Vantablack has to be one of the craziest materials out there. Previously used by H. Moser & Cie. on its Endeavor Perpetual Moon Concept Watch, one of the industry’s most expressive brands has done it again with the H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Concept Vantablack watch.
For the uninitiated, Vantablack was developed by UK-Based Surrey NanoSystems and is said to absorb +99% of visible light, creating a depthless black abyss where it’s applied. When used on a watch dial like H. Moser & Cie. has done here, it becomes the ultimate play with contrast. A bright 39mm polished 5n red gold case with matching red gold hands really pop next to this ultimate black. As this is a “concept watch,” the dial design forsakes the text and logo, providing a perfect canvas for contrast. The Venturer Concept watch houses the exquisitely decorated in-house HMC 327 Manufacture caliber movement from H. Moser & Cie., which is visible through the sapphire caseback. This movement features a power-reserve indicator on the back, plus an escapement with a bi-directional screw. This was developed in partnership with Precision Engineering, the sister company to H. Moser & Cie.
Specifications
Brand: H. Moser & Cie.
Model: Venturer Concept Vantablack
Dimensions: 39mm
Water Resistance: N/A
Case Material: 5N Red Gold
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire Crystal
Movement: Hand-wound HMC 327 Manufacture caliber
Frequency: 18,000 vph
Power Reserve: ~72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Hand Stitched Black Alligator Strap
Price & Availability: CHF 25,000
Analysis
It’s very apparent to me that this watch is something you need to see “in the metal” to really appreciate. Between that dial and the gorgeous movement on the back of the watch, this would be a very distracting timepiece to wear. I love seeing watchmakers incorporate the newest materials and technology available to them. H. Moser & Cie. isn’t alone in this, but they consistently push the envelope and do it with a good sense of humor.
Conclusion
This is a tough watch to talk about because of its deceptive simplicity. If what H. Moser & Cie. wanted to accomplish was to befuddle a watch writer, they’ve accomplished this. Vantablack itself is such an interesting topic it could command a series of articles about it, and it alone. Pairing it with haute horology makes for a power duo. This watch seems like something someone will glance at, and, just before dismissing it, get sucked in and be unable to look away. The H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Concept Vantablack will retail for CHF 25,000. For additional details, head on over to h-moser.com
