Baselworld 2017 – Louis Moinet Space Mystery – A Tribute to Astronomical Observations of Louis Moinet

A tribute to the astronomical observations of Louis Moinet, the independent watch brand’s latest creation features a mesmerizing Tourbillon whose cage is poised with a planet in rotation around it. Meet the ‘Space Mystery’, a stargazing invitation from Louis Moinet.

Always be prepared for the unexpected with Louis Moinet – Horology is a child of astronomy… Time is not just an abstraction; ever since man wondered about the passage of time, the schedule of our lives has been shaped by the movement of heavenly bodies. Louis Moinet himself was a watchmaker and astronomer. Once again, the brand explores the theme with the Space Mystery. This spectacular tourbillon is an invitation to dream and puts the poetry of the stars on your wrist.

The first thing to catch your eye is the oversized Tourbillon at 12 o’clock revealed through a generous dial opening. 13.59mm in diameter, the cage is poised with a small planet in orbit around it. This one-minute flying tourbillon is hovering above the dial and appears to be floating in mid-air. This adds striking volume and depth to the watch. The cage is superbly hand-finished and the signature X-shaped tourbillon upper bridge is in blued titanium.

This stellar complication shares space with an off-centered hours and minutes indication at 6 o’clock. The exclusive caliber LM48 is manufactured with Tec-Ebauches. This hand-wound movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, for a power reserve of 72 hours.

The Space Mystery comes with a rich, deep blue dial that is indeed superb. Called ‘Magic blue’ the color is obtained with an exclusive and ‘secret’ (sic) manufacturing process according to the brand. Continuing with their theme of using rare extraterrestrial materials, a fragment of carbonaceous chondrites meteorite (CM group) is inlaid in the dial at 9 o’clock. A fascinating fact is the presence of organic compounds, including amino acids (sometimes called the building blocks of life) probably of extraterrestrial origin.

The 46mm round case is in white gold. It features open-worked lugs and a bezel with 6 notches and screws. Some versions are richly hand-engraved. On both sides of the crown, adorned with a heraldic lily, two ‘stellar’ fragments are set into the case band. One comes from the moon, the other from Mars. The sapphire crystal is slightly domed. The exhibition case-back allows the wearer to enjoy an intimate view of the fine, clean finishing of the movement.

The Louis Moinet Space Mystery is teamed up with an alligator strap fit with an 18K gold folding buckle adorned with the brand’s lily logo. It will be released in 4 limited editions of 8 pieces (2 in white gold, 2 in pink gold). For more information on Louis Moinet you can visit their website at www.louismoinet.com.

Technical specifications – Louis Moinet ‘Space Mystery’

• Case: 46 mm – 18k white or pink gold – sapphire crystal on the front and on the back – water resistant to 50m
• Movement: Calibre LM48 – mechanical with manual winding – 72h power reserve – 21,600 vibrations/h – 20 jewels – hours, minutes, ‘planetary’ tourbillon.
• Strap:  alligator leather with alligator lining on 18k gold folding buckle
• 4 limited editions of 12 pieces, (2 in white gold and 2 in pink gold).
• Retail price : CHF 175,000 – CHF 195,000 for the engraved version