PRES S REL E A SE BA SELWORL D 2 011
MOSER SCHAFFHAUSEN AG SWITZERLAND
CON T EN TS PRODUCT NE WS, BA SELWORLD 2011 P R I N T E D A N D D I G I TA L DATA 1.
TO U R B I L LO N O R S T R AU M A N N D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G – C O M P E N S AT I O N F O R O R P R E V E N T I O N O F T H E G R AV I TAT I O N A L E R R O R I N A WATC H
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M O S E R P E R P E T UA L G O L D E N E D I T I O N P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 41.10 1- 0 0 8 M O S E R P E R P E T UA L G O L D E N E D I T I O N R O S E G O L D
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M O S E R P E R P E T UA L D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 41.10 1- 0 0 9 M O S E R P E R P E T UA L D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G PA L L A D I U M
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M O N A R D M A R R O N E P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 4 3 . 5 0 5 - 0 18 M O N A R D M A R R O N E R O S E G O L D
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R E F. 3 4 3 . 5 0 5 - 0 19 M O N A R D M A R R O N E W H I T E G O L D
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A B O U T U S – H . M O S E R & C IE S H O R T F I L M S
T IME L INE 173 0 TO 2 011 WAT C H M A K I N G BY M O S E R OV E R T H E C E N T U R I E S , I N P R I N T A N D D I G I TA L
DIGI TA L IM AGE M AT ERI A L , N E W PRO DU C T S AT BA SELWO RL D 2 011 P R E S S P H O T O S A N D S H O R T F I L M S , I N D I G I TA L F O R M AT O N DV D 1.
M O S E R P E R P E T UA L G O L D E N E D I T I O N P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 41.10 1- 0 0 8 M O S E R P E R P E T UA L G O L D E N E D I T I O N R O S E G O L D
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M O S E R P E R P E T UA L D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 41.10 1- 0 0 9 M O S E R P E R P E T UA L D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G PA L L A D I U M
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M O N A R D M A R R O N E P R O D U C T F LY E R
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R E F. 3 4 3 . 5 0 5 - 0 18 M O N A R D M A R R O N E R O S E G O L D
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R E F. 3 4 3 . 5 0 5 - 0 19 M O N A R D M A R R O N E W H I T E G O L D
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A B O U T U S – H . M O S E R & C IE S H O R T F I L M S
SUPPL EMEN TA RY DIGI TA L PRES S REL E A SES I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T H . M O S E R & C I E , I N D I G I TA L F O R M AT O N DV D 1.
H E I N R I C H M O S E R – A S U C C E S S F U L S C H A F F H AU S E N WATC H M A K E R
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T H E L E G E N DA R Y WATC H B R A N D, H . M O S E R & C I E
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T H E M O S E R S C H A F F H AU S E N AG WATC H FA C TO R Y
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THE INTERCHANGE ABLE ESCAPEMENT MODULE
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T H E P E R P E T UA L C A L E N DA R F R O M M O S E R
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“ D O U B L E P U L L C R O W N ” – I N N O VAT I O N D O W N TO T H E F I N E S T D E TA I L
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S T R AU M A N N H A I R S P R I N G A N D S T R AU M A N N D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G E S C A P E M E N T
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THE MOSER GROUP IS GROWING AND INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
9.
MASSIVE INVESTMENTS IN THE EXPERTISE OF THE MOSER GROUP
IMPRIN T A ND CON TACTS DV D W I T H IM AGES A ND PRES S REL E A SES
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
TOURBILLON OR STRAUMANN DOUBLE HAIRSPRING ESCAPEMENT COMPENSATION OR AVOIDANCE OF THE GRAVITATIONAL ERROR IN THE WATCH M O S E R ’S D O U B L E H A I R S P R I N G E S C A P E M E N T W I T H T W O O P P O S I N G S T R AU M A N N H A I R S P R I N G S P R E V E N T S T H E G R AV I TAT I O N A L E R R O R F R O M O C C U R R I N G I N T H E F I R S T P L AC E
In a watch, the gravitational error disrupts the stability of its accuracy. This means that when the watch is in a horizontal position – i.e. when the dial is at the top – the watch runs differently than when the dial is positioned vertically, i.e. laterally. The watchmaker counteracts this phenomenon by adjusting the watch so that the slower vibrations of the balance in vertical position are compensated for as precisely as possible by the more rapid vibrations in the horizontal position. This produces an average level of accuracy, although this is dependent on the way in which the owner wears his watch. This is because the average level of accuracy is only achieved if both positions occur with approximately the same frequency. In practice, the vast majority of watches are therefore adjusted in five standardized positions in order to minimize the discrepancies. At Moser we pursue this practice to the limit, as we adjust our watches in all six possible positions. So where, then, does this gravitational error come from? And how can we reduce its impact even further? These questions have preoccupied watchmakers for many decades. In this respect, it is important to know the type of attachment at the outer end of the balance spring. This is realized either by a flat curve or a Breguet curve. The socalled flat curve, which is used in most mechanical watches, can be implemented very easily. It does, however, present the disadvantage that the balance spring assumes an asymmetrical shape when it vibrates. In doing so, the centre of gravity in the spring moves away from the middle. If we now imagine that the spring adopts a vertical position, it then becomes clear that due to the shift in the centre of gravity, the vibrations in the “downward” direction are accelerated by the earth’s gravitational pull. At the same time, vibrations in the “upward” direction are impeded, and consequently slowed down. On the other hand, if the spring is in a horizontal position, this effect does not play a role. This is not a good starting position for the stability of the accuracy. In contrast, the Breguet curve was developed in order to avoid precisely this asymmetrical vibration of the flat curve. It does this by ensuring that the outer end is curved upwards over the high edge, and is then further curved inwards. This task demands all the skills and ability of the adjusters, since the procedure is predominantly carried out by hand. This complicated and from the point of view of craftsmanship highly demanding form of manufacture is the reason why the Breguet curve is only found in watches of very high quality. As a result, the vibrations of a spring with a Breguet curve are almost completely symmetrical. But only almost. There is still a small residual error. The approach to the double hairspring escapement with a pair of Straumann hairsprings is now very simple: the springs are arranged one above the other, with one vibrating to the left and the other vibrating to the right. If both springs have the same mechanical characteristics, then when they vibrate, the centre of gravity moves outwards from the centre – just as it does with a single spring and a flat curve. However, as both springs are vibrating asymmetrically in opposite directions as a result of the different direction of rotation, the centre of gravity, on average, remains exactly in the centre. A gravitational error due to the asymmetrical vibrations of the springs can therefore not occur in the first place. So why was a tourbillon invented to compensate for the error caused by gravity? At first, the tourbillon was developed to compensate for the gravitational error in a cut bimetallic balance with a steel spring. With this type of balance, the effect of temperature on the accuracy of the watch was prevented by the individual arms of the bimetallic balance bending outwards or inwards with changes in temperature. It is easy to see how the two arms of the balance never moved in a uniform fashion, which invariably caused a much greater gravitational error than the asymmetrical vibrations of a spring with a flat curve. This technique was used in pocket watches, which under normal conditions would be in a vertical position in the waistcoat or gilet customarily worn at the time. A tourbillon
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
therefore made perfect sense, because the entire escapement could, for example, complete one revolution around itself per minute. The changing centre of gravity thus had an accelerating effect before slowing down half a minute later in the opposite direction. On average, the existing error was therefore compensated for within one complete revolution. This only works, however, if the watch remains in the same position for at least as long as the tourbillon requires to carry out one complete revolution. It is easy to see that this would rarely be the case with a wristwatch. Nowadays, with the use of self-compensating alloys – as in Straumann hairsprings – combined with a Glucydur balance, an imperfectly working bimetallic balance is no longer used. The tourbillon can now be used to compensate for the much smaller gravitational error relating to the vibrations of a flat curve spring. However, this too only works properly if the watch remains in the same position for as long as the tourbillon requires to complete one revolution around itself. As a general rule, we can therefore certainly say that it is better for an error not to occur in the first place than to try and compensate for it afterwards. It is for this reason that we at Moser have developed the Straumann double hairspring escapement system.
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
THE PERPE T UA L GOLDEN EDITION FROM MOSER It is now more than five years since Moser introduced the Perpetual 1 as the world’s fi rst watch with the already legendary Flash Calendar. It is still the only watch with a perpetual calendar which can be accessed with consummate ease and only via the crown, and without even having to read the operating instructions. No restrictions whatsoever hamper the adjustment of the calendar forwards or backwards. Not even when the watch itself is on the point of advancing to the next day. Taken together with all its other functions, this watch is still without parallel anywhere in the world. Moser has taken this minor anniversary as the opportunity to develop a strictly limited special edition of 100 pieces for collectors of the brand in the form of the PERPETUAL GOLDEN EDITION. As the name suggests, gold has a major role to play in this watch. It goes without saying that we have been accustomed for some time to all the cases of the H. Moser & Cie brand being manufactured only from precious metals. The pallet fork and the escapement wheel of the interchangeable escapement module of every watch are also made from solid gold. This naturally also applies to the Double Hairspring escapement of the GOLDEN EDITION. Likewise, the weight compensation screws of the Glucydur balance also consist of solid white gold. Apart from the Double Hairspring escapement fi rst realized by Moser with two Straumann hairsprings, which are difficult to manufacture and render any tourbillon superfluous, there is nothing particularly special in all this. As if that were not enough. The extraordinary perpetual calendar from Moser and the Double Hairspring escapement are enhanced with valueretaining 18-carat rose gold as the material for the plate and bridges of the movement. In other words, a solid gold movement, complemented by mirror-fi nished steel components which could not be replaced by gold for reasons of functionality. This provides a highly attractive contrast to the matt-fi nished surface of the gold bridges and is further supplemented by the extremely intricate, and as such rare, hand-chamfering of the gold bridges. This can only be appreciated with the knowledge that the watchmaker has facetted and polished the edges by hand all the way into the smallest corners. Consequently there is no rounding, and it becomes evident – although only under a loupe – that the polishing of the edges tapers away into the corners. The Moser company seal, used as a symbol of excellent quality and authenticity for 185 years, is incidentally also engraved by hand in this movement. A further superlative is visible on the movement even without using a loupe. The MOSER PERPETUAL GOLDEN EDITION is the first watch in the world to have a genuine, functional diamond end stone in the Incabloc shock-absorber. In fact, there is one on either side of the shock-absorber, even if only the stone on the movement side is visible. The jewel bearings under the end stone are also an embodiment of pure understatement. They are manufactured not from red rubies, in the conventional way, but from white sapphire. Otherwise, a red glow would emanate from the underlying jewel bearing. In the face of all these superlatives, it is only natural for the dial, the hour appliques markers and, of course, all the hands to be made of solid gold. And, in the best traditions of Moser, while the Double Hairspring escapement of the watch ensures that no gravitational error can occur, the dial has handcrafted fumé shading. This gold watch in the truest sense of the word with a perpetual calendar which can be adjusted forwards and backwards at any time, and which changes within less than one second – even when it advances directly from 28 February to 1 March – represents watchmaking at the very highest level. This watch embodies everything that H. Moser & Cie stands for. Its appearance is elegant with a touch of understatement, and the unbelievable complexity of the inhouse movements only becomes apparent on closer inspection. Two spring barrels, true bevel wheels for gentle, low-wear winding, a guaranteed 7-day power reserve, the patented Double Pull Crown system, and screwed gold mounts together with the Moser tooth system in the entire wheel train clearly demonstrate what Moser understands as traditional watchmaking. Authenticity and exclusivity down to the smallest detail and the resolve not to source parts from high-volume production of any kind. Of course, this work of art is also visible through the sapphire crystal back of the watch.
Ref. 341.101-008: Three-part designer case in rose gold, alligator leather strap with a rose gold folding clasp in a limited edition of 100 pieces
MOSER PERPE T UA L GOLDEN EDITION Ref. 341.101-008 A gold watch of superlatives. The already legendary perpetual Flash Calendar, fully adjustable forwards and backwards without restriction at any time, integrated into a movement with the plate and bridges made of solid gold. In a limited edition of 100 pieces. T H R EE - PA R T RO S E G O L D D E S I G N ER C A S E - Solid gold dial, hand-crafted gold fumé surface - Hour Appliques in 18-carat rose gold - Solid gold hands - Sapphire crystal with internal antireflective coating - See-through shaped sapphire crystal back with internal antireflective coating - Alligator leather strap with solid gold folding clasp G O L D H A N D -W O U N D M OV EM EN T – SPECI A L ED I T I O N Plate and bridges made of solid rose gold
Interchangeable escapement module
- Classic matt-fi nished surfaces
- Retained in the movement by only 2 screws
- Hand chamfering into the corners
- Security lock to prevent the movement from running
- Hand-engraved company seal - Screwed gold mounts - Moser tooth system for all wheels and pinions Winding system with dual spring barrel - True bevel wheels for transmitting the winding motion - Double Pull Crown (DPC) winding system, with two fixed stops for the date and time adjustment positions - Guaranteed 7-day power reserve - Power reserve display at 9 o’clock Perpetual calendar - Large, permanently centred date at 3 o’clock - Month display from the centre via the hour indices - Calendar adjustable forwards and backwards, without restriction at any time via the crown including provision for the leap year - Leap year display on the movement side, adjustable via a pin pusher at 9 o’clock - Flash Calendar function › All calendar functions are changed by the watch within 1 second › Direct changing from the end of the month to the fi rst day of the following month, taking into account the length of the respective month
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
down - Greater accuracy thanks to the double hairspring escapement with two Straumann hairsprings - Pallet fork and escapement wheel made of solid gold - Lateral pallet fork - Dragon lever for precision adjustment - Traditional Glucydur screw balance › White gold weight screws › Steel regulating screws in a slotted threaded hole - Two functional diamond end stones, integrated for the first time into an Incabloc sapphire shock-absorber - Seconds stop function › Stopping the watch with the crown in the time adjustment position › Stopping the watch for date adjustments is not necessary
M OSER PERPE T UA L D O UBL E H A IRSPRIN G Ref. 341.101-009: The Double Hairspring escapement with two Straumann hairsprings to prevent the gravitational error in combination with the unique perpetual Flash Calendar from Moser. T H R E E - PA R T PA L L A D I U M D E S I G N E R C A S E - Dial with a hand-crafted fumé surface - Sapphire crystal with internal antireflective coating - See-through shaped sapphire crystal back with internal antireflective coating - Alligator leather strap with a white gold folding clasp H A N D - W O U N D M OV E M E N T W I T H 7- DAY P O W E R R E S E R V E Plate and bridges
Interchangeable escapement module
- Surfaces with Moser ground stripes
- Retained in the movement by only 2 screws
- Precision-chamfered edges
- Security lock to prevent the movement from running down
- Moser company seal, the symbol of quality and authenticity for 185
- Greater accuracy thanks to the Double Hairspring escapement with
years
two Straumann hairsprings
- Screwed gold mounts
- Pallet fork and escapement wheel made of solid white gold
- Moser tooth system for all wheels and pinions
- Lateral pallet fork with dragon lever for precision adjustment
Winding system with dual spring barrel - True bevel wheels for transmitting the winding motion - Double Pull Crown (DPC) winding system, with two fi xed stops for the date adjustment and time adjustment positions - Guaranteed 7-day power reserve - Power reserve display at 9 o’clock Perpetual calendar
- Traditional Glucydur screw balance › White gold weight compensation screws › steel regulating screws in a slotted threaded hole - Incabloc shock-absorber - Seconds stop function › Stopping the watch with the crown in the time adjustment position › Stopping the watch for date adjustments is not necessary
- Large, permanently centred date at 3 o’clock - Month display from the centre via the hour indices - Calendar adjustable forwards and backwards without restriction at any time via the crown, including provision for the leap year - Leap year display on the movement side, adjustable via a pin pusher at 9 o’clock - Flash Calendar function › All calendar functions are changed by the watch within 1 second › Direct changing from the end of the month to the fi rst day of the following month, taking into account the length of the respective month
Ref. 341.101-009: Three-part designer case in palladium, alligator leather strap with a white gold folding clasp
M O S E R PE RPE TUAL DOUB LE HAIR SP R ING Ref. 341.101-009 The double hairspring escapement with two Straumann hairsprings to prevent the gravitational error in combination with the unique perpetual Flash Calendar from Moser. T H R EE - PA R T PA L L A D I U M D E SI G N ER C A SE - Dial with a hand-crafted fumé surface - Sapphire crystal with internal antireflective coating - See-through shaped sapphire crystal back with internal antireflective coating - Alligator leather strap with a white gold folding clasp H A N D -W O U N D M OV EM EN T W I T H 7- DAY P O W ER R E S E R V E Plate and bridges
Interchangeable escapement module
- Surfaces with Moser ground stripes
- Retained in the movement by only 2 screws
- Precision-chamfered edges
- Security lock to prevent the movement from run-
- Moser company seal, the symbol of quality and authenticity for 185 years - Screwed gold mounts - Moser tooth system for all wheels and pinions Winding system with dual spring barrel - True bevel wheels for transmitting the winding motion - Double Pull Crown (DPC) winding system, with two fi xed stops for the date adjustment and time adjustment positions - Guaranteed 7-day power reserve - Power reserve display at 9 o’clock Perpetual calendar - Large, permanently centred date at 3 o’clock - Month display from the centre via the hour indices - Calendar adjustable forwards and backwards, without restriction at any time via the crown including provision for the leap year - Leap year display on the movement side, adjustable via a pin pusher at 9 o’clock - Flash Calendar function › All calendar functions are changed by the watch within 1 second › Direct changing from the end of the month to the fi rst day of the following month, taking into account the length of the respective month
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
ning down - Greater accuracy thanks to the double hairspring escapement with two Straumann hairsprings - Pallet fork and escapement wheel made of solid white gold - Lateral pallet fork - Dragon lever for precision adjustment - Traditional Glucydur screw balance › White gold weight compensation screws › Steel regulating screws in a slotted threaded hole - Incabloc shock-absorber - Seconds stop function › Stopping the watch with the crown in the time adjustment position › Stopping the watch for date adjustments is not necessary
THE MON A RD M A RRONE FROM MOSER There has also been a Mediterranean addition to the MONARD family. Alongside the MAYU MARRONE, introduced last year and already very successful in its own right, the slightly larger MONARD MARRONE with a brown dial is now also available. Joie de vivre, elegance and understatement are combined in a distinctly puristic three-hand watch. In typical Moser fashion, the brown tones of the dials are nuanced in accordance with the case material. On the one hand through the distinctive ground pattern of the lustrous chestnut brown dial, which harmonizes perfectly with the warm golden tone of the rose gold case. And on the other hand with a pronounced dark brown tone in the white gold version. The watch is thus imparted with a radiance which emphasizes the cooler white case to great effect. The hour appliques markers are in the same colour as the respective case and are given a diamond-polished fi nish. Hands executed in the same colour exhibit the typical Moser three-dimensional form with a bright-polished eye of the hand. The distinctive feature of a three-hand watch is its outstanding readability, which is not impaired by any other element of the display. Additionally, the elegant dial is otherwise animated by only a single, large centre seconds hand, with the help of which the watch can be set accurately to the second. True to tradition, the minute hand extends precisely as far as the outer end of the minute appliques markers. No movement-retaining ring detracts from this perfect composition between the case and the inhouse movement that is used only by Moser. This is exclusivity in its purest form. The MOSER Cal. HMC343 movement is a 7-day hand-wound movement with a diameter of 34 mm and a Moser tooth system optimized for high efficiency in the entire wheel train. Two large spring barrels arranged one behind the other provide a power reserve of more than 170 hours, enabling the watch to indicate the time reliably for more than seven days even without being wound. A power reserve display on the back of the movement is visible through the sapphire crystal window in the case back. With an external diameter of 40.8 mm, it has a size which corresponds perfectly to current needs. Moser-specific case sides, known as freely formed lateral surfaces, make the three-part case readily identifiable by a connoisseur. Complemented by a crown with a stylized “M”. The harmonious coordination of satin-fi nished and polished case surfaces assures unobtrusive elegance. The use of true bevel wheels in the winding system guarantees gentle, low-wear operation – a worldwide rarity in wristwatches. The arrangement of the fourth and third wheels beneath a common wheel-train bridge is typically Moser. This feature is already evident in the Moser pocket watches of the 19th century. The same is true of the engraved company seal, a symbol for the quality and authenticity of all genuine Moser watches that has been in use for 185 years. Chamfered and polished edges, a sun pattern ground fi nish on the plate and bridges, together with the historic Moser ground stripes, serve to emphasize the intrinsic value of this movement that is visible through the sapphire crystal back. It goes without saying, of course, that this watch incorporates the typical interchangeability of the Moser escapement with its gold pallet fork, gold escapement wheel and Straumann hairspring.
Ref. 343.505-018: Three-part designer case in rose gold, alligator leather strap Ref. 343.505-019: Three-part designer case in white gold, alligator leather strap
M O N A RD MARRON E Ref. 343.505-018 The Italian variant of the MONARD family. An extraordinarily elegant watch with a distinctive chestnut-brown lustrous dial T H R EE - PA R T RO S E G O L D D E S I G N ER C A S E - Dial with a sun pattern ground fi nish, warm chestnut brown - Diamond-cut hour appliques - Three-dimensional Moser hands - Sapphire crystal with internal antireflective coating - See-through sapphire crystal back with internal antireflective coating - Alligator leather strap 7 DAY H A N D - W O U N D M OV EM EN T Plate and bridges - Classic, archetypal Moser form of the wheel-train bridge - Edges chamfered and diamond-cut - Traditional Moser ground stripes - Moser company seal, the symbol for the quality and authenticity of all Moser watches for 185 years - Screwed gold mounts - Moser tooth system for all wheels and pinions Winding system with dual spring barrel - True bevel wheels for transmitting the winding motion - Seconds stop function - Guaranteed 7-day power reserve - Power reserve display on the movement side Interchangeable escapement module - Retained in the movement by only 2 screws - Security lock to prevent the movement from running down - Straumann hairspring manufactured in-house - Pallet fork and escapement wheel made of solid gold - Lateral pallet fork - Dragon lever for precision adjustment - Traditional Glucydur screw balance › White gold weight screws › Steel regulating screws in a slotted threaded hole - Incabloc shock-absorber
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
M O N A RD MARRON E Ref. 343.505-019 A special variant of the MONARD family. With a distinctive shade of dark brown in the white gold model. This endows the watch with a radiance which effectively emphasizes the cooler white case. T H R EE - PA R T W H I T E G O L D D E S I G N ER C A S E - Dial with a subtle sun pattern ground fi nish in a shade of dark brown - Diamond-cut hour appliques - Three-dimensional Moser hands - Sapphire crystal with internal antireflective coating - See-through sapphire crystal back with internal antireflective coating - Alligator leather strap 7- DAY H A N D -W O U N D M OV EM EN T Plate and bridges - Classic, archetypal Moser form of the wheel-train bridge - Edges chamfered and diamondcut - Traditional Moser ground stripes - Moser company seal, the symbol for the quality and authenticity of all Moser watches for 185 years - Screwed gold mounts - Moser tooth system for all wheels and pinions Winding system with dual spring barrel - True bevel wheels for transmitting the winding motion - Seconds stop function - Guaranteed 7-day power reserve - Power reserve display on the movement side Interchangeable escapement module - Retained in the movement by only 2 screws - Security lock to prevent the movement from running down - Straumann hairspring manufactured in-house - Pallet fork and escapement wheel made of solid gold - Lateral pallet fork - Dragon lever for precision adjustment - Traditional Glucydur screw balance › White gold weight screws › Steel regulating screws in a slotted threaded hole - Incabloc shock-absorber
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
A BO U T US – H. M OSER & C I E SHORT FIL MS N I N E S H O R T F I L M S F O R B R A N D A DV E R T I S I N G , I M AG E A N D P R O D U C T P L AC E M E N T
The awareness of a brand hinges on its public presence, its visibility and the resulting image associated with the product. These values are transported first and foremost via the print media and the Internet, but also via image-building films. While H. Moser & Cie has invested above all in advertising and the Internet in recent years, short films are currently also being produced. They show what has been achieved over the past years with regard to authenticity, longevity and verticalization of production. Of course, the elegance of the watches, the exclusivity of the movements and the key features of the technology should also be embodied by the images. Highresolution techniques for recording ultra-fine microcomponents in motion, highly effective cross-fades and appealing background music are needed for this. Moser’s craftsmanship and the fascination of an oscillating balance with gold weight compensation screws are shown in a short, 4-minute film. The lightning-fast change of the perpetual flash calendar from 28 February to 1 March has been captured on film for the first time. The extended factory building, a number of scenes from history and, of course, the Rhine Falls in the immediate vicinity, as a source of inspiration, are also shown. The beauty of a machined movement plate is apparent, as is the minuteness of a weight compensation screw with a thread diameter of only 0.35 mm, manufactured in a state-of-the-art machine. It is made clear just how much of the watchmaker’s art is needed to complete a true screw balance. As well as the steady hand of the specialist as she aligns a Straumann hairspring before it is fitted. And naturally, there is a selection of items from Moser’s fascinating collection of watches. A further four videos, each with a duration of 30 seconds, feature individual watches from the collection. They illustrate the symbiosis between elegance, the meticulously finished movement and outstanding technology. These films are available for the MOSER PERPETUAL 1, the MONARD DATE, the HENRY DOUBLE HAIRSPRING and the MAYU. Two new productions supplement the films on offer in 2011. One is a film which shows how to adjust the calendar of the MOSER PERPETUAL 1 forwards and backwards (1 minute 48 seconds), shot inside the newly opened Moser family museum at Schloss Charlottenfels. The other is a film about the PERPETUAL MOON (1 minute 34 seconds), the storyline of which is artistically portrayed through the medium of fine sand. The spoken word is dispensed with in order to take account of the international appeal of the H. Moser & Cie brand. A few individual expressions are superimposed for explanatory purposes.
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
TIME LINE T H E M O S E R WAT C H M A K I N G DY N A S T Y
1730
Johannes Moser, grandfather of Heinrich Moser, is born in Schaffhausen. After an apprenticeship as a watchmaker, he assumes the hereditary and honorary position of town watchmaker. He later becomes a Cantonal Councillor.
1760
Erhard Moser, father of Heinrich Moser, is born in Schaffhausen. He inherits the position of town watchmaker from his father and is himself a member of the Cantonal Council.
1805
Johann Heinrich Moser is born on 12 December. He learns the traditional watchmaker’s craft from his father between 1820 and 1824.
1824
Heinrich Moser’s travels take him to Le Locle (Switzerland) and its master watchmakers’ workshops. He rapidly gains respect as a skilled watchmaker, and he is able to start a successful small business to supply spare parts. It only takes Moser about eighteen months to develop a reputation as an outstandingly talented specialist, and he receives offers of work from Italy and Paris.
1826
Moser works for the first time on his own account by building clocks into cases and pieces of furniture.
1827
The prospect of good business draws Moser to St. Petersburg in Russia. After a hazardous journey by horse and carriage and by ship, his money eventually dwindles away. He starts work as a watchmaker in the local workshops.
1828
The trading company, H. Moser & Co., is founded in St. Petersburg. This marks the hour of inception of what would eventually grow into such a successful brand. Moser’s business flourishes, which can certainly be attributed to the fact that the watches sold by him are supplied only in high quality. Not a single watch is allowed to pass over the shop counter unless it has been inspected personally by him or one of his representatives.
1829
In order to maintain this demand on superior quality, he establishes a watch factory in Le Locle to produce watches exclusively for his businesses in Europe and Russia.
1848
Moser, by now a wealthy merchant and watch manufacturer, decides to return to Schaffhausen with his family. From this point on, he sees his true life’s work as the transformation of Schaffhausen, a very quiet town in those days, into a lively and attractive industrial location. At the same time, he also builds the magnificent Charlottenfels manor house for his family.
1851
Moser completes the construction of a canal on the Rhine, the water from which drives a turbine with an output of about 80 h.p.
1853
In a joint venture with other Schaffhausen personalities, Moser establishes the “Schweizerische Waggonfabrik bei Schaffhausen” (Swiss Wagonworks at Schaffhausen) and, in the same year, the “Schweizerische Industriegesellschaft (SIG) Neuhausen” (Swiss Industrial Company Neuhausen). Moser is a cofounder of the SchaffhausenWinterthur railway line, also in 1853. He also opens a workshop for the manufacture of watch cases in Schaffhausen.
1860
The company archive of Jaeger-LeCoultre from this year lists Heinrich Moser as a customer. Over time, he procures up to 64 different calibres, including 24 complications, from them. The uncompromising quality of his watches gains him access as a supplier to the Imperial Russian Court, various royal houses and the armed forces. Within just a few years, he is selling watches to Japan, China and Persia, but also in the Western world e.g. in Paris and New York.
1863/64 Heinrich Moser embarks on the construction of the largest Swiss dam over the Rhine, to supply neighbouring industrial companies with inexpensive energy via a power transmission system. This hydroelectric power station marks the dawn of the industrial age in Schaffhausen.
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
1868
Moser supports F. A. Jones in the foundation of his International Watch Company (IWC) by providing premises and energy to drive the machines.
1874
Heinrich Moser dies on 23 October. His last will names his second wife, Fanny, as the heiress of all his business interests.
1877
Fanny sells the entire Russian operation to the local Managing Director, Mr Winterhalter. The watch factory in Le Locle goes to Paul Girard. The contracts of sale stipulate that all successor companies must continue to operate in perpetuity under the registered brand names of H. Moser & Cie or Heinrich Moser & Co.
1917
The Russian October revolution completely eliminates the private watch market in the country that is dominated by the Swiss watchmakers. The last of the Swiss Directors of the Moser company travel back to Switzerland in early 1918 totally expropriated. The business in Le Locle is spared from these political upheavals and continues to operate unaffected. An attempt is made to compensate for the loss of the Russian markets through increased exports to other countries.
1920
The State-owned “Central Watch Repair Workshop” in Moscow is formed from the remains of the Moser watch businesses.
1953
Wristwatch production in Le Locle is expanded, and the proportion of pocket watches produced steadily decreases. Some of the watches also bear the name “Henry Moser”, although this is in breach of the 1877 agreements.
1973
H. Moser & Co. is mentioned as a manufacturer of precision lever escapement watches and special watches, predominantly in 18-carat gold and in cases set with precious stones. The quartz watch crisis that is widespread throughout the Swiss watch industry also affects the business in Le Locle.
1979
The watch factory in Le Locle becomes part of the “Dixi-Mechanique” Group and trades as “Hy Moser & Cie”.
2002
The original brand of the founder, “H. Moser & Cie”, is registered once more internationally by Dr. Jürgen Lange. Moser Schaffhausen AG is launched jointly with representatives of the Moser family. Today the greatgrandson of Heinrich Moser – Roger Nicholas Balsiger – is Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2005
To mark the bicentenary of Heinrich Moser’s birth, the successor company, Moser Schaffhausen AG, is once again launching a range of watches on the international watch arena under the H. Moser & Cie brand that are faithful to the legacy of the founding father.
2006
H. Moser & Cie introduces its 4 watch ranges, Moser-Perpetual 1, Monard Date, Monard and Mayu, to a broad public for the first time at “Baselworld 2006”.
2006
The collaboration with the internationally renowned Wirz Werbung AG Zürich is also announced at “Baselworld 2006”, and the new communications platform is presented.
2006
MONTRE DE L’ANNEE 2006 – 2nd prize for the MOSER-PERPETUAL 1. In the opinion of the professional jury of the special-interest watch magazine, MONTRES PASSION: “The classic case of the Perpetual 1/Flash Calendar from Moser conceals a highly innovative mechanical movement”.
2006
GRAND PRIX D’HORLOGERIE DE GENÈVE – Prix de la Montre Compliquée. In November 2006, H. Moser & Cie wins one of the most highly coveted prizes of the Swiss horological industry. The MOSERPERPETUAL 1 takes first place in the complicated watches category.
2007
“Baselworld 2007” is the venue where H. Moser & Cie introduces the STRAUMANN HAIRSPRING, developed jointly over several years with its associate company Precision Engineering AG, Schaffhausen, to an international specialist audience.
2007
The new HENRY Double Hairspring watch line, a tonneau watch with the revolutionary double hairspring escapement from Moser, is presented at “Baselworld 2007”.
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
2007
Palladium, an extremely rare precious metal with a brilliantly radiant white lustre, also embraces the realm of watches from H. Moser & Cie. The MAYU Palladium model is presented to the public.
2008
The H. Moser & Cie brand celebrates its 180th anniversary.
2008
The holding company, MOSER GROUP AG, is founded. All the associate companies are now united under a single roof. Moser Schaffhausen AG, Precision Engineering AG and MSG AG Manufacturing Support Group together assure the independence, major public success and enormous growth of the H. Moser & Cie brand.
2008
The MAYU Black Pearl and MAYU White Pearl with mother-of-pearl dials and elegant stingray leather straps are launched on the market.
2008
The MAYU Palladium receives the Straumann double hairspring escapement with its escape wheel and pallet fork in hardened white gold. An external clue is provided by a newly developed colouring for the dial.
2009
The Moser Group AG continues to invest in the production verticalisation of all its companies. To date, approximately 70 new jobs have been created and the company has moved into its own production premises.
2009
Given the great demand for the highly elegant fumé dial, both the HENRY and the MONARD are now available in this design with a brilliant white palladium case and the Straumann double hairspring escapement assembly.
2009
The reproduction of the 1875 first edition about the life of Heinrich Moser is issued in an exclusive private edition. The book, which was written just shortly after his death and which is rarely to be found in the original, is now presented in a slipcase together with the translation into other languages and modern typography.
2010
The eight-figure investments made by the Moser Group in expertise, longevity and growth have been largely completed. The Moser Group is now strengthened as it emerges from the international economic crisis.
2010
H. Moser & Cie makes its first appearance as main sponsor of a major equestrian event. The 4-star CSI Basel 2010 achieved a spectacular debut with outstanding international competitors and an exclusive supporting programme.
2010
The MOSER PERPETUAL MOON is introduced. Another superlative watch with a moon phase display, capable of being set to the minute and running without adjustment for more than 1,000 years.
2011
The PERPETUAL GOLDEN EDITION celebrates its debut. Solid gold fumé dial, gold hands and a movement constructed with solid gold plates and bridges in combination with the interchangeable Straumann double hairspring escapement, ignite a dazzling display of emotions culminating in the world’s first functional diamond end stone in a shock-absorber.
2011
The PERPETUAL FUMÉ Palladium is the only watch with a perpetual calendar to combine the benefits of the double hairspring escapement and the complexity of an archetypical, elegant Moser watch.
2011
The CSI in Basel, the world’s best-endowed indoor show jumping competition, is upgraded to a five-star tournament, thanks in large part to the sponsorship of H. Moser & Cie. Moser marks the fact with the launch of the MONARD Marrone. The brown dials, which were received with such great acclaim last year in the MAYU Marrone, are now also available in the larger MONARD model.
H. Moser & Cie Press Release 2011
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