The H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept and Centre Seconds Vantablack & Red Gold

With Geneva Watch Days just around the corner, we start our coverage of some of the models that will be unveiled at the end of this month. H. Moser & Cie. presents two models – the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept and the Endeavour Centre Seconds – in radiant red gold cases with light-absorbing Vantablack dials, the darkest, blackest synthetic substance on Earth. This is not the first time these Endeavour models flaunt Vantablack dials, but it is the first time they are combined with elegant 18k red gold cases.

Vantablack

Composed of carbon nanotechnology, Vantablack is the darkest artificial substance on Earth, capable of absorbing up to 99.975% of radiation in the visible spectrum. Functioning like a black hole, when light strikes Vantablack, it is trapped, deflected and absorbed among the forest of billions and billions of nanotubes. Used in aerospace and defence sectors (telescopes, infrared cameras, thermal camouflage), Moser first used Vantablack pigment on the dial of its Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept in 2018 to dramatic effect.

Endeavour Tourbillon Concept

Anyone familiar with the brand’s concept watches knows that at Moser, ‘concept’ means maximum minimalism: no logos, no indices, no inscriptions…just the bare essentials. Moser’s first tourbillon complication surfaced in 2014 inside a Venturer and made its way into the Endeavour family in 2017.

The luxurious polished red gold case measures 40mm across with a height of 10.7mm, smaller in dimensions than the 2019 white gold edition. The contrast between the warm, polished red gold case and the light-sucking darkness of the Vantablack dial is dramatic. Positioned at 6 o’clock, the 60-second tourbillon spins in the centre of a black hole with nothing to distract the eye save the elegant leaf-shaped hour and minute hands.

Powering the watch is the HMC 804 automatic manufacture calibre with an in-house double hairspring – the two working together over the balance further compensate for gravitational forces and improve both isochronism and accuracy. The calibre has 28 jewels; it beats at 21,600vph (3Hz) and delivers a 72-hour power reserve. The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack is paired with a matte black alligator leather strap with an 18k red gold folding clasp.

Quick facts:  40mm x 10.7mm – 18k red gold – sapphire crystal front and back – Vantablack dial – 1-min tourbillon at 6 o’clock – HMC 804 in-house automatic – 21,600vph – 72h power reserve – matte black alligator strap with 18k red gold folding clasp – ref. 1804-0403 – CHF 75,000 (incl. tax)

Endeavour Centre Seconds

Again, this three-hand model appeared last year with a Vantablack dial in a 40mm stainless steel case. This 2023 model shares identical specifications but comes in a rich red gold case. Although it is not labelled a ‘concept’ watch, the dial is minimalist with golden leaf-shaped hands and slim red gold indices, allowing the Vantablack to work its magic.

Measuring 40mm across, the case has a height of 11.2mm, and the only branding is the ‘M’ on the knurled crown. The movement powering this time-only model is calibre HMC 200, an in-house automatic with a bi-directional pawl winding system and double hairspring architecture. Beating at 21,600vph, the engraved gold rotor ensures a robust 3-day power reserve. The Endeavour Centre Seconds Vantablack is paired with a grey kudu leather strap with a red gold pin buckle.

Quick facts: 40mm x 11.2mm – 18k red gold – sapphire crystal front and back – Vantablack dial – HMC 200 in-house automatic – 21,600vph – 72h power reserve – grey kudu leather strap with 18k red gold pin buckle – ref. 1200-0411 – CHF 25,000 (incl. tax)

For more information, please consult h-moser.com.