H. Moser & Cie. - Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time

2 0 Friday 5 September 2014 Edit this post

H. Moser & Cie. launches the Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time, powered by the automatic manufacture calibre HMC 802 which uses the first tourbillon ever developed by the watchmaker based in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, in the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen.

This new tourbillon features two unique solutions: the state-of-the-art Straumann Double Hairspring which improves the accuracy and isochronism of the movement and the Moser Interchangeable Tourbillon Module which can be assembled and regulated independently of the movement, with a simple "plug-and-play" system, to facilitate servicing.

The design of the Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time shows elements of the 1920s Bauhaus era. The distinctive dial is cambered towards the edge of its surface following the curve of the convex sapphire glass and is available in three variations: ardoise in a white gold case (ref. 2802-0200), red gold fumé in a red gold case (ref. 2802-0400), and argenté in a red gold case (ref. 2802-0401). The swallow-shaped hands are also curved to follow the profile of the dial.

The bottom portion of the dial is stepped lower and features chamfering between the two surfaces to highlight the two dial levels. At 6 o'clock the minute tourbillon is visible behind the open-worked gold bridge. The dual time function is provided with an additional red hour-hand that can be hidden from view when it is not required via the crown.

The satin-brushed case band of the 41.5 mm polished gold case is embellished by Moser's signature recessed flanks. The total height of the case, including the convex crystal, is 14.3 mm.

For the highest accuracy, the HMC 802 automatic calibre - running at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour - integrates a minute tourbillon and the Straumann Double Hairspring. When the tourbillon was conceived in the 18th century for use in a pocket watch, the complication balanced the effect of gravitational forces. In fact, a pocket watch was held in a vertical plane for most of the day. However, wristwatches are held in a multitude of positions in ordinary use, hence some of the benefits of a conventional tourbillon are lost. The Straumann Double Hairspring optimises accuracy thanks to a pair of matched hairsprings, each one counterbalancing the gravitational influence on the opposing spring. This solution also reduces the effect of friction normally experienced with a single hairspring, improving isochronism.

To power the movement automatically, a bi-directional pawl winding system transfers the energy from the open-worked red gold rotor to the barrel which offers a minimum power reserve of three days.

The Moser Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time, completed by a precious hand-stitched brown or black alligator strap with folding clasp, has a retail price of Euro 60,000 without taxes.