ReviewLunar Luxury And Meteorite Mastery: The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon Series In Steel
The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon series hosts steel watches that are distinguished by their partial skeletonisation, a small seconds sub-dial, a high-precision automatic movement, but most importantly, an authentic lunar meteorite fragment on the dial
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Form, functions, and finesse are essential components of a luxury timepiece. Some watchmakers like Louis Moinet go a step further, like incorporating extraterrestrial fragments such as meteorites in their dials. Their versions of celestial watches thus are a rarity, a worthy collector’s item. The references belonging to their acclaimed Cosmic Art collection are full of horological art pieces that are known for their cutting-edge technology and unique composition. The Cosmic Art collection brings out the best of human imagination; for instance, the dials of the Space Revolution watches display two spaceships locked in a battle. There is also the Cosmopolis that received the prestigious Guinness World Record title for the ‘Most Meteorite Inserts in a Watch’. The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon series thus steals the show with its lunar love that gives depth to timekeeping. With an authentic lunar meteorite fragment on the dial taking centre stage, the Moon series offers an informed avant-garde glimpse into the cosmos.
Moonlit Marvels: The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon Series
The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon range debuted in 2019 and celebrated the 150th anniversary of Around the Moon—a science fiction novel by the renowned 19th-century French writer Jules Verne. The Cosmic Art collection’s affinity for red gold and titanium cases is no secret, but some of the Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon watches have a 316L stainless steel case that complements the lunar shades appearing on their dials. Amongst many iterations is the Louis Moinet Moon 316L Stainless Steel LM-45.10B.MO.18, a limited edition of just 28 watches. This Louis Moinet Moon LM-45.10B.MO.18 houses a blue dial with an actual lunar meteorite placed in a capsule at three o’clock. At nine o’clock you see an open-worked aperture that shows the escapement and varied elements of the calibre LM45; something that is a visual identity of these Moon watches. Just above this aperture is a small seconds sub-dial. The hour markers, signature Louis Moinet hands, and the minute track on the inclined inner bezel are some aesthetic elements that form the design philosophy of these watches. The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon 316L Stainless Steel Limited Edition LM-45.10B.MO.18 comes with a sleek black leather strap, further accentuated by contrast blue stitching.
Next in line is the Moon Ref. LM-45.10B.MO.19, the steel sibling of the above and like all in this series belongs to this limited-edition Moon timepieces. It features a mother-of-pearl dial, which exhibits a shimmering, iridescent sheen caused by the light’s reflections. It captures the lunar surface that also has an iridescent quality due to the way sunlight interacts with the moon’s minerals and rocks.
Another head-turner in this series is the Moon Ref. LM-45.10B.MO.17, with a dark blue dial that evokes a starry night sky, while the LM-45.10B.MO.13 showcases a mesmerising blue gradient dial. For discerning collectors, the Moon Ref. LM-45.10B.MO.11 reference is a testament to Louis Moinet’s meticulous craftsmanship for various reasons. Your attention is instantly diverted to the grey textured dial, which masterfully recreates the moon’s topography, including the iconic craters of Gassendi, Tycho, and Cassini. All the dial’s intricate details showcase the exceptional expertise of the Louis Moinet artisans. This high level of authenticity makes the timepiece an exclusive horological work of art.
All aforementioned watches feature a sapphire crystal and illumination for the hands and hour markers. The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon watches are crafted in a 45.4mm stainless steel case, featuring a bezel with mounted screws, open-worked lugs, engraved case band, and a crown with the brand’s logo. The smooth polished finish of the steel case also gives it a subtle shimmer. All the above-mentioned iterations are paired with a black leather strap.
A High-Frequency Movement
Ticking inside the Moon watches is the high-frequency in-house calibre LM45. It beats at the rate of 28,800vph and achieves a 48-hour power reserve. This automatic engine enables hours, minutes, and small seconds and features embellishments such as Côtes de Genève, diamond-cut edges, engravings, circular graining, and pearling; even the rotor shows a Clous de Paris pattern for an overall eye-catching visual from the caseback.
Rarity is paramount when it comes to the Cosmic Art Moon series, evident by the procuring and incorporation of lunar meteorite fragments on the dials. Overall, the Louis Moinet Moon watches exemplify horological innovations that not only transcend mere timekeeping but also satisfy the senses with meteoric magnificence and, of course, exclusivity.
The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art Moon Series In A Nutshell
- Case: 45.4mm; 316L stainless steel case; sapphire crystal
- Lug width: 22mm
- Dial: Partially open-worked in blue; gradient blue; dark blue; mother-of-pearl; grey texture
- Functions and displays: Hours and minutes; small seconds sub-dial; 50m water resistance
- Movement: LM45; in-house self-winding movement with 48-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black leather strap with steel clasp
FAQs
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What is the purpose behind decorations like Côtes de Genève on a watch movement?
The Côtes de Genève decoration on a watch features an intricate, parallel striped pattern; a hallmark of traditional Swiss craftsmanship. It provides functional benefits like better heat dissipation and surface protection. This decoration then not only enhances the visual appeal but also signifies the high-quality manufacturing standards used in producing the watch.
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Why is a 316L stainless steel case a good choice for luxury watches?
The use of 316L stainless steel is an excellent choice for a luxury timepiece because it makes the watch durable and corrosion-resistant. It is a versatile choice of material, as the alloy not only renders a rich lustre but also performs really well in extreme temperatures, allowing watches to be tough and adventure-ready at all times.
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Why are Louis Moinet Cosmic Art watches so expensive?
The Louis Moinet Cosmic Art watches fall in the premium price range due to their use of unique materials like meteorite fragments, limited production runs, and advanced complications such as tourbillons. Each piece displays painstaking craftsmanship, after taking several months to create by combining traditional techniques with modern designs. The artistic concept behind the collection, which explores themes of space exploration, further increases their desirability among collectors.
Shop The Story
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Louis Moinet Cosmic Art
LM-45.10B.MO.17
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Louis Moinet Cosmic Art
LM-45.10B.MO.18
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Louis Moinet Cosmic Art
LM-45.10B.MO.19
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Louis Moinet Cosmic Art
LM-45.10B.MO.11
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Louis Moinet Cosmic Art
LM-45.10B.MO.13
