Continuing with affordable complications, H. Moser & Cie.’s latest is the Endeavour Chronograph Compax, a collaboration with Massena Lab. The most affordable Moser chronograph, the new Endeavour is powered by an in-house calibre with an added chronograph module.

Loosely based on Moser’s 1940s pocket watch chronographs, the Endeavour Chronograph has a “Compax” layout with twin registers, luminous Arabic numerals, and a historical Moser logo. Though the retro design is atypical for Moser, the dial and case are still in classic Moser style, with the dial sporting a “funky blue” gradient finish.

Initial thoughts

Vintage reissues are common but Moser does them sparingly, mostly sticking with its signature minimalist, contemporary designs. The Endeavour Chronograph is the brand’s first vintage-inspired release outside of its Heritage collection.

The Endeavour Chronograph is executed well, and affordable for a Moser chronograph. It costs less than half the Streamliner chronograph that’s equipped with the innovative Agenhor calibre.

Because of the entry-level pricing, h0wever, the Endeavour Chronograph is constrained in certain ways, most notably in terms of the movement. Though the base calibre is Moser’s in-house automatic, the chronograph comes via a Dubois-Depraz module. It’s still a competent technical solution, but not as sophisticated as an integrated chronograph (and an in-house integrated construction would not be CHF25,000).

Vintage styling

The Endeavour Chronograph is an unusual deviation from the Moser’s usual design philosophy, due in part to the fact that it was conceived together with William Massena of Massena Lab, the maker of collaborative editions.

It’s modelled on vintage Moser pocket watches, and also mid-20th century chronographs in general. The symmetrical “Compax” dial has twin registers with small seconds at three and a 45-minute counter at nine.

On the dial’s periphery is a tachymetric scale, while the 19th century Moser logo sits under 12 o’clock. To match the vintage aesthetic, the Super-LumiNova on the dial and hands is in a faux-vintage cream hue.

Though the design is not the usual Moser, the dial has the brand’s familiar fume finish. The “funky blue” dial is a deep metallic blue in the centre, but darkens to black on the edges.

The case is also standard Endeavour with flowing, recessed flanks. It measures 41 mm in diameter and 13.3 mm in thickness. Due to the chronograph module, the case is thicker than the average Moser, which is apparent on the wrist, though the case has been constructed to minimise the height.

The Endeavour Chronograph is powered by the HMC 220, which is the in-house HMC 200 automatic calibre plus a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module under the dial.

The movement beats at 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) and offers three days of power reserve. Finished with Moser stripes of alternating width, the movement features the a Straumann hairspring that’s made by Moser’s sister company.

Key facts and price

H. Moser & Cie x Massena LAB Endeavour Chronograph Compax
Ref. 1220-1200

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.3 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. HMC 220
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and chronograph
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual wind
Power reserve: 3 days

Strap: Brown kudu strap

Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: Now at H. Moser & Cie. retailers and online boutique
Price: CHF25,000

For more, visit h-moser.com.