ouis Moinet was a trailblazer and wanted to develop a better knowledge of the universe through his astronomical observations. The same can be said of the programmes aimed at Mars, which are probably the next step in the conquest of space. Louis Moinet’s new Mars Mission timepiece aims to combine the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work.

The dial pays tribute to the first detailed photos of Mars taken in 1965 by the first Mars flyby probe: Mariner 4. The engraving results from hand-crafted hammering creating pleasing contrasts on the surface of the planet. The finish features two light and dark tones resulting from a light black patina achieved after the dial was copper-plated.

It has an opening between 8 o’clock and 12 o’clock, revealing each beat of its exclusive calibre including the escapement operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations/hour, as well as the off-centre seconds hand. Everything is arranged to ensure that the eye loses nothing of intricate workings of the Mars Mission watch.

Louis Moinet also offers exclusive real fragments of Mars. This is an extremely rare and precious material, as only 277 Martian meteorites are known to exist worldwide. After being torn from the Martian crust probably millions of years ago, this meteorite drifted through interplanetary space, travelling millions of kilometres, before finally being captured by the Earth’s gravity and landing in the Jiddat al Harasis Desert in Oman.

It has now been transformed into an objet d’art, sculpted by the expert hands of Daniel Haas and suspended above the void, protected by an anodised aluminium capsule with a shiny black base to make the red planet stand out.

Representing an essential stylistic element in this creation, the hour-markers involve an extremely sophisticated manufacture process. Each features three variously shaped facets designed to make the light dance over them. The flank features a diamond and satin-finished part to endow the dial with a deep radiance. The colour contrast is accentuated by its black PVD base and the lacquer in its centre.

The real accomplishment was to keep them suspended above the void, with the clear intention of creating a strong perspective. This virtuoso craftsmanship enables them to be linked to a central ring and to the inner bezel ring.

The finishing of the movement is based on the noble traditions of fine watchmaking: Côtes de Genève, diamond-polished chamfers, circular satin-finished wheels, circular graining. The sapphire caseback reveals the movements of the rotor mounted on ball bearings. The Clous de Paris motif dear to Louis Moinet in the 19th century has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, giving an impression of movement.

The Mars Mission case has been christened Neo, as its novel technical solutions have created a silhouette that is unprecedented in watchmaking. Everything is built around two vertical bridges that cross the piece to accommodate the strap at each end of their openworked lugs. These bridges enclose the movement container, which is dominated by the six-screw bezel, one of Louis Moinet’s trademarks. The alligator leather strap is secured by a folding clasp adorned with the curved Fleur de Lys, the symbol of Louis Moinet.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Case

• Material: 316L stainless steel
• Glasses: Sapphire crystal | Glareproofed on both sides
• Diameter: 45.4 mm

Dial

• Theme: Depiction of the surface of Mars
• Engraving: Hammering | Copper plating | Patina
• Capsule at 3 o’clock: Mars meteorite fragment | Red anodised aluminium
• Index: Suspended above the dial | Black PVD treatment, diamond-polished and satin-brushed flanks

Movement

• Manufacture Louis Moinet
• Calibre: LM45
• Functions: Hours | Minutes | Seconds
• Type: Self-winding mechanism | Balance with screws
• Oscillating mass: Bi-material | 6 ball bearings | Adorned with concentric “Clous de Paris” hobnail pattern and "Fleur de Lys
• Finishes: Mainplate: circular “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern, circular satin-finished and circular-grained
• Self-winding bridge: circular graining, diamond-polished chamfers, engraved and gilded Louis Moinet symbols
• Gear trains: circular satin-finished
• Oscillations: 28,800 vibrations/hour
• Frequency: 4Hz
• Jewels: 22
• Power reserve: 48 hours
• Water resistance: 50 metres

Strap

• Material: Louisiana alligator leather | Alligator lining, hand-sewn
• Clasp: Triple-blade folding clasp | Steel with black PVD finish | Fine adjustment | Curved “Fleur de Lys”

Limited edition of 100 watches