H. Moser & Cie. The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye

Iridescent reflections, shimmering colours, dancing light: H. Moser & Cie. brings the Tiger’s Eye stone to life in an almost psychedelic setting, revealing its full beauty and mystery in an exclusive model available in two references. The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye spotlights this fine natural stone in a modern yet understated and elegant interpretation. With neither logo nor indices, and an aperture at 6 o’clock to magnify the one-minute flying tourbillon, the dial of the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye provides the stone with a blank canvas to express its aesthetic power.

Tiger’s Eye is a variety of microcrystalline quartz. This semi-precious stone is formed of amosite, the fibres of which are partially replaced with silica following a natural transformation process known as “pseudomorphosis”. It is these fibres, laid down in fine layers that cause the iridescent effects, which seem to bring this stone to life. Tiger’s Eye – with its mysterious name and mesmerizing colors – comes in many different varieties, ranging in color from grey- blue to golden brown to reddish brown. The blue variety of the stone, whose color comes from veins of fibrous crocidolite and silica, is known as Falcon’s Eye. When the natural stone takes on a red hue, it is called Ox’s Eye.

A fascinating solar mineral, Tiger’s Eye is believed to confer protection, and is a symbol of self-confidence and a guarantee of good health and prosperity. Countless esoteric properties have been attributed to it. Soldiers from the Roman Empire used to wear it around their necks to protect themselves in battle. In the dark times of the middle Ages, it was thought to ward off evil. Beyond this symbolism, it is the aesthetic properties of the stone which attracted the attention of H. Moser & Cie., 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 is 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”.