Moser enter the metaverse with new Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis
Zach BlassYou know the world is addicted to digital media when the most prominent smartphone manufacturer, Apple, now adds a “screen time” tool to help users be more cognizant of how much time they are spending on their phones. As much as people still find themselves baffled by NFTs and losing faith in cryptocurrency, surprisingly luxury-industries are moving full-speed ahead with this technology train. Even more surprising is that the luxury industry, a notoriously traditional realm, is such an early adopter of such technology, looking to become fluent in the space ahead of the trend rather than play catch up down the line. One manufacturer that has remained consistently ahead of trends is H. Moser & Cie., with wonderfully wild creations that blend a healthy dose of future-forward thinking with traditional craftsmanship. They also were one of the first independent watch brands to launch an e-commerce and CPO platform back in 2020 – take that Rolex! Today, Moser once again strives to be a pioneer, rather than a follower, entering the metaverse with their new Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis.
The Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is the first entry in a planned “triptych”, with two sequels to follow in the coming years. The Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis we have here today, however, paves the way for a new era of H. Moser & Cie. One where clients can now engage with the brand in ways beyond the physical watch they purchase.
H. Moser & Cie. explains: “This large-scale project is multi-layered and mixes physical, digital and virtual dimensions. It is based on the development of a complete ecosystem structured through a dedicated app allowing watch authentication through blockchain technology, provided by Aura Blockchain Consortium. Through Aura SaaS, customers can access complete traceability and transparency through the product’s lifecycle from certification, warranty, insurance and further customer services. This authentication will eventually be introduced for all Moser watches via the warranty card that is included with each model. Non-speculative digital assets have also been created in the form of NFTs including digital artworks, in particular short ‘time capsule’ videos promoting the product and the watchmakers behind it, ultimately sealing forever on the blockchain the moment each watch has completed production.”
Collectors will likely appreciate these “time capsule” videos, which H. Moser & Cie. CEO Edouard Meylan explained capture the moment a client’s watch is born. Utilising the atomic clock in their atelier, the exact time, and the footage of their master watchmaker’s completing the watch, are inserted into the blockchain for the client to access. Clients who purchase the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis will also be the first customers privy to the VIP tokens associated with the watch. These tokens, stored in a digital wallet, enable access to two things through the QR code on the dial.
The first element the VIP key pass provides is early access to future products, invitations to VIP physical events, access to unique products and accessories that they create for their community, and the possibility to contribute to the design of of products through feedback sessions. The second element is VIP access to the H. Moser & Cie. metaverse space, where clients will be able to access and attend special presentations, training, and launch events. As a pilot program, H. Moser & Cie. is rolling out this technology carefully. So, for now access will be limited strictly to owners of the new Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis.
But enough tech talk for now. Digging into the watch itself, the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is cased in fully microblasted steel. This gives the steel a darker tone and feel, and the muted nature of the finish removes the contrast and glisten of what you would find on a typical satinated and polished case. It clocks in at 40mm in diameter, and 11.3mm thick, and likely shares the lug-to-lug span of other Endeavour Centre Seconds models with a measurement of 47.5mm.
For the first time within their catalogue, we have a 3D-printed titanium crown and bezel that feature a pixelated structure to tie into the digital nature of the offering. The dial beneath the sapphire crystal, laser-etched with a unique QR code, is executed in Vantablack – the darkest black that has ever been used for a watch dial. Aside from the fact the QR-etched crystal obstructs the view a bit, the dial is super clean – strictly outfitted with a central hours, minutes and seconds hand. No indices, minutes track, or dial complication.
The Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is outfitted on a case-matching dark grey kudu leather strap with a blasted steel pin buckle closure. Inside, beneath a clear exhibition caseback, you have Moser’s in-house automatic calibre HMC 200. It is decorated with the brand’s signature double striping and thin chamfers to the bridges, along with a perlage decoration to the manipulate. The balance is secured by a full balance bridge to resist against shock, and it utilizes their in-house Straumann hairspring. The HMC 200 offers a minimum of 72 hours of power reserve, wound while worn by a solid 18K gold rotor with an H. Moser hallmark.
My first impression is that the watch, and the experiences afforded alongside it are very intriguing. I still remain a bit sceptical as to just how much the worlds of NFTs and the metaverse truly offer in regard to luxury watches. I think the QR-etched crystal may deter more purists sensibilities, as we have seen push back from some within the collecting community that it is more a blemish to the aesthetic than an asset. But, as a 50-piece limited edition, the watch is certainly not made to speak to everyone – rather those invested in the metaverse and the future of the digital world. Ultimately I think this is a statement watch, and those tuned into technology will definitely be interested in what the watch has to say.
H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis pricing and availability:
The H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is available now, and is a limited edition of 50 pieces. Price: CHF 27,000
| Brand | H. Moser & Cie. |
| Model | Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis |
| Case Diameter | 40mm (D) x 11.3mm (T) x 47.5mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Microblasted steel |
| Dial | Vantablack® dial |
| Crystal(s) | QR-etched sapphire crystal,sapphire caseback |
| Strap | Grey kudu leather strap with pin buckle closure |
| Movement | In-house automatic HMC 200 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, Limited Edition of 50 pcs. |
| Price | CHF 27,000 |