The H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity – Red Gold and Contemporary Rhodium-Plated Fumé Dial

Independent watch brand H. Moser & Cie. had another strong showing at Baselworld this year, introducing several stunning new models. We already wrote about the new Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Purity Cosmic Green (read that article here) and today we’re getting hands-on with the simply sublime Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity. For the first time, 5N red gold makes its debut in the Venturer XL collection, creating a delightfully warm sense of contrast with the brand’s trademark fumé dials. Available in two different dial colours, this was definitely a sleeper hit from the brand for us.

Timepieces from Moser have always been highly sought-after by aficionados for one reason above all others; their gorgeous fumé dials. Yes, the manufacture movements are very well-executed and beautifully finished, the quality of construction above reproach, but it is the brand’s ability to consistently create eye-catching watches using its trademark minimalist aesthetic that has really put it on the map. No matter how simple or complicated the watch, you can be sure all eyes will be on your wrist as soon as you strap one on.

The new Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity continues this proud tradition. Presented in a round 43mm case crafted from 5N red gold, the model is offered with either a rhodium-plated fumé dial (pictured) or a midnight-blue fumé dial. Characteristically understated, the dials feature only the logo along with the four main indices – with double indices at 12 o’clock – and a slightly recessed sub-dial for small seconds just above six o’clock. The hands and indices are all in red gold, matching the case.

I knew I would like the midnight-blue dial version, as it is the perfect accompaniment to the red gold case, but I was also surprised by how much I love the rhodium-plated version. It gives the watch a much more contemporary feel on the wrist, making this model a bit more of an all-rounder in my opinion.

Speaking of the watch on the wrist, it is important to acknowledge that at 43mm, it’s not small. This is further amplified by the domed sapphire crystal and the refined bezel, two features which we absolutely love but that also give the impression that the watch is larger than it is. Offsetting this is the relatively thin case – 12.60mm thick – and the slightly curved lugs, which ensure a comfortable fit. I’m quite partial to larger, thin watches but I’m also over 6ft tall, so I think this will really come down to personal preference.

Turning the watch over a sapphire case back reveals the HMC 327 hand-wound calibre, an in-house developed and manufactured movement that features a Moser balance wheel and original Straumann Hairspring, with an interchangeable regulator module. This is the same movement that was used in last year’s Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity Cosmic Green and features large double ribbings on the bridges, nice curved shapes, polished screws and slots, polished and bevelled angles, engravings and so on. Running at a relaxed 2.5Hz, it offers 3-days of power reserve when fully wound, which is displayed via the indicator on the movement side.

Available in a limited edition of 100 pieces for each of the two references in 5N red gold, the blue dial model is paired with a bold chocolate-coloured strap, while a beige kudu leather strap accompanies the rhodium fumé dial. Pricing is set at CHF 23,000. More details on www.h-moser.com.