H. Moser & Cie. 6804-0400 Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack Review

H. Moser & Cie. built its reputation as the watch industry’s class clown with precision and intent. The brand’s modern identity often pokes the luxury bear that is the Swiss watchmaking industry. Moser has lampooned smartwatches and industry trends, and has proved that haute horlogerie doesn’t have to be presented with the pomp and solemnity of a funeral. However, some folks lack a sense of humor, and that may make people forget just how talented they are. While the brand’s more tongue-in-cheek pieces are horological marvels in their own right, the Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack doesn’t set us up for any jokes. 

The 40mm Streamliner case and its integrated, serpent-like bracelet, considered by many to be one of the best bracelets in the business, are both crafted in 18k 5N red gold. The finishing combines radial brushing with polished bevels, creating contrasting yet defined surfaces, swashbuckling for which will reign supreme… until the dial gets involved and devours light for breakfast.

The dial is coated with Vantablack, yes, the same stuff BMW used to use on an X6 so you couldn’t see them cutting you off. Vantablack is a material composed of carbon nanostructures that absorbs 99.965% of visible light. Most black dials reflect light in one way or another, but this one swallows it, eliminating our perception of depth and texture. Moser also removes its logo from the dial to give a purer sense of the void it’s manufactured to create. Against that visual abyss, the one-minute tourbillon at the six o’clock position appears to be floating in space. 

Inside is Moser’s automatic HMC 804, offering a 72-hour power reserve and winding via a solid-gold rotor. The tourbillon uses two hairsprings, manufactured by Moser’s sister company, Precision Engineering AG, designed so that their opposing behavior helps counteract shifts in the center of gravity, reduce friction, and improve isochronism, which is the consistency of each swing of the balance wheel. Is a souped-up tourbillon absolutely necessary?… No. But hell if it doesn’t look cool, especially with that dial as a backdrop. 

This is all a reminder of what sits beneath Moser’s mischievous personality. Sure, H. Moser & Cie. is good at making jokes about the watch industry. The Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack proves it’s even better at making exceptional watches.