To mark the launch of their eCommerce platform, indie brand H. Moser & Cie have introduced three new models featuring Vantablack dials and hands. The three models are Venturer Vantablack Black Hands, available in a choice of two diameters (39 mm and 43 mm for the XL version), and the Endeavour Tourbillon Vantablack Black Hands model.
Funnily enough, the origin story of these models involves an April Fool’s joke. On April Fools' Day 2019, H. Moser & Cie. posted a touched-up image of a watch with a black dial and blackened hands on social media. The hands, of course, were invisible. The company says it decided to forge ahead with these models because they received an “an avalanche of requests from interested customers” on the back on that prank.
Vantablack is a remarkable substance that is renowned for being the darkest material known to man. It’s composed of carbon nanotubes that are vertically aligned next to each other and are capable of absorbing up to 99.965 percent of all light (Vanta stands for Vertically Aligned NanoTube Array). Some previous applications include being used to prevent stray light from entering telescopes used by astrophysicists and in a variety of artistic projects by Sir Anish Kapoor. Moser has used it in the past in timepieces like the Moon Phase with Vantablack Dial.
The Endeavour Tourbillon Vantablack Black Hands model (Ref. 1804-1206) is a study in contrasts. It features a stealth DLC-coated black steel case that measures 42 mm in width and 11.6 mm in thickness. This stealth theme extends to the inky black dial fitted with Vantablack hands but at 6 o’ clock, a circular cut-out offers a glimpse of an extravagant one minute flying tourbillon. The watch is powered by the self-winding HMC 804 Manufacture caliber fitted with an 18K red gold rotor. The movement has a 3-day power reserve, the tourbillon cage, cage wheel, balance bridge and escapement bridge made from aluminium. The watch is paired with a black alligator strap, is limited to 50 pieces and is priced at CHF69,000.
The Venturer Vantablack Black Hands are available in two case sizes – one in 39 mm white gold (Ref. 2327-0222) while the XL version has a 43-mm stainless steel (Ref. 2327-1213). Again, both models have the same leaf-shaped Vantablack hands. Both models are powered by the same movement – the handcranked HMC 327 Manufacture caliber which has a power reserve of three days.
The power reserve indicator is visible on the caseback side thanks to an exhibition window. They are fitted with hand-stitched black alligator leather with a pin buckle engraved with the Moser logo. While the white gold version is priced at CHF25,000; the XL version is priced at CHF24,000. The watches can be purchased online from the brand’s eCommerce platform.
ALSO READ: H. Moser & Cie. goes from being “teenagers to young adults”
