For sheer spectacle it would be difficult to outpoint the new Venturer Smoky Sapphire from H. Moser & Cie. Having already captured the hearts of watch collectors around the world with their timelessly elegant and reserved styling, and now signature fumé dials, this extraordinary watch company continues to astound with its incredibly beautiful designs, as well as its derring-do approach in establishing their own set of standards in the rarefied world of watchmaking, at its top table.

In fact beneath the domed sapphire crystal it’s the same fumé dial which is the inspiration for this remarkable high jewellery masterpiece. It’s wispy fading from edge to centre has been frozen and reimagined using concentric circles of finest sapphires, whose sizes and colours graduate inwardly from larger to small, and from deep blue into clear, emulating the effect of the original fumé dial, except here of course in a blaze of immaculately set circles of dazzling precious stones. Apart from the elegant blued steel leaf hands, there are no markings or logo to detract from the dial’s splendour.

The setting for this H. Moser extravaganza is equally spectacular. Measuring 39mm across, the sides, the bezel and the lugs of the 18Kt white gold case have been entirely glazed in no fewer than 313 brilliant cut diamonds (3.77ct). Even around the side of, and atop the crown, tiny stones have been inset, and presented on a deep blue satin strap, with white gold pin buckle, the overall effect is quite simply breathtaking. 

Inside beats Moser’s manufacture calibre HMC 327 manual winding movement, which is entirely created in house. Viewed through the sapphire caseback, the level of finishing of each component is unparalleled. The surface of the movement plates painstakingly hand decorated in Côte de Genève, with gold crest and detail and mirror-polished chatons, and features Moser’s own regulating organ and balance with Straumann hairspring. The movement’s three day power reserve is displayed here too.