Introducing the H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton

Background of the Brand

Amongst the existing roster of independents, fan-favorite H. Moser & Cie. known for their whimsical yet elegantly crafted watches whose novelties are often an interesting sight to see during the trade show. From the noteworthy Swiss Alp Watch as its response to the rise of the Apple Watch to its very peculiar limited edition of a timepiece whose case was made partly out of Swiss cheese released back in 2017. But in the background, the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer has continued developing their in-house complications ranging from the perpetual calendar, the flyback chronograph, and more recently, with the tourbillons.

Enthusiasts of the brand have taken a significant notice towards this development when the brand released the Endeavor Cylindrical Tourbillon, its first successful collaboration in partnership with fellow independent, MB&F. It featured a one-minute flying tourbillon rising above a fumé dial at noon while sporting a transparent sapphire dial displaying the time tilted at 40 degrees at the 6 o’clock position. This year, the brand ups the ante by releasing one of its most complicated timepieces to ever be produced: the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton.

The new H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton features a one-minute flying tourbillon, equipped with a cylindrical hairspring at 6 o’clock that is complemented with a small domed Funky Blue fumé sub-dial located at the 12 o’clock.

What is the Deal?

For starters, the Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton serves as the successor of the former Endeavor Cylindrical Tourbillon by showcasing a one-minute flying tourbillon that has been fitted with a cylindrical hairspring at 6 o’clock that rises perpendicularly around the top upper stem of the balance spindle. Developed in partnership with its sister company, Precision Engineering AG, the watch is drawn from the technology of the cylindrical hairspring that was first introduced back in the 18th century by English watchmaker John Arnold that predates the overcoil technology that was developed by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Found primarily in marine chronometers, the cylindrical hairsping helps lessen the friction caused inside the mechanism while maintaining accuracy against any external shock. Given the high production costs, H. Moser & Cie. is just one of a handful of watch manufacturers that places significant investment in this technology.

In contrast to the other timepieces produced by the brand, this complication is tastefully complemented by a small domed Funky Blue fumé sub-dial that is located at the 12 o’clock position. The indices of the sub-dial have also been carefully tweaked by using this new ceramic-based material called Globolight that contains the luminous material of Super-Luminova that gives off a bolder look. These materials are also incorporated in the hours and minute hands of the watch. Another important feature of this novelty is their execution of the fully skeletonized movement, the new calibre HMC 811. Measuring at 34mm in diameter, the movement is supported by twin arching bridges on both sides of the case and is treated with an anthracite PVD coating, contrasted by the large skeletonized gold oscillating rotor on its caseback. The Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton will be part of the main production line of its sportier Pioneer collection and serve as the first complication in its entire lineup.

Developed in partnership with its sister company, Precision Engineering AG, the timepiece is powered by the in-house caliber HMC 811, a fully skeletonized automatic movement that is supported by twin arching bridges on both sides of the case and is treated with an anthracite PVD coating.

What Do We Think?

Since the brand began participating at the trade shows, H. Moser & Cie. always brings a surprise smile with their releases at the show. As with many of us, when renderings of this watch were first sent to our inbox on the eve of Watches and Wonders, it instantly became a chatter amongst the collectors and select members of the media. A prominent colleague in the community stated in confidence that the brand is “learning from the mistakes in the misuse of the tourbillon complication being bastardized by various brands”. One can clearly see that the brand developed a timepiece that is visually pleasing and can be worn as a casual watch in the daytime, and a conversational dress piece to be worn at night.

Specifications

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.