Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum
Exposed on the case and dial, the raw and solemn beauty of tantalum complements the extreme minimalism of this watch.
Anyone familiar with H. Moser & Cie.’s Concept watches knows that ‘concept’, in the brand’s vocabulary, means extreme minimalism with dials purged of logos, indices and numerals. Perpetual calendar complications are typically burdened with sub-dials, a profusion of hands and copious information; however, Moser’s transformation of the perpetual calendar into a Concept watch yields one of the most ingenious, intuitive and legible displays in modern watchmaking. Pushing this philosophy further, the new Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum explores the aesthetic possibilities of tantalum, a rare metal featured on the case and, for the first time, on the dial.
Described as an “unforgiving material”, tantalum (Ta) demands metallurgical wizardry. Prized for its exceptional corrosion resistance – forming a protective oxide layer in air without ever tarnishing – tantalum is tricky to machine because of its 3000°C melting point, demanding advanced metallurgical expertise and specialised carbide tools.
The Endeavour case in tantalum measures 42mm across and has a height of 13.1mm, with a curved caseback and lugs for improved ergonomics and the signature recessed case middle. Depending on the light, the metal’s dark hue produces bluish reflections.
Unlike earlier tantalum-cased editions, the novelty lies in the tantalum dial. As the leading exponent of gorgeous fumé or gradient dials, Moser has deliberately omitted any decorative surface treatment on the raw tantalum. Machined from a tantalum plate, the only finishing applied to the dial is a brushed sunburst pattern – no lacquer, no varnish. The result is a raw, living dial that reveals the metal’s natural light-shifting patina. Coupled with the Concept layout’s extreme minimalism, the watch conveys a sense of sobriety.
The steel leaf-shaped hour and minute hands contrast sharply against the tantalum dial and are joined by three additional hands: a small arrow-tipped central one for the month, small seconds at 6 o’clock and power reserve at 9 o’clock. Supporting features include the date aperture at 3 o’clock for the instantaneous jumping big date and the leap year indicator on the caseback.
Powered by the hand-wound HMC 800 calibre, developed in collaboration with Andreas Strehler for Moser, the watch can be set via the crown at any time, day or night. The double barrel stores energy for seven days, and the calibre features haute horlogerie finishes, including a gold pallet fork and escapement wheel.
The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum is a limited edition of 50 pieces. The watch is paired with a matching grey nubuck alligator leather strap and a steel folding clasp. It retails for CHF 75,000 (excl. tax). More information at h-moser.com.
