Hands-On: The Moser Perpetual Calendar Concept Limited Edition In Steel (Live Pics, Pricing)

I often think about what type of watch I would wear if limited to only modern watches, and only independently-held manufactures (isn't that how we all spend our nights?). A watch I saw at Baselworld 2016 may have answered the question, or at least put a new one in the running.

H. Moser continues to produce excellent and innovative timepieces for collectors that do not, necessarily, get the recognition they deserve. The landmark piece from Moser is certainly the Endeavour perpetual calendar, which we reviewed here, but they've long been experimenting with making the already simple perpetual calendar ever more simple with the concept watches seen here. The Concept Perpetual calendar removes all branding from the dial side, as well as the sub-seconds and power-reserve indicator. At Baselworld this year, they showed us an even more pared-down version of this thoughtful perpetual, now in a limited edition in stainless steel.

The watch remains identically functionally to the Endeavour Concept (seen here) but now we have a blue fumé dial and a case made considerably lighter than ever before. On the rear of the watch, you will find the leap year indicator – a must for any modern perpetual – and the modular escapement unit for which Moser is known. While the Moser isn't super finely finished like, say, a Laurent Ferrier or Voutilainen – it isn't priced as such either, while still providing some nice hand-work visible on the caliber.

This particular watch is, as stated, cased in stainless steel – a first for the Moser QP – and it is a limited edition of just 10 pieces. Obviously, steel is a hot metal at the moment and that is twice as true when housing a complicated movement, so this one will go quickly.

Here is the 40.8 mm Endeavour Concept on my wrist, and you can see the size is just right, if not slightly large for my vintage-loving wrists. Either way, this ultimate example of horological firepower, cased in an egalitarian material, is an appealing new offering from Moser, and if you want one of the 10 pieces made, we'd advise you contact your dealer asap. Price will be $66,000 and more here.

Don't have the HODINKEE App yet? Get years of amazing watch content plus new stories, breaking news, and access to great new features like HODINKEE Live, free on iOS.