Extraordinary technologyMoser escapement assembly with Straumann double hairspring and escape wheel and pallet fork in white gold
The introduction last year of an innovative escapement with two balance springs oscillating against each other created a major sensation throughout the world. The two springs are manufactured as a matched pair under optimal conditions. This process begins with the smelting charge and permits the total elimination of the gravitational error arising in these springs as they oscillate. This particularly exclusive feature further enhances the already legendary Moser escapement assembly. This system of two balance springs was named the Straumann Double Hairspring in tribute to Prof. Dr. h.c. Reinhard Straumann, who patented the self-compensating balance spring material Nivarox and the associated manufacturing technologies in 1931.
The prerequisite to manufacturing such a complicated escapement is, of course, the ability to master production of the balance springs down to the smallest detail. It is essential to be able to guarantee that both balance springs possess identical characteristic curves and attachments. H. Moser & Cie, working jointly with its associate company, Precision Engineering AG, has developed the Straumann Hairspring® on the basis of Prof. Dr. h.c. Reinhard Straumann's classic formula. This has ensured that the material exhibits the necessary homogeneity and the appropriate mechanical properties. What is more, the consistency of the springs in respect of their characteristics is so good that they are even able to ensure uniform compensation for any elasticity in the presence of temperature fluctuations. In this way, the centre of gravity does not wander from the centre, either in conjunction with oscillation or in response to changes in temperature, and thus does not have a negative influence on the accuracy of the watch.
The use of traditional materials of the highest grade together with extremely simple and reliable interchangeability of the entire escapement assembly appeals to watchmakers and watch enthusiasts alike. A particularly hard white gold alloy is accordingly used in this escapement assembly for the pallet fork and the escape wheel. Gold as a material for the pallet fork and the escape wheel has a long tradition at Moser. It was already used as a particular exclusivity in historic watches during Heinrich Moser's lifetime. To bring it up to the required degree of hardness, it was folded and hammered repeatedly in those days. Only then was it equal to the high demands encountered in the escapement system. In view of the involved nature of this process, gold pallet forks or escape wheels have practically not been used during the last century. This is not the case at Moser, however. Since the 200th anniversary of Heinrich Moser's birth in 2005, watches of the new era have all been equipped with the interchangeable escapement assembly and the pallet forks and escapement wheels are once again being manufactured in gold.
To protect these precious components, the blocking lever incorporated in all watches in the collection from H. Moser & Cie also ensures that the escapement in this exceptional escapement module can be removed with the barrel fully wound, but without the watch running down uncontrollably. Extraordinary technology in fascinatingly elegant watches is what makes the collection from H. Moser & Cie so special and authentic at one and the same time. We imagine that our founding father, Heinrich Moser, would have done precisely the same thing today.