Unveiling the Louis Moinet Starman: A Gateway to the Universe

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Louis Moinet Starman is a bold manifestation of cosmic heritage, blending the marvel of outer space with horological mastery. The watch not only serves as a timepiece but as a portal into the mysteries of the universe, meticulously incorporating actual meteorite fragments and paying homage to the origins of life itself. Conceived by Jean-Marie Schaller, this fantastic piece channels the ambitions of both science and art.

Brief History of the Louis Moinet Brand

Founded by the horologist Louis Moinet in the 19th century, the brand revolutionized watchmaking with the invention of the chronograph, the “compteur de tierces.” Although Moinet initially crafted pieces for royalty and esteemed clientele, it was Jean-Marie Schaller who resurrected the brand in the modern era. With an emphasis on astronomical inspiration and technical prowess, Louis Moinet timepieces are celebrated for their unparalleled artistry and innovation. Each creation embodies the pioneering spirit of Moinet, merging fine watchmaking with universal intrigue.

Royal details

Crafted in opulent 18-carat gold, the Starman’s case is as majestic as it is intricate. Measuring an imposing 47.4 mm in diameter, it offers a commanding wrist presence that matches its celestial theme. Available in both red and white gold, the case exhibits a dynamic interplay of brushed and polished surfaces, lending depth to its architecture. The stepped bezel and nuanced contouring create an appearance that resonates with luxury and engineering precision. Not merely decorative, the case also provides a modest water resistance of 30 meters, underscoring its essence as a precious, earthbound piece rather than a sports watch.

Dial: A Cosmic Panorama

The Louis Moinet Starman’s dial is an intricate, multi-layered masterpiece that captures the vastness of the cosmos. At its base lies a deep blue disc crafted from the Gibeon meteorite, known for its signature Widmanstätten pattern. This ancient, cosmic material is coloured with a secretive technique, imbuing the dial with a profound, almost abyssal blue. Over this lies a sapphire disc adorned with a hand-painted constellation map in luminescent material, creating a luminous, starry sky by night.

Dominating the upper part of the dial is a fragment of the Jbilet Winselwan meteorite, a piece carrying the legacy of amino acids—key building blocks of life—encased in an exquisite, dark stone with captivating brown inclusions. The layout, coupled with the vibrant blue, faceted skeleton hands, invites the wearer into a dimension where space and time converge.

Caseback: The Solar System’s Ode to Chronograph Invention

On the reverse side, Louis Moinet has designed a celestial tableau honouring a pivotal moment in watchmaking history. A detailed solar map is set against a starlit sky, with planets meticulously hand-painted and positioned as they appeared on March 21, 2013—the date when Moinet was credited as the inventor of the chronograph. The rendering of each planetary body on this “chart of the solar system” is executed with such precision that some planets measure a mere two millimetres in diameter. It’s a fitting tribute to the inventor’s groundbreaking achievement, permanently etched in time on a watch dedicated to cosmic wonders.

Movement: Technical Superiority in Motion

At the heart of the Starman is a hand-wound calibre built for durability and finesse. The flying tourbillon, held in an off-centre cage, defies gravitational forces with elegance, making it a spectacle to behold. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises two barrels positioned in parallel. This configuration, termed the “volte face,” enables the barrels to deliver energy simultaneously, providing an impressive power reserve of 96 hours. With 26 jewels punctuating its mechanical symphony, the Starman’s movement is as robust as it is visually stunning, embodying both the aesthetic and functional artistry of the Louis Moinet atelier.

Art and love for the infinity of the cosmos

The Louis Moinet Starman is a tribute to life’s journey from the stars to our wrists. By incorporating a piece of extraterrestrial history, it encapsulates the enigmatic origins of life and time. Each element, from the meteorite-studded dial to the astral caseback, serves as a reminder of humanity’s eternal quest for discovery. With only 12 pieces in each version, this limited edition is a rare union of cosmic wonder and horological ingenuity. Louis Moinet has crafted a timepiece that transcends luxury, positioning it as an emblem of the universe’s boundless secrets, beautifully embodied in the art of watchmaking.