Description
Moritz Grossmann BENU Power Reserve Black DLC
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Carl Moritz Grossmann, the BENU Power Reserve Black DLC is a striking expression of contemporary German haute horlogerie. Limited to just 18 pieces worldwide, this exceptional 2026 release presents a darker, more avant-garde interpretation of the traditional BENU collection. Its anthracite DLC-coated stainless steel case and intricately finished dial create a distinctive aesthetic, while the exceptional mechanical craftsmanship of the Moritz Grossmann manufactory remains at its heart.
The three-piece stainless steel case receives a sophisticated diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, producing a deep anthracite finish that accentuates the elegant proportions and architectural lines of the BENU design. Beyond its distinctive appearance, the ultra-thin carbon-based coating offers exceptional surface hardness, scratch resistance and durability. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 11.65mm in height, the case maintains a refined profile, with delicately tapered lugs, a slender bezel and matching DLC-coated crown and pusher completing its sophisticated monochromatic character.
The anthracite dial reveals an exceptional level of detail, combining contrasting textures with carefully considered design elements. Its rhodium-plated surface features a finely decorated outer ring with an intricate azurage pattern, surrounding a subtly matt central section. Applied numerals and hour markers provide depth, while the manually crafted, polished steel hands introduce a beautiful contrast against the darker background. Their gently rounded profiles and exceptionally fine tips reflect the meticulous attention to detail for which Moritz Grossmann is renowned.
Among the watch’s most distinctive features is its linear power-reserve indicator, positioned beneath the 12 o’clock marker. Unlike conventional circular displays, this elegant complication uses a two-coloured bar to communicate the remaining energy within the movement. Driven by a sophisticated differential gearing mechanism, the indicator displays white when fully wound, progressively turning black as the 42-hour power reserve decreases. The subsidiary seconds display at 6 o’clock completes the dial’s harmonious arrangement, combining mechanical functionality with a beautifully restrained aesthetic.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back is the extraordinary manufacture calibre 100.2, a manually wound movement comprising 227 components and 26 jewels. Its traditional Glashütte construction incorporates a two-thirds plate and frame pillars in untreated German silver, with hand-engraved movement components, broad horizontal Glashütte ribbing, three-tiered snailing and raised gold chatons. The proprietary Grossmann balance and micrometer regulation system demonstrate the manufacturer’s commitment to precision, while its distinctive manual winding mechanism incorporates a separate pusher that allows the movement to restart without disturbing the carefully positioned hands.
Completing this exclusive anniversary edition is a hand-stitched black kudu leather strap secured by a solid stainless steel buckle. A special ‘1826’ engraving on the movement’s balance cock commemorates the birth year of Carl Moritz Grossmann, providing a discreet connection to two centuries of watchmaking heritage. With its commanding dark aesthetic, exquisite movement finishing and production restricted to just 18 examples, the BENU Power Reserve Black DLC represents an exceptional combination of contemporary design, mechanical ingenuity and the finest traditions of independent German watchmaking.
Technical Specifications
General
- Brand: Moritz Grossmann
- Collection: BENU
- Model: Power Reserve Black DLC
- Reference: MG-004124
- Edition: 2026 Bicentenary Release
- Limited Edition: 18 pieces worldwide
- Manufacture: Glashütte, Germany
Movement
- Manufacture calibre 100.2
- Manual winding mechanical movement
- Adjusted in five positions
- 227 individual components
- 26 jewels, including three in screw-fastened gold chatons
- Lever escapement
- Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
- Power reserve: 42 hours when fully wound
- Movement diameter: 36.4mm
- Movement height: 5.4mm
Functions and Complications
- Hours and minutes
- Subsidiary seconds display at 6 o’clock
- Stop-seconds function for precise time setting
- Linear power-reserve indicator beneath 12 o’clock
- Two-coloured power-reserve display segment
- Differential gearing system driving the power-reserve display
- Grossmann manual winding mechanism with separate pusher
- Lateral pusher to release hand-setting mode and restart the movement
Oscillator and Regulation
- Shock-absorbed Grossmann balance
- Four inertia screws and two poising screws
- Balance diameter: 14.2mm
- Nivarox 1 balance spring
- No. 80 Breguet terminal curve
- Oscillator geometry developed by Gustav Gerstenberger
- Grossmann micrometer adjustment screw on cantilevered balance cock
Movement Construction and Finishing
- Traditional pillar movement construction
- Two-thirds plate and frame pillars in untreated German silver
- Hand-engraved two-thirds plate, balance cock and escape-wheel cock
- Broad horizontal Glashütte ribbing
- Three-tiered snailing on the ratchet wheel
- Raised gold chatons with elevated screws
- Space-saving modified Glashütte stopwork with recoil
- Separately removable clutch winding mechanism
- Special commemorative ‘1826’ engraving on the balance cock
Case
- Material: Anthracite DLC-coated stainless steel
- Coating: Diamond-like carbon (DLC)
- Construction: Three-piece case
- Finish: Dark anthracite
- Diameter: 41mm
- Height: 11.65mm
- DLC-coated stainless steel crown with cross-grooved detailing
- Separate DLC-coated stainless steel pusher
- Slim bezel and tapered lugs
- Transparent sapphire crystal case back
Dial
- Colour: Anthracite
- Surface: Rhodium-plated
- Outer ring decorated with fine azurage pattern
- Subtly matt central section
- Applied numerals and hour markers
- Linear black and white power-reserve display
- Subsidiary seconds display
Hands
- Manually crafted and polished steel
- Gently rounded profiles with finely tapered tips
Crystal and Case Back
- Sapphire crystal
- Anti-reflective coating on one side
- Transparent sapphire crystal display back
Strap and Buckle
- Hand-stitched black kudu leather strap
- Solid stainless steel buckle
