In the world of Haute Horlogerie, where precision and artistry intertwine,
H. Moser & Cie. has consistently distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to traditional watchmaking, infused with a modern and innovative spirit. The brand's latest creation, the Endeavour Chronograph Compax, developed in collaboration with Massena LAB, stands as a testament to this philosophy, seamlessly blending historical inspiration with contemporary design elements. Limited to a mere 100 pieces, this exceptional timepiece invites us on a captivating journey through the rich heritage of H. Moser & Cie., while simultaneously embracing the boundless possibilities of modern watchmaking.
Founded in 1828 by Heinrich Moser, H. Moser & Cie. has a long and storied history, deeply rooted in the Swiss watchmaking tradition. From its early days in Saint Petersburg, where Heinrich Moser established his first workshop, to its current home in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, the brand has consistently upheld the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation. Over the years, H. Moser & Cie. has produced a series of iconic timepieces that have captivated watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, earning a reputation for its unique blend of classic aesthetics and technical prowess.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax represents a harmonious marriage of past and present, drawing inspiration from Moser models from the mid-20th century while incorporating modern design cues and technical advancements. This captivating timepiece is not merely a chronograph; it is a horological symphony that resonates with the spirit of exploration and discovery, reminiscent of a time when watches served as indispensable tools for adventurers and pioneers.
One of the most striking features of the Endeavour Chronograph Compax is its classic "Compax" configuration, characterized by two symmetrical sub-dials positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock. This balanced layout, reminiscent of historical Moser chronographs from the 1940s, exudes an air of timeless sophistication and functional elegance. The sub-dial at 3 o'clock houses the small seconds display, while the sub-dial at 9 o'clock accommodates the 45-minute chronograph counter, providing a harmonious balance between timekeeping and elapsed time measurement.
The dial of the Endeavour Chronograph Compax is a mesmerizing canvas that showcases H. Moser & Cie.'s signature Funky Blue fumé finish. This captivating hue, with its subtle smoky effect and sunburst pattern, adds a touch of modern flair to the watch's vintage-inspired design. The dial is further adorned with the historical Moser logo, a nod to the brand's rich heritage, and features Super-LumiNova®-filled numerals, tachymetric scale, chronograph graduations, and sub-dial markings, ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax is housed in a 41 mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. The case's polished finish and sculpted flanks exude an air of refined elegance, while its concave bezel adds a touch of vintage charm. The watch is paired with a brown kudu leather strap, featuring white contrast stitching, a subtle detail that pays homage to the design elements often found on historical watch dials.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the HMC 220 automatic Manufacture calibre, a testament to H. Moser & Cie.'s unwavering commitment to in-house movement development. This meticulously crafted movement, combined with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module, ensures a level of technical performance that befits the watch's distinguished lineage. The movement boasts a power reserve of at least 3 days, ensuring reliable timekeeping even during extended periods of wear.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax is the result of a collaborative effort between H. Moser & Cie. and Massena LAB, a creative horological studio founded by William Massena, a renowned vintage watch expert and longtime friend of the brand. Massena's deep understanding of historical watchmaking, coupled with his passion for contemporary design, has played a pivotal role in shaping the watch's unique aesthetic.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
As William Massena explains, "Taking inspiration from Moser chronographs from the 1940s, what intrigued me the most during this collaboration was the tension between the maximalist vintage aesthetic of the past and the radical minimalism at the heart of modern-day H. Moser & Cie. Marrying these two philosophies was a challenge, but the resulting Endeavour Chronograph Compax is a watch that links the past and present, while looking firmly towards the future."
Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., further elaborates on the significance of this collaborative creation: "The Endeavour Chronograph Compax model is more than just a watch: It is a timeless declaration, a bridge between the past and present, and a marvelous illustration of the ability of both brands to push the limits of innovation ever further, while celebrating the watchmaking heritage of H. Moser & Cie. It does not settle for simply telling a story; it takes you on a journey, immersing its wearer in a world where time meets discovery and innovation."
One of the most captivating aspects of the Endeavour Chronograph Compax is its dial. The Funky Blue fumé finish, a hallmark of H. Moser & Cie., provides a mesmerizing backdrop for the watch's various displays. This unique shade of blue, with its subtle smoky effect and sunburst pattern, adds a touch of modern flair to the watch's vintage-inspired design. The dial is further enhanced by the historical Moser logo, a nod to the brand's rich heritage, and features Super-LumiNova®-filled numerals, tachymetric scale, chronograph graduations, and sub-dial markings, ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. This attention to detail, combined with the dial's overall aesthetic, creates a visually captivating experience that is both refined and engaging.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax is housed in a 41 mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. The case's polished finish and sculpted flanks exude an air of refined craftsmanship, while its concave bezel adds a touch of vintage charm. The watch is paired with a brown kudu leather strap, featuring white contrast stitching, a subtle detail that pays homage to the design elements often found on historical watch dials. The choice of kudu leather, known for its durability and unique texture, adds a touch of rugged sophistication to the watch's overall aesthetic.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the HMC 220 automatic Manufacture calibre, a testament to H. Moser & Cie.'s unwavering commitment to in-house movement development. This meticulously crafted movement, combined with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module, ensures a level of technical performance that befits the watch's distinguished lineage. The movement boasts a power reserve of at least 3 days, ensuring reliable timekeeping even during extended periods of wear. The use of a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module allows H. Moser & Cie. to offer a high-quality chronograph function while maintaining the slim profile of the Endeavour Chronograph Compax. This module is renowned for its reliability and precision, ensuring that the chronograph function performs flawlessly.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax is not just a watch; it's an experience. It's a journey through time, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of innovation. It's a watch that speaks to the discerning collector, the individual who appreciates the subtle nuances of horological design and the intricate details that elevate a timepiece to the realm of art. It's a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure, the pursuit of excellence, and the enduring legacy of H. Moser & Cie.
Courtesy of H. Moser & Cie.
The Endeavour Chronograph Compax is priced at CHF 25,000, a reflection of its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and technical prowess. This limited-edition timepiece is a true collector's item, a watch that will undoubtedly appreciate in value over time. It's a watch that embodies the spirit of H. Moser & Cie., a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation while staying true to its rich heritage.
The H. Moser & Cie. and Massena LAB Endeavour Chronograph Compax is a remarkable timepiece that seamlessly blends historical inspiration with contemporary design elements. Its captivating dial, robust case, and meticulously crafted movement make it a true horological masterpiece. Limited to just 100 pieces, this exclusive watch is a testament to the enduring legacy of H. Moser & Cie. and its unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.