Like some other products from the brand, the H. Moser & Cie Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time uses the Straumann Double Hairspring. This system involves the use of two (versus one) hairsprings as part of the balance wheel and regulation system. The idea is that the rate of each would balance out errors in the other so that the movement is overall more accurate. Dual hairsprings are sometimes used in high-end mechanical watches, and my understanding is that they do enhance accuracy over time. They are highly uncommon in tourbillons – but it has been done before. The irony I was speaking of earlier is that use of the Straumann Double Hairspring will make the tourbillon more accurate, and as H. Moser & Cie claims, it is “a tourbillon more applicable to the needs of wearers in the 21st century.” Translated, that means they get people wearing tourbillons still want watches which are somewhat accurate, which is ironic since the tourbillon as a complication was initially designed to make mechanical clocks more accurate.
As applied to wrist watches, tourbillons are undeniably beautiful, but they really don’t add too much in regard to performance. If anything, many tourbillons actually detract from performance. Thus, what H. Moser & Cie is attempting to do with its tourbillon in the HMC 802 movement is offer the visual appeal of a tourbillon while also trying to promote accuracy and overall reliability (not just in accuracy, but also when it comes to service needs). With automatic winding and a legible dial, the H. Moser & Cie Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time is among the few watches in this category that don’t scream “I am for the niche collector,” even though it clearly is, given the price. Overall a lovely watch, I think H. Moser & Cie continues to be a cool high-end brand to watch for those who like to mix a sense of modern sensibilities with traditionally elegant design. The H. Moser & Cie Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time watches will be priced at about $104,400. h-moser.com
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Reference 2802-0200, white gold model, ardoise dial, black strap
Reference 2802-0400, red gold model, red gold fumé dial, brown strap
Reference 2802-0401, red gold model, argenté dial, brown strap
Case
– 18-carat red or white gold, three-part
– Diameter: 41.5 mm, height: 14.3 mm
– Curved sapphire crystal and see-through sapphire crystal case back
– Screw-in crown adorned with an “M”
Dials
– Ardoise, red-gold fumé or argenté finish with a sunburst pattern
– 18-carat red and white gold hands and appliqué indexes
– Two-layer dial with unique finishing on each layer and chamfered and polished edges
Movement
– In-house automatic calibre HMC 802
– Diameter: 34.0 mm or
– 15 lignes, height: 6.5 mm
– Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
– Automatic bi-directional pawl winding system
– Solid 18-carat red gold rotor engraved with H. Moser & Cie. company hallmark
– Power reserve: minimum 3 days
– Moser teeth for all wheels and pinions
– Original Straumann Double Hairspring®
– Minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock with skeletonised 18-carat gold bridges
Functions
– Hour and minute
– Second time zone that can be hidden when not in use
Strap
– Hand-stitched brown or black alligator
– Solid 18-carat red or white gold folding clasp, with engraved Moser logo.
