The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye showcases this fine natural stone in a contemporary yet understated and elegant interpretation. The dial of the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye provides a blank canvas for the stone to express its aesthetic power, with no logo or indices, and features an aperture at 6 o’clock that magnifies the one-minute flying tourbillon.
Tiger’s Eye is a variety of microcrystalline quartz. This semi-precious stone is made of amosite, whose fibers have been partially replaced with silica as a result of a natural transformation process known as “pseudomorphosis.” The iridescent effects that seem to bring this stone to life are caused by these fibres, which are laid down in fine layers. Tiger’s Eye, with its mysterious name and mesmerizing colors, comes in a variety of colors ranging from grey-blue to golden brown to reddish brown. Falcon’s Eye is the blue variety of the stone, which gets its color from veins of fibrous crocidolite and silica. Ox’s Eye is the name given to the natural stone when it turns red.
Tiger’s Eye is a fascinating solar mineral that is thought to provide protection, and is also a symbol of self-confidence and a guarantee of good health and prosperity. It is said to have a plethora of esoteric properties. Soldiers in the Roman Empire wore it around their necks to protect themselves during battle. It was thought to ward off evil during the dark Middle Ages.
Beyond this symbolism, H. Moser & Cie. was drawn to the stone’s aesthetic properties, as CEO Edouard Meylan explains: ” Tiger’s Eye is a natural reinterpretation of Moser fumé dials, which have been a key part of the brand’s success. Its horizontal lines lend it balance and symmetry. It is a dynamic stone which seems to come to life as it catches the light. The richness of its details are revealed gradually; it must be admired from different angles to fully appreciate its beauty. Just like a Moser timepiece. With the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye model, we wanted to enhance the brilliance of the Tiger’s Eye using a highly contemporary approach. The 1970s has been a great source of inspiration for us in terms of design and aesthetic trends. Tiger’s Eye was very popular at this time, and it was showcased in a number of timepieces, with a look that was quite Baroque or Rococo in style. We have opted for a contrasting interpretation, minimalist and understated, with a Tiger’s Eye dial featuring no logo or indices, adorned with only the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock”.
The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye is available in two variations: white gold and Falcon’s Eye or red gold and Ox’s Eye. Due to the difficulty in sourcing stones with the regular parallel lines and complexity required for the dials, only 50 of each will be produced. Because Tiger’s Eye stones are all unique, each piece made with them will be one-of-a-kind. Each year, the workshops will produce approximately twenty watches.
The calibre HMC 804 movement powers this model. This self-winding Manufacture movement is equipped with a double flat hairspring designed and produced in-house. Thanks to this pair of matched hairsprings, the movement of the point of gravity on each spring when it expands is corrected and the effect of friction reduced, significantly improving accuracy and isochronism in continual pursuit of perfection.
Fascinating, almost hypnotic, the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye catches the gaze, drawing it into the reflections which mirror the eyes of the big cat whose name it bears.
(left) Reference 1804-0222, white gold model, Falcon’s Eye natural stone dial, blue alligator leather strap, limited edition of 50 pieces – Shop now
(right) Reference 1804-0401, red gold model, Ox’s Eye natural stone dial, brown alligator leather strap, limited edition of 50 pieces – Shop now
About H. Moser & Cie
H. Moser & Cie. was created by Heinrich Moser in 1828. Based in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, it currently employs around 60 people, has developed 14 in-house calibres to date and produces more than 1,500 watches per annum. H. Moser & Cie. is honoured to have a Moser family member with the company as Honorary Chairman and President of the Heinrich and Henri Moser Foundation. The aim of the Moser Foundation, created by one of Heinrich Moser’s descendants, is to keep the family history alive and seek out antique pieces for the Moser Museum, located in Charlottenfels Manor, Heinrich Moser’s family home. Shop H. Moser & Cie’s watches on Sincerewatch.com here.