If you like a song and a dance, you will love the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon.
H. Moser introduced this simple, yet stunning piece of horology for Baselworld this year and it is a lovely watch; not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also offers an audible experience, as well as being technically complicated.
The first sentence of the recent press release from Moser sums it up perfectly:
A twirling minute repeater with a flying tourbillon, highlighting the “ballet dance” performed by the complex mechanism to chime the hours: on the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon from H.
Moser & Cie., the two chimes and the hammers on the minute repeater can be admired on the dial side.
A timepiece which appeals to the ears and the eyes.
Face & case
The case of the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon is solid white gold, in 18-carat.
In true Moser style, there are no logos, numerals or indicators on the black lacquered face, giving a clean, simplistic look, which is dramatically offset by the contrast of the polished chimes, hammers and the parts of the calibre that are visible.
You will notice the the chimes and the hammers are visibly centred over 10 o’clock on the dial side; usually these are hidden at the back and not visible – a very technically challenging feature to make possible.
The chimes had to be curved so as not to interfere with the one minute flying tourbillon, which appears to be floating above the skeleton bridge, seen through the circular aperture in the face at 6 o’clock. The flying tourbillon is however connected; it’s fitted to a ball bearing, which improves the accuracy and chronometry.
The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands sit in front of everything, so discrete they are barely noticed until actually looking for them.
The case middle has been increased to make space for the soundbox, which amplifies the chiming of hours, quarter-hours and minutes by two sounds. The two hammers that are raised based on information provided by different feeler-spindles create a beautiful sound on impact, combine amplitude, a certain length and a pure note.
The case back is transparent; showing off the intricate workings behind the hand finished and decorated caliber under an extra hard sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
Double Moser stripes are visible at equidistant intervals on the plate and bridges.
Movement
The Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon features the 14th calibre produced by the brand since 2005 – the 33mm wide movement is hand-wound; an HMC 903 calibre.
Featuring 34 jewels, the caliber regulates at 21,600 vibrations / hour.
Expect at least 90 hours (3.75 days) power reserve.
Strap
The strap is thicker than it appears on the wrist. It is hand stitched black alligator leather with red lining.
The pin buckle is 18-carat solid white gold and beautifully engraved with the Moser logo.
Collaboration
MHC Manufactures Hautes Complications SA, a specialist in minute repeaters worked with H. Moser to create a brand-new design, showcasing the beauty of the complication on the face side.
Our verdict
The Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon, reference 1903-0200, is definitely an eye catcher. Add that to the heavenly sounds of the chiming minute repeater and I am definitely a fan.
At 43mm wide, the complication is the perfect size for my wrist. It is deeper than many “dress” watches, at 14mm (especially the “ultra-thin” many have released recently), but it doesn’t look or feel cumbersome in any way.
Moser are only producing a limited run of 10 pieces, with a price tag of 320,000 CHF – it’s unfortunate not many people will be able to appreciate the real personality that this complication has in person.
0 Comments