H. Moser & Cie. Enter the Metaverse with Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis

H. Moser & Cie. have always been quick to embrace the latest technologies while having fun with it. For example, they rapidly adopted Vantablack and created the tongue in cheek “Perpetual Calendar for Dummies”. Their latest timepiece is all about expanding into the metaverse, serving as a key to digital and virtual assets and experiences. The watch is called the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis Ref.1200-1238, although this being Moser they’ve translated it into binary for a laugh, 01100111 01100101 01101110 01100101 01110011 01101001 01110011.

We’ll get into all the digital/metaverse in a moment but as we’re a watch magazine, let’s start by looking at the watch itself.

The Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is a 40mm piece made from stainless steel with a titanium bezel and crown that have been shaped using 3D printing. The use of printing has enabled them to create shapes that would be virtually impossible to craft by hand, giving the watch a pixelated look. It’s a totally unique effect and is impressive on a technical level even if the look of it is quite outlandish.

Interestingly it’s the sapphire crystal that forms the main focus of this watch, the Vantablack dial creating a backdrop that makes it easier to perceive the shape engraved into the crystal. That shape being a QR code (similar to the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra), which allows the wearer to scan the watch with their phone and access an app providing an assortment of digital and metaverse services.

Timekeeping is evidently not the priority here since the hands are barely visible below, this is watchmaking as theatre.

The primary digital service that H. Moser & Cie. supply alongside the launch of the Genesis is Blockchain authentication. When Blockchain and NFTs were having their moment in the sun last year, authentication like this was one of the few sensible and practical applications that emerged, allowing you to be confident in each individual watch’s manufacturing, purchase history and more.

Additionally, the app will grant you priority access to future limited editions (including two more releases that will form a triptych alongside the Genesis) as well as access to the Moser Universe virtual space. The virtual experience takes the form of a Swiss chalet with references to the country and the brand.

Let’s jump out of the metaverse and back to the physical watch. Housed inside the bi-metal case is the HMC 200 automatic calibre, a stunning movement with a 72-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback, giving you amazing views of the dark coloured gold rotor.

The H. Moser & Cie. Genesis ref.1200-1238 is a limited edition of just 50 pieces and priced at CHF 27,000. I’m very torn by this watch. On the one hand it lacks the usual class of an H. Moser & Cie. but on the other it’s impossible to deny that it pushes the boat out regarding what a watch can do and be. While I initially baulked at the idea of this being a Genesis, perhaps it really is.

I just hope to the high heavens that if watches related to digital and metaverse environments catch on watchmakers can find a more elegant solution than slapping ugly QR codes on them. A QR code is how you order a drink in a cheap pub, not how you engage with a luxury watch.