Review Louis Moinet Space Revolution

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Louis Moinet released during the Geneva Watch Days several exceptional watches. In a cinema memorabilia thematic, the independent brand launched the spectacular Louis Moinet Space Revolution. While the name sounds cool – a depiction of several SciFi novels, the watch is a down to Earth but spectacular horological achievement with an unusual complication: flying satellite Double Tourbillon.

Louis Moinet Space Revolution

Geneva Watch Days was the only European occasion to meet with important watch brands (independent or not) at once and see this year’s novelty in the metal. While blamed by many for the decision in this unfortunate COVID situation, the brands understood that certain risks must be taken into account. Several other brands decided to make small presentation events across Europe. But no event regardless of location and number of people can be considered risk free. So it was decided to maximise the security and hygiene measures: face masks, gloves, sanitisation on and of every step and so on. The event took place and, until now, there are only positive echoes.

Let’s be honest! The world is not prepared for a completely digital, online-only experience. Collectors and journalists still need to see the pieces live, the communication still needs to be personal. Face to face, even with masks makes much more than an online meeting platform presentation. Humanity still needs personal contact. So I was one of the ones blamed to dare to go to Geneva. Thanks to all deities, all is fine.

Louis Moinet organised a fabulous event at Hotel d’Angleterre in Geneva. Surrounded by rare and beautiful memorabilia from fantasy and SciFi movies, the brand’s watches were highlighted by the ambience. Those visiting the event or following the social media of the last week of August know how much the Louis Moinet team prepared for the GWD. There, I felt surrounded by passion and friendship.

Louis Moinet Space Revolution is considered by many the most exceptional piece of the exhibition. So let’s fly-in!

Precious metal, an ample construction

Louis Moinet Space Revolution is a small universe on the wrist. To create the emotion and greatness of the cosmic space, the independent brand decided for a large, open architecture.

A 43.5 mm gold “case” with wide openings hold the 41.6 mm sapphire capsule. The case has a sportive note with open, inwardly curved lugs.

The right side finds the crown adorned by the Louis Moinet negative engraved logo surrounded by lacquer. A delightful detail.

The case cutouts permit a good observation of the eternal battle against the time of the double flying tourbillons and their counterbalance, shaped like space ships.

The interhorn opening is quite large for the given case diameter – 24mm. A detail meant only for the minimal obstruction of the watch’s inner show. The skeletonisation was extended onto the case side for the same reason.

Exceptional construction that creates a nice wrist feel. The watch wears quite nice, even with its unusual height. Of course, the leather strap is fitted with the Louis Moinet heraldic buckle.

Meteorite, aventurine and ultra-modern technologies

Louis Moinet Space Revolution has a spectacular dial. For this piece, “spectacular” is an understatement. Two flying tourbillons in a construction as two satellites with spaceships as a counterbalance take care of the battle with time and gravity.

The two tourbillons work at a frequency of 3Hz. The top axis makes a clockwise rotation every five minutes. The lower system needs ten minutes to complete a counterclockwise rotation.

The spaceships with distinct construction are manufactured in titanium. They weight 0.5 grammes each. The decoration was made by hand using hybrid ceramic paint.

470 components, imagination and technical expertise

The Louis Moinet Space Revolution is powered by the calibre LM104. A manual winding 3 Hz movement with exceptional architecture and beautiful finishes. 3 years were necessary for the research and development.

It is hard to discern between the dial per see and the movement. Yes, the time is displayed with minutes and hours hands placed over a small meteorite disc. But the dial-side show is an important part of the movement’s construction.

The technical solution chosen for this watch reminds me of the modular construction of the International Space Station. And of any other SciFi movie space station seen. The split between the dial and what is visible on the back is inspired and clean.

The two one minute tourbillons have oscillators with a differential mechanism for increased precision. Each top bridge has a different construction/design but carefully balanced. The power comes from a double-barrel system offering 48 hours of power reserve. Still-impressive, considering the power-hungry construction and complication.

To sustain the entire construction were used ceramic ball bearings – increased longevity due to reduced wear.

Besides the unusual shapes met on the Calibre LM104, a careful visual analysis will find interesting and well-executed finishes. I especially enjoy the hand-polished beveling found on almost any surface and the balance wheel construction with gold timing weights. The backside reveals a delightful executed Geneva waves.

Again, the polished chamfering and tight construction make a good impression.

Besides the visible nice balanced construction of the movement, the caseback hides the time set / winding lever. This last detail reminds me of the brand’s spirit, as a distinct element that makes Space Revolution a recognisable Louis Moinet piece.

Louis Moinet Space Revolution – a watch that feeds the imagination.

The Space Revolution is one of the most beautiful and well-constructed outer space themed wristwatches. The continuous strive makes the stylised spacecrafts to meet eighteen times an hour – a show interesting for any child and inner child.

Louis Moinet Space Revolution is nicely executed: from idea to the detailed finishes. The watch is quite tall but comfortable on the wrist. The calibre is interesting to set and wind, especially considering how delicately is the stem hidden. Leaving aside the visual extravaganza, the Space Revolution is an important technical achievement. The brand didn’t content with just a complex construction, the watch being well adorned with good care for details.