Louis Moinet Starman Red and White Gold

Jean-Marie Schaller and his team at Louis Moinet have continuously captivated enthusiasts with timepieces that tell stories. The Louis Moinet Starman is their latest creation, encapsulating innovation and artistry with an intriguing connection to the universe. Crafted using fragments of meteorites, including one believed to contain amino acids, the Starman embodies cosmic fascination.

The 47.4mm case in 18-carat red gold commands attention with its elaborate design. Featuring a stepped bezel reminiscent of a ship’s wheel secured with six visible screws, it showcases an intricate blend of brushed and polished finishes. The hollow lugs curve gracefully, while the fluted crown bears the brand’s fleur-de-lis emblem. The case’s midsection is engraved with “Louis Moinet,” adding an elegant signature. The exhibition-style caseback displays hallmarks, model identification, and the piece’s limited edition number, underscoring its exclusivity.

Beneath the domed sapphire crystal lies a dial that draws the eye immediately. Crafted from Gibeon meteorite, tinted to a rich blue through a proprietary process, it features the unique Widmanstätten pattern. This base is overlaid with a transparent sapphire crystal disc displaying a stellar map, complete with hand-drawn constellations outlined in luminescent paint. The minute chapter ring on a stainless steel flange and a black sapphire ring marked at 5-minute intervals frame the disc. The rose-gold, luminescent hour and minute hands add a touch of elegance, enhancing the dial’s striking aesthetic.

Positioned at 6 o’clock is the flying tourbillon, showcased within an off-centre cage and highlighted by a railroad-track frame. At the top of the dial, a fragment of the Jbilet Winselwan meteorite rests in a gold-framed circle. Discovered in the Sahara Desert, this black meteorite, speckled with brown inclusions, is renowned for containing amino acids, hinting at the origins of life. This placement on the Starman offers a tangible piece of cosmic history, connecting the watch to the vast mysteries of the universe.

Turning the Starman over reveals an artistic representation of the solar system. Set against a grey backdrop with a golden Sun, eight hand-painted miniature globes depict the planets in their positions as they were on March 21, 2013. This date commemorates Jean-Marie Schaller’s revelation of Louis Moinet’s invention of the chronograph at the Neuchâtel observatory, where the original 1816 compteur de tierces was showcased. Customizing the solar map is an option for owners, allowing them to personalise their watch with planetary alignments of significant dates.

The manually wound LM 139 movement lies at the heart of the Starman. This proprietary calibre features two parallel barrels configured in a “volte-face” arrangement, one inverted to balance energy release. With 26 jewels and operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement ensures a 96-hour power reserve. The sapphire caseback, slightly tinted, provides a view of this craftsmanship, with “tourbillon volant” and “double barrel” inscriptions clearly visible. Complementing the opulent red gold case, the Starman comes with a black alligator leather strap and a rose-gold folding clasp. A grey gold version is also available, each limited to just 12 pieces. The red gold edition is priced at CHF 160,000, with the option to customise the solar map adding CHF 6,000.