …even the bracelet’s in ceramic. And it’s a really nice shade of ceramic.”
  — Dave [02:31]

• Dramatic Red Dial:
  The dial is a striking red fumé grand feu enamel with a “hammered” texture over a white gold base. It is completely logo-free, bearing only the flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock.

  “At six o' clock you've got that 60 second flying tourbillon. The movement is their HMC805. It is an automatic tourbillon as well, I’m very pleased to say...”
  — Dave [04:05]

• Specs & Price:

  • 40mm diameter, under 13mm thick
  • Water resistance: 12 ATM/120m
  • Price: £98,000 (including VAT).
    “Not into six figures, but scratching at the six figures.”
    — Ricky [05:23]

• Memorable Moment:
  Dave and Ricky reminisce about their past visit to Moser, describing it as “one of the best highlights of any watch trip ever.”
  “Can’t think they put a foot wrong with the Streamliner.” — Ricky [07:15]

2. Armin Strom Dual Time Resonance — A New Perspective on Dual Time

[08:38 – 12:33]

• Brand Philosophy:
  Armin Strom is praised for its innovation and hospitality, known for welcoming guests even without appointments and offering original approaches to complications such as the bezel date display.

• New Release:

  • Dual Time GMT Resonance: 39mm, 18kt rose gold, black gold twin dials with a grenage finish, resonance clutch for synchronised regulation.

  • Power reserve: 42 hours (manual wind), price: CHF 115,000 (approx. £110,000), limited to 50 pieces.

    “The symmetry in Armin Strom is fantastic. …They could charge three times as much and be compared to Greubel Forsey… but everything is in house…”
    — Ricky [11:17]

3. COSC’s New ‘Excellence Chronometer’ Certification

[13:19 – 16:58]

• Updated Standards:
  COSC announces tighter standards: accuracy down to -2/+4 seconds per day, antimagnetism, and independent power reserve checks. This advances COSC’s prestige to better compete with METAS and Rolex’s in-house tests.

  “They have unveiled a new standard…it’s called Excellence Chronometer. This is an all new level of certification and they’re bringing that accuracy window down to within six seconds per day…”
  — Dave [14:09]

• Host Opinions:
  Ricky jokes about obsessive accuracy, while Dave admits he’s “never really got involved with it” and is more bothered by things like misaligned bezels.
  [16:58 – 18:37]

4. Sartory Billard SB02 ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ Limited Edition

[19:38 – 23:23]

• Artisanal Dial Journey:
  A 24k gold-plated brass dial, laser engraved in the USA, gold-plated in Switzerland, and hand-finished with Chinese ink in France—an international creative journey celebrating the rare ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ in the Chinese zodiac.

  “It’s marking the year of the Fire horse…a special Chinese New Year edition. …They’re only going to do 26 of these. Well, it’s 2026 after all…”
  — Dave [20:00]

• Specs & Price:

  • 39.5mm steel case, 100m WR, La Joux-Perret G100 automatic, 60hr power reserve
  • €3,500 + tax; “Value is absolutely phenomenal…fantastic quality beyond just the dial.”
    — Ricky [22:04]

• Memorable Moment:
  “Grab it before the horse bolts from the stable, Dave.”
  — Ricky [23:25]

5. Venezianico Carnival “Arlecchino” Limited Edition

[24:09 – 27:11]

• Fun and Affordable:
  Inspired by the Harlequin character of commedia dell’arte, this watch features a colorful mosaic dial—polished steel framework filled with cold enamel. Only 400 made, at €950 (~£825).

  “If you want something bright and fun, you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money.”
  — Dave [27:11]

• Highlight on Value:
  The hosts point out the brand’s consistency in offering “banging value” for well-crafted, original designs.

6. Trends in Watch Prices

[27:11 – 30:26]

• Inflation Impact:
  The mid-tier price point for watches is shifting, with £2,000 becoming the new £1,000 due to broad price increases throughout the industry.

  “All the watches that used to be in that four, five, 600 pounds are all now in that 8, 9, 1000. Everything that used to be...in and around a thousand is more like towards 2000…”
  — Dave [29:41]

7. Wrist Check

[30:26 – 35:22]

• Ricky: Wearing the WatchdnCo x Seltun Bahinia, noting its mother-of-pearl base with iridescent color, CNC guilloché dial, and affordable price ($1,250, limited to 200 pieces per color).

  “The best thing about this is the dial...phenomenal for the price point.”
  — Ricky [31:30]

• Dave: Sporting the Orage Autark K1 in Grade 5 titanium.

  “It’s actually just a really clean, great looking watch. Long gone from the range...but I found one in the sample set and I thought I really like that watch...”
  — Dave [34:28]

8. Event Announcement: Glasgow Watch Show

[36:40 – 40:32]

• Details:
  Returns 9th May at Hampden Park, bigger venue, family-friendly, live podcast recording.

  “It's a family day out…super easy to get to…tickets will go fast…”
  — Ricky [37:35]

9. Franck Muller Vanguard Sports AP Exclusives

[40:32 – 41:50]

• Overview:
  Singapore/Asia-Pacific exclusive, four colorways, sun guilloché dials, typical FM case shape, 43-hour power reserve, SGD $16,600. Notable for exemplary dial work and boutique experience.

  “The dials are made entirely in house by Franck Muller in their dial making facility.”
  — Dave [41:50]

10. Industry News: Swiss Watch Export Report & Top 10 Brands

[48:11 – 50:28]

• Key Takeaways:

  • Rolex remains dominant.

  • Export numbers down due to market conditions; Rolex’s pre-owned program grows.

  • Vacheron Constantin jumps from 15th to 8th place since 2019.

    “I didn’t realize Vacheron were kicking ass quite as much as they have done.”
    — Ricky [49:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Moser’s ceramic Streamliner:

  “This is probably my favourite streamliner, my favourite Moser.”
  — Ricky [07:44]

• On COSC and Accuracy:

  “A couple of seconds a day doesn’t really bother me.”
  — Dave [18:37]

• On Sartory Billard’s dial travel story:

  “Probably got more air miles than Ricky. That wouldn’t be that difficult though, because Ricky’s not a fan of traveling.”
  — Dave [21:07]

• On industry trends:

  “2000 is the new 1000…”
  — Ricky [29:41]

• On Franck Muller’s viral moment:

  “It’s crazy that the things that we put the least amount of effort into get the largest reception.”
  — Ricky [41:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Moser Streamliner Tourbillon Ceramic – [01:16 – 08:10]
• Armin Strom Dual Time Resonance – [08:38 – 12:33]
• COSC Excellence Chronometer – [13:19 – 16:58]
• Sartory Billard Fire Horse – [19:38 – 23:23]
• Venezianico Harlequin – [24:09 – 27:11]
• Wrist Check – [30:26 – 35:22]
• Glasgow Watch Show Announcement – [36:40 – 40:32]
• Franck Muller AP Exclusives – [40:32 – 41:50]
• Swiss Exports and Brand Rankings – [48:11 – 50:28]

Overall Tone

Warm, conversational, irreverent, and enthusiastic about horology—with a good dose of Scottish humor and banter.

For Further Exploration

• Show notes/links: Check the podcast description for photo galleries, related videos, and more details on the new releases.
• Upcoming Events: Glasgow Watch Show (May 9th, 2026); British Watchmakers Day (early March 2026)
• Listener Engagement: Send questions, brand requests, or feedback by email; comments on YouTube are welcome for broader discussions.

This episode is a treasure trove for watchers interested in avant-garde releases, technical advances, and the ever-evolving landscape of pricing and prestige in the watch world.