Moser × Saquon Barkley: a cylindrical hairspring beneath an aventurine sky

H. Moser & Cie. · Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Aventurine Saquon Barkley

The model in detail

This Pioneer has two focal points: a sparkling aventurine subdial and the three-dimensional mechanics beneath it. A cylindrical hairspring replaces the familiar flat spiral, requiring more height and giving the tourbillon depth. For a buyer, the attraction is the opportunity to observe a regulator architecture seldom seen in wristwatches.

HMC 811 is an automatic skeleton calibre with a one-minute flying tourbillon and a 74-hour reserve. Moser links the cylindrical hairspring to stable oscillation. Unconditional superiority in timekeeping would nevertheless be the wrong promise: results depend on adjustment, position and wearing habits, and a tourbillon is not itself an accuracy certificate.

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The Saquon Barkley connection uses small signals. Luminous numerals two and six reference his number, while 97 pieces recall his birth year. In my view, this is an appropriate scale of personalisation: the sports story leaves room for the watchmaking. Aventurine retains its role as a decorative material in its own right.

A 42.8 mm steel case, rubber strap and 12 ATM water resistance give it a sporting character. That is no reason to treat a tourbillon as training equipment. At the official CHF79,000 excluding VAT, clarify allocation, warranty and the service route before buying. It suits someone who wants to wear and observe rare mechanics.