INTRODUCING: It’s chime time with the Moser Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon
Ricardo SimeMaybe it’s just me, but recently there seems to be a common thread amongst high-end watchmakers. Multiple releases have come out making use of that much loved melodious complication, the minute repeater (I must admit, there is something very enjoyable about listening to time.) While some brands are just getting into this arena, others have already gotten their feet wet and are ready to dive in. This is the case with the new H. Moser & Cie’s Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Aqua Blue.
This release builds on last years Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillion that featured an Electric Blue dial and Titanium case. Yet here, we have two options. You can go the route of a titanium case or if you are feeling a bit snazzy, 18-carat red gold. Beyond the material used, the case has also seen an evolution in design. The width, which was 43mm last year, now comes in at a svelte 40. Thickness comes down too, going from 14mm to 13.5. Water resistance remains 30 metres.
Though I would have liked to see the water resistance bumped up to 50 metres, it is nice to see the watch come in at a more reasonable size. Hopefully, gone are the days concept pieces wear like hockey pucks on the wrist.
Moving in from the case, we’re met with an Aqua Blue Fumé dial. This dial is another area of evolution for the brand, as it now features the much beloved texture we saw on the Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept Lime Green. That texture really brings the dial to life. Other than that change, most of the design remains the same. We still get leaf hands, which are either steel or gold depending on the case. At six o’clock, we still get the well-finished heartbeat of the watch, the one-minute flying tourbillon. And much to my delight, the hammers and gongs are still on display on the dial side of the watch, under a sapphire crystal.
From the beginning, I’ve always loved how H. Moser & Cie decided not to hide the producers of sound in the movement. Seeing the hammers strike the gongs and watching them vibrate is such an enjoyable experience.
Powering these watches is H. Moser & Cie’s HMC 904 hand-wound movement. It’s partially skeletonized and features one more jewel (35) when compared to the previous HMC 903 movement. Beyond those differences, we still get 90 hours of power reserve and a bph of 21,600. Furthermore, to activate the minute repeater function of the HMC 904, simply press the button on the 9 o’clock side of the case. Once activated, the watch will chime the hour, quarter-hour and minute for your listening pleasure.
The HMC 904 movement is also cleanly finished, featuring double-crested Geneva stripes, beautifully displayed behind a sapphire crystal caseback. I do appreciate the fact that this movement takes up a ton of real estate behind the crystal and isn’t flanked by a huge bezel.
Keeping the watch secured to your wrist is a brown stitched, brown alligator leather strap. Hardware will either be a titanium or red gold pin buckle. This design and choice of colour really compliment the aqua blue dial on either cases.
Overall, I really like what H. Moser & Cie did with the Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Aqua Blue. It is a perfect evolution of last year’s release. From a more refined movement, to a smaller case, and the addition of a precious metal, H. Moser & Cie show they’re constantly working towards bettering their offerings. Even the dials are getting better with their more lively texture. If you’re a fan of the brand, this is definitely a piece you’ll enjoy.
The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Aqua Blue pricing and availability:
The H.Moser & Cie Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Aqua Blue comes in two flavors. Reference 1904-0400 in 18-carat red gold which will be limited to 20 pieces and priced at $365,000 USD. Reference 1904-0500 in titanium which will also be limited to 20 pieces and price is$365,000 USD.
| Case Material | 18-carat Red Gold or Titanium |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 13.5mm |
| Water-Resistance | 30m |
| Dial | Aqua Blue fumé dial, |
| Straps | Brown alligator leather strap |
| Movement | HMC 904 |
| Power Reserve | 90 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, minute repeater with hour, quarter-hour and minute chimes |
| Price | $365,000 USD 18-carat Red Gold
$365,000 USD Titanium |