Striking Splendours: H. Moser & Cie. – Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon

VIBRANT LUSH GREENS

The Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Lime Green Enamel Diamonds SHH Edition features a white gold case adorned with a dazzling array of baguette-cut diamonds. To complement the exquisite craftsmanship, H. Moser & Cie. has chosen a «Grand Feu» enamel dial instead of the signature fumé the brand is known for. The dial creation process involves engraving

a pattern onto a gold base, giving it a hammered appearance. Subsequently, three different colour pigments are delicately applied to result in an intriguing gradient effect. The master enameller meticulously applied the pigments one by one to ensure they fuse together seamlessly during the heating process, resulting in a smooth and unified appearance devoid of any pixelation. This translucent «Grand Feu» enamel dial requires a total of twelve firings to achieve the renowned H. Moser & Cie. fumé effect. Each dial is arduous to create and unique as it showcases impeccable craftsmanship. Ultimately, the addition of the enamel dial to a watch that is already overflowing with haute horlogerie magnificence is just icing on the cake.

In a bold and contemporary design choice, this SHH Edition, with its intricate texture and vibrant Lime Green hue allows the Schaffhausen-based manufacture to make a statement without the need for logos or indices. There is no need – a single look is all it takes for one to recognise the maker of this watch. The one-minute flying tourbillon gracefully appears at the 6 o’clock position, creating an illusion of weightlessness as it hovers above the captivating enamel dial. And the enamel dial is just the perfect platform to show off this orchestra of mechanical art.

MOSER & CIE. : TRANQUIL TURQUOISE WATERS & BREATHTAKING COMPLEXITY

TRANQUIL TURQUOISE WATERS

In the second variant that is no less enticing, H. Moser & Cie. presents the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon SHH Edition encased in titanium instead. The design of the case has been meticulously crafted, developed, and tailored to optimise the unique properties of titanium. This approach maximises the resonance chamber and incorporates the essential walls to contribute to the overall resonance.

Titanium is a current favourite metal of many brands that are looking towards the future of watchmaking and we are glad that Moser is not ignoring its value. The material is known for its high elastic modulus, which means that this material deforms very little under stress and is consequently more rigid. However, this also means that Titanium needs the right expertise and knowhow to work with. Its rigidity and resilience mean that the metal retains the vibratory energy from sound well, rather than allowing it to dissipate thanks to its low damping effect. In essence, the sound emitted from a minute repeater with a Titanium case will have a longer decay effect.

H. MOSER & CIE. : BREATHTAKIG COMPLEXITY & AVAILABILITY

When activated via the Teflon-enhanced bolt on the side of the case, the hammers and chimes of the minute repeater mechanism goes into motion to chime melodiously. The entire orchestra of motion on the dial with the partnership of the tourbillon and minute repeater is a sight to behold and is most hypnotic. As a bonus, the owner will savour the butter smooth motion of the activator thanks to the presence of Teflon.

The repeater, when called upon, tells the time with hour, quarter-hour and minute chimes respectively. An innovative decision has been made to place the two uniquely shaped gongs and hammers on the dial side, presenting a fresh design approach and allowing one to thoroughly enjoy the action that is clearly visible on the dial. As though the creation of a minute repeater is not difficult enough, the watchmakers had to overcome further numerous technical hurdles to accomplish this feat. For example, to maintain the watch’s elegance, the chimes were curved to avoid any interference with the flying tourbillon while ensuring a delicate overall appearance.

Furthermore, extensive efforts were dedicated to optimising the case, achieving the ideal balance of volume, resonance, and harmony. The case's has been expanded to its maximum capacity, allowing ample room for the movement while creating a soundbox that amplifies the enchanting chimes produced by the two gongs. The elevated hammers are activated through information provided by various feeler-spindles. The result is a watch that chimes truly, loudly and harmoniously. It is only fair that it does.

Both SHH Editions, while sharing the same movement, are different and unique in their own ways. These are, after all, truly complex machines meant to bring watchmaking to another level. Watch enthusiasts and collectors would do well to take a look at these timepieces for they are truly worthy to be the centrepiece of any collection. In their truly rare and limited edition forms, these magnificent timepieces offer a fine opportunity of ownership for a timepiece that combines the uber complex mechanisms of a tourbillon and a minute repeater. With these two major complications combined, H. Moser & Cie. is simply showing off their capabilities, indicating that the peak of watchmaking showmanship is not alien to the brand. Not many other watches can boast this. Very Rare indeed!