The watch industry event Watches and Wonders officially kicked off in Geneva, with nearly 40 traditional and independent brands ready for the debut of many new timepieces. Continuing the tradition, independent watch brand H. Moser & Cie recently unveiled their latest work, the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton, showcasing the brand’s impressive watchmaking craftsmanship once again.
The newly launched H. Moser & Cie hollow wristwatch with a new cylindrical tourbillon focuses on the power of its three-dimensional structure. The brand utilizes its expertise in watchmaking, referencing ancient marine chronometers, to recreate its iconic cylindrical tourbillon movement in a new way.
The in-house HMC 811 automatic winding movement, with a diameter of 34mm, is equipped with a one-minute flying tourbillon with a cylindrical hairspring, allowing the entire structure to rotate continuously at the 6 o’clock position on the dial like a ballet, with the cylindrical hairspring vertically surrounding the top of the balance wheel axis. The structure of this cylindrical hairspring can be traced back to the 18th century when cylindrical hairsprings were often used in marine chronometers, with the advantage of swinging concentrically. Installing two Breguet curves at both ends of the cylindrical hairspring can reduce friction on the pivot and improve isochronism, especially when combined with the tourbillon. After centuries of evolution, today the manufacturing of cylindrical hairsprings is extremely difficult due to the need for very specialized knowledge and tools. H. Moser & Cie, a company dedicated to watchmaking craftsmanship, and its Precision Engineering AG team have reacquired this expertise, dedicating ten times more production time to each hand-shaped cylindrical hairspring than traditional hairsprings, refining the flawless structure of this movement, transforming the HMC 811 three-dimensional movement into a true contemporary work of art.
In appearance, the slightly arched sapphire crystal with Globolight® stripes on the small dial curve complement each other, while the cylindrical hairspring minute flying tourbillon swings independently on the dial, captivating the vision of all users and admirers. Unlike traditional watches, this Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton places the arched small dial at the 12 o’clock position, adorned with the brand’s iconic electric blue fumé color, echoing the curves of the sapphire crystal. The white H. Moser & Cie logo is subtle and understated, with three-dimensional hour markers made of innovative ceramic base material Globolight® containing SuperLumiNova® luminescent material, while the hour and minute hands are also made of the same material, enhancing the dial’s three-dimensional layers.
On a 15.3mm thick case, the new HMC 811 skeletonized movement can be seen on both sides, showcasing the fully skeletonized large golden automatic rotor. The lightweight flying tourbillon elegantly rotates under the sapphire crystal, highlighting the beauty of this movement.
The watch comes with a black alligator leather strap, and can also be paired with stainless steel, rubber, woven fabric, or twisted angle antelope leather straps, providing a variety of options. This stunning and charming watch not only has a powerful yet elegant appearance, but also has a water resistance of up to 120 meters, making it suitable for both casual and sporty wear. In terms of price, it is priced at HKD 687,000.
As a preview before the launch of Watches & Wonders, the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton symbolizes H. Moser & Cie taking a significant step into the realm of skeletonized watches, and setting their own principles for this type of watchmaking. As for what new creations the brand will bring to the watch exhibition, aside from the cylindrical tourbillon, will there be more extreme challenges? Watch enthusiasts, stay tuned!
資料及圖片來源：Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie
