Introducing the H. Moser & Cie. Blacker than Black Streamliner

Background of the Brand

“Who would have guessed that a watch that takes its pages out of a science fiction novel could ever be created…”. This quote encapsulates the general sentiment of the attendees at the year’s edition of Watches and Wonders upon seeing this surprise release by independent brand H. Moser & Cie., the Blacker than Black Streamliner, the darkest timepiece ever made. Today, we discuss how this new concept came into being and why people should take notice of this landmark innovation.

What is the Deal?

The new H. Moser & Cie. Blacker than Black Streamliner is a  functional chronograph treated with the patented Vantablack material.

As the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer has continued in developing their in-house complications, it has also placed a significant time and effort into formulating new concepts in watchmaking. Recently, the brand has been working on using the Vantablack, a color scheme that holds the independently verified world record as the darkest man-made substance. This was first seen back in 2020, when the brand launched the Venturer Concept, their own take on the traditional dress watch. In January of 2022, a further development towards the said material was seen in the Endeavor Small Seconds Total Eclipse, a successful collaboration with the luxury menswear brand, The Armoury.

At this year’s show, the brand has confirmed that it is now testing this new material towards a full treatment of a mechanical watch. The Blacker than Black Streamliner is a fully-functional Streamliner Flyback Chronograph that is covered entirely from its dial down to its integrated bracelet. As displayed at the exhibition booth, one cannot easily distinguish the watch from its dark background except by its luminous hour and minute hand on the dial. This new timepiece remains to be a prototype and cannot be worn yet given the fragility of the material. In a press statement released to the public, the brand further explained that it is presently researching on the best avenue to produce this timepiece for the general public by strengthening this material.

What Do We Think?

This release may just be a one-off concept, but this is an important development that people should not ignore. As we have seen many watch brands reviving their respective collections with brighter and more vivid colors, H. Moser & Cie. is clearly departing from the mainstream trend by adopting Vantablack material into their timepieces. While we await to see if the brand can properly pull this off as a full production model, we can safely bet that it will figure it out very soon and when it does, it will be the main conversation amongst collectors.

Note: The H. Moser & Cie. Blacker than Black Streamliner is still a conceptual timepiece and is not yet for commercial release as it remains under development by the brand. As of the time of the publishing of this article, no technical specifications have been given.

Our coverage of the various Watches and Wonders continues into the week of 30 March-5 April 2022. To keep yourself informed of the latest releases at the event on our website.

Find out more at the Vintage Grail website. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or contact us at (+63) 917 159 1211.