Not that brands need a specific time or reason to release new novelties (in other words, extremely limited versions of their watches), but a new year is as good a reason as any. One of the first that we’re hearing about is the H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon, with a new burgundy dial.
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon: a stoplight?
Why, yes, yes indeed. When I first saw the photos of the H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon, that’s what came to mind. First, you’ve got that fumé dial done up in a rich burgundy (there’s your stop). Next, that’s set in a red gold case (which, against the burgundy looks more yellow, so there’s the caution). Finally it’s paired to a khaki rubber strap, with the specific hue being more green-leaning than beige. So there’s your go. And frankly, anyone who knows about watches, they’ll be stopped and want to see it more closely.
What’s new here?
Often, with new novelties (or even more widely-available releases), we’re hit with a new dial color, case finish, or strap material, and that’s it. And sure, there’s some of that going on here with the H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon. However, the real new change is hiding in plain sight.
The movement is the HMC 805, whereas prior Pioneer Tourbillon models have made use of the HMC 804. What’s so special about this movement? Turns out, it’s all in the tourbillon. First off, it’s make use of a double hairspring setup. This allows finer tuning of things to avoid the impacts of gravity, as well as reducing friction.
Where the real “wow” factor with this tourbillon is that it’s built in a modular fashion. What this means is, should something go wrong with the tourbillon, H. Moser & Cie can simply remove the existing one from the movement, and drop a new one in. I’m sure it’s a bit more complex than simple plug-and-play, but that sounds like easy maintenance for a complex complication.
Wrapping things up
The H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon (in burgundy) was just announced today. Despite it’s tourbillon-based good looks, it’s intended as a daily wearer, as the case comes with a 12 ATM water resistance rating (so yes, a watch you can swim with). True luxury ready for every day, that’s a concept we can get behind. Of course, all this comes at a price. In this case, that price is $65,900. If that’s not a stopping point for you, then cast caution away and go on over to h-moser.com
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Tourbillon Tech Specs
- Reference 3805-0400, 5N red gold model, Burgundy fumé dial, rubber strap (alligator or textile strap available separately)
- Case
- 5N red gold case
- Diameter: 40.0 mm
- Height without sapphire crystal: 10.4 mm; Height with sapphire crystal: 12.0 mm
- Domed sapphire crystal and see-through case-back
- Screw-in crown adorned with an “M”
- Water-resistant to 12 ATM
- Dial
- Burgundy fumé with sunburst pattern
- H. Moser & Cie. logo in transparent lacquer
- Faceted applique indices, with hour markers in Super-Luminova®
- Leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, filled with Super-LumiNova®
- Movement
- HMC 805 automatic Manufacture calibre
- Diameter: 32.0 mm or 14 1/4 lignes
- Height: 5.5 mm
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
- Automatic bi-directional pawl winding system
- Skeletonised oscillating weight in 18-carat red gold with engraved H. Moser & Cie. logo
- Power reserve: minimum of 3 days
- Original double hairspring
- One-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock with skeletonised bridge
- Anthracite finish with Moser double stripes
- Partially skeletonised bridges
- Functions: Hours and minutes
- Strap
- Rubber strap (hand-stitched alligator leather or textile also available separately)
- 5N red gold clasp, engraved with the H. Moser logo
