Louis Moinet AstroMoon Limited Edition Watch

By Jovan Krstevski

Louis Moinet practically invented the chronograph so no doubt that the new AstroMoon is indeed an exclusive work of art. Oh yeah, they (Louis Moinet peeps) tout that the design of the AstroMoon would have been conceived by the great Louis Moinet. If you ask me, I don’t doubt it considering the man’s legacy who shares the limelight with the likes of Jules Verne. So aren’t you just intrigued with the AstroMoon because I am.

The AstroMoon was released for the 10th anniversary of the independent Ateliers. Basically they just opened the heavens for the AstroMoon which is kind of exciting if you’re into that kind of stuff. This watch is a moon phase tourbillon chronograph featuring a pioneering aesthetic approach to complicated watches — talk about a wearable embodiment of poetry and precision. Nonetheless, the AstroMoon exhibits all the bells and whistles of the exclusive chronograph with the innovative approach to moon phase display. When they said they opened up the heavens, they literally did so by displaying the moon phase in full at the 6 o’clock. The general theme is of course space and fascinating geometry.

The 46.50mm case is an original Louis Moinet design containing 49 patented innovations. Plus, it’s made of 18-carat rose or white gold and fitted with 7 individually engraved screws. As for the essential display, there are 2 non-reflective sapphire crystals on both front and back. However, the most valuable innovation probably goes to the impact resistance system. I mean, come’n who’s crazy enough to even bump this masterpiece? Well, there you go, for lovers of tough investments, the AstroMoon just got you covered. The pushers, lugs, crown, and bezel all carry the Moinet signature. It’s simply fascinating, worth some hot glares and envious stares.

Nonetheless, the dial is where all the fuss are mostly located. It looks like the original Moinet but the deep blue dial is richer since it’s basically made of aventurine. If you love listening to the song “Starry Night,” don’t forget to look at the dial and start counting those starry inclusions. The highlight in the dial is no other than the moon phase chronograph at the 11 o’clock. It’s huge and it’s glorious and the classic appeal yet rugged feel is perfectly married. The same can be said with the chronograph subdails at the 3 and 11 o’clock positions. The hands are of course made of the dew-drop “Gouttes de Rosée” that even allow you to read time in the dark and as for the hour markers you also have the luminous diamond-cut design maximizing the space feel of the dial. After all, you really get to feel the excitement of carrying two fragments of lunar meteorite Dhofar 459 on your wrist. That ain’t something anybody can do.

The AstroMoon uses Moinet’s very own 373-part LM29 caliber inspired by a legendary caliber that served as the benchmark for all chronograph movements. It’s hand wound featuring 50 hours of power reserve and kick-ass components. If you really want to see them in action, just turn the watch and observe the movement through the transparent exhibition caseback.

For the strap, you get a hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather with alligator lining plus an insane buckle featuring an 18-carat gold folding clasp with fleur-de-lis motif. Oh and don’t forget, the AstroMoon is limited to only 56 pieces.

For more info, please visit louismoinet.com