IN ORBIT
To pay tribute to the achievement of this middle-eastern federal state, the independent watch brand unveiled a creation combining fine watchmaking mechanisms and artistic craftsmanship.
Mars is now becoming the destination for countries seeking to strengthen their Soft Power. In addition to the USA and China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also positioned to take part in this new space conquest. On February 9, their probe Al-Amal, “hope” in English, entered into orbit around the Red Planet. To celebrate this grand milestone and at the same time the 50th anniversary of the State’s founding, Louis Moinet commemorated the event with the Hope Probe Tourbillon, a unique and exceptional timepiece, a veritable work of art.
Its 47.4mm diameter grade 5 titanium case houses a mother-of-pearl dial enriched with a hand-painted depiction of a night sky seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The hour and minute hands run in a small off-center circle at 6 o’clock.
At 12 o’clock, the green tourbillon cage, 13.59mm in diameter, rotates in a décor consisting of a shimmering black aventurine plate. Along with a fragment of lunar meteorite, the disc is decorated with a probe on one side and an astronaut on the other that can be viewed through the sapphire back of the case. Both are the fruit of the meticulous work of an artisan-painter. A miniature reproduction of Mars inlaid with Martian aerolite powder serves as a counterweight. The whole assembly is driven by the LM48 caliber with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. This hand-wound movement provides the watch with 72 hours of power reserve.
The Hope Probe Tourbillon is worn on a black alligator leather strap with blue stitching.
Price: upon request
By Dan Diaconu