Louis Moinet Presents Its New Super Moon Watch

“Super Moon combines the cosmic world with that of artistry and techniques,” Jean-Marie Schaller.

Why is the cosmic world so important to Louis Moinet?

Louis Moinet invented the chronograph in 1816, to meet the needs of his astronomical observations. This hitherto unknown instrument was indeed associated with the unit of measurement of his astronomical transit instrument: the tierce, which corresponds to 1/60th of a second.

What does “Super Moon” mean

A Super Moon is a full or new moon corresponding to the moment when the orbit of this satellite is closest (perigee) to Earth. This rare phenomenon occurred on 14 November 2016, with the Moon at 356 511 km from the centre of the Earth, the closest occurrence since 1948. It will not be closer until 2034.

Super Moon, a character-filled creation

This modern timepiece aims to combine the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work. The essential elements are outlined below.

The dial – a witness to the conquest of space

The dial depicts the first extra-terrestrial view of the Moon, as provided by Apollo 8 in 1968. The engraving results from hand-crafted hammering creating pleasing contrasts on the lunar surface. The finish features two light and dark tones resulting from light brushing performed after nickel-plating the dial.

It has an opening between 8 o'clock and 12 o'clock, revealing each beat of its exclusive calibre including the escapement operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations/hour, as well as the off-centre seconds hand. Everything is arranged to ensure that the eye loses nothing of intricate workings of this SUPER MOON watch.

The Moon – an authentic lunar meteorite fragment

Louis Moinet offers exclusive real fragments of the Moon. This is an extremely rare and precious material, as only 371 lunar meteorites are known to exist worldwide. This meteorite travelled more than 400,000 kilometres through intersidereal space before being captured by Earth’s gravity and landing in the Dhofar Desert in Oman.

Lunar meteorite

It has now been transformed into an objet d’art, sculpted by the expert hands of Daniel Haas and suspended above the void, protected by an anodised aluminium capsule with a shiny black base to strike a contrast with the night star.

The hour-markers – light and radiance

Representing an essential stylistic element in this creation, the hour-markers involve an extremely sophisticated manufacture process. Each features three variously shaped facets designed to make the light dance over them. The flank features a diamond and satin-finished part to endow the dial with a deep radiance. The colour contrast is accentuated by its black PVD base and the lacquer in its centre.

The real accomplishment was to keep them suspended above the void, with the clear intention of creating a strong perspective. This virtuoso craftsmanship enables them to be linked to a central ring and to the inner bezel ring.

The self-winding calibre – function & style

The finishing of the movement is based on the noble traditions of fine watchmaking: Côtes de Genève, diamond-polished chamfers, circular satin-finished wheels, circular graining. The sapphire caseback reveals the movements of the rotor mounted on ball bearings. The Clous de Paris motif dear to Louis Moinet in the 19th century has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, giving an impression of movement.

The Neo case – a watch industry trailblazer

The Mars Mission case has been christened Neo, as its novel technical solutions have created a silhouette that is unprecedented in watchmaking. Everything is built around two vertical bridges that cross the piece to accommodate the strap at each end of their openworked lugs. These bridges enclose the movement container, which is dominated by the six-screw bezel, one of Louis Moinet's trademarks.

Its alligator leather strap is secured by a folding clasp adorned with the curved Fleur de Lys, the symbol of Louis Moinet.

Technical Data