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H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

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December 2016


Joining forces with Precision Engineering, the watchmaker has introduced a new hairspring alloy, PE5000, that will challenge the use of silicon in the industry.

H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

H. Moser & Cie likes to go against the grain. Take for example the launch of the Swiss Alp Watch. It was a clear statement and a challenge against the smartwatch revolution, designed to mimic – or mock - the Apple Watch.

While that release showed the brand’s sense of humour and aesthetic acumen, the release of its latest timepiece is an innovative step forward in watchmaking engineering.

H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

In an industry where watches are meant to be stronger and last longer while not losing a millisecond of time, H. Moser & Cie is at the forefront of the industry by launching a new alloy, PE5000, which is meant to ensure their timepieces will up to the task.

An alloy of niobium and titanium, PE5000 is a paramagnetic material that is extremely resilient and has remarkable elastic properties. That means that a hairspring made from this alloy is not affected by impacts, which is important for the oscillator of a mechanical watch.

H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

So why is PE5000 important? Well in some ways it’s an upgrade, or at least an alternative to silicon, which is used to make hairsprings because it is non-magnetic and shock resistant. But the disadvantage of silicon is that it doesn’t not allow for any adjustments, while Niobium-titanium can be adjusted by the watchmaker to optimize watch performance.

H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

A specialist in watch movement components for escapements, H. Moser & Cie sister company Precision Engineering has what it takes to implement this new technology.

The first client for Precision Engineering’s new alloy is of course H. Moser & Cie given the company incorporated into Moser Watch Holding in 2012. The brand will premiere the niobium-titanium hairspring in its Venturer Small Seconds XL.

H. Moser & Cie introduces game changing alloy for the Venturer Small Seconds XL

The Venturer’s bezel is refined and elegant as always, sporting a convex dial enhanced by a curved sapphire crystal. But for this special limited release of only 10 pieces, a new a deep blue fumé dial has been introduced. The same noble colour can also be seen on the balance bridge and balance wheel, thanks to a special finish that gives added depth to the escapement.

The release of the new hairspring is somewhat of a beta test, in the sense that current owners may acquire these watches and take part in a series of tests to confirm the chronometric performance of the escapement. But that’s not to say you should have low expectation of the new watch – the movement has already been tested in zero gravity to test the properties of the new alloy.