Louis Moinet Astronef
Recently, the Louis Moinet Space Revolution was nominated for the GPHG Tourbillon Prize (2021). Alas, it did not win. However, unperturbed, the brand is back with yet another spellbinding creation, the Louis Moinet Astronef. Once again, it showcases the incredible originality of this firm’s creations and perfectly illustrates why many horophiles love ‘independent’ watch brands.
Les Ateliers Louis Moinet is based in Saint-Blaise, a short distance from Neuchâtel. The brand’s CEO and Creative Director, Jean-Marie Schaller, seems incapable of relaxing. Every few months he seems to conceive yet another ingenious timepiece. Indeed, his work rate is exceptional. Meteorites, aventurine glass and innovative mechanisms are just some of the delights the Maison has skilfully employed over the years, no doubt eager to seduce well-heeled horophiles.
Last year, Louis Moinet released the Space Revolution, a fascinating creation featuring two tourbillons linked by a differential. At the end of each tourbillon, a spaceship-themed counterweight seemingly flies, indulging wearers with a spellbinding spectacle. One tourbillon rotates clockwise, while its counterpart circumnavigates the dial in the opposite direction.
Now, Mr Schaller has, once again, looked to the heavens and indulged in more blue-sky thinking. The high-end brand has just unveiled the new Louis Moinet Astronef. Similar to the aforementioned Space Revolution, the Astronef is equipped with two tourbillons, two barrels and a capacious three-dimensional sapphire container positioned atop an 18-carat gold frame.
However, there are some distinct differences with the Louis Moinet Astronef when contrasted with the Space Revolution. The Astronef eschews the flying spaceships found on its older sibling. Moreover, while the hands on the Space Revolution move above a sea of aventurine, the hands on the Astronef float above both an hour track and a separate minute track. A chemin de fer adorns the interior of the sapphire dome, aiding read-off. Lastly, the appearance of the tourbillon cages is different, albeit they function in the same way.
It took three years of research and development to bring the Louis Moinet Astronef to life and probably a significant investment as well. I suspect Jean-Marie Schaller frequently sits beneath blue skies thinking of his next creation and, more pertinently, dreaming of watches few would dare to make. Personally, I admire this latest timepiece from Louis Moinet and acknowledge its creativity. Moreover, Louis Moinet continues to reinforce the reason why many horophiles love independent watch brands.
The brand’s press release
ASTRONEF is a new mechanical masterpiece presented by Ateliers Louis Moinet
ASTRONEF propels us into the exclusive world of uncompromising modern watchmaking. It is heir to both ancestral know-how and an unyielding desire to create the design of tomorrow. Its character combines adrenaline and contemporary art. ASTRONEF adopts the technology developed for SPACE REVOLUTION, yet only the tourbillon specifically recalls their kinship.
THE ESSENCE OF DESIGN
“Produce an excellent and curious effect”: this maxim upheld by Louis Moinet (1848) was our starting point for designing ASTRONEF. The idea is to push back known limits, just as Louis Moinet did in his time – notably by inventing the chronograph in 1816.
The ASTRONEF mechanism required more than three years of research. Given its totally innovative character, its development was even considered impossible at various stages of research and almost discontinued. The fact that ASTRONEF was finally able to see the light of day was due to the concerted efforts of the finest watchmakers and engineers.
Today, one can safely state that ASTRONEF is one of the most important superwatches.
A COMPLEX DIAL
The dial is made from a plate measuring a total 0.6 mm thick, from which 0.2 mm is then hollowed out to reveal the numerals and a rack, in order to create a depth effect facilitating readings. The ensuing deep black DLC treatment creates a striking contrast with the rhodium plating and endows it with a two-tone hue. Finally, a circular satin-brushed finish is applied to instil it with undeniable strength of character.
SUPER-LIGHT
The curved crystal of ASTRONEF reveals the powerful mechanism and its power is accentuated by the lightness of its gold frame and sapphire container. This maximum transparency enables observers to admire a unique sight. The technical construction of the case is unusual:
- a sapphire container mounted on an 18K gold frame
- openworked lugs and case middle
- a sapphire dome and its applied inner bezel ring
TECHNOLOGY SERVING AESTHETICS
ASTRONEF showcases recently introduced technology involving two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed. They cross paths 18 times per hour (every 3 minutes and 20 seconds) and are built on two different levels.
This gives life to a captivating animation, which unfolds before the wondering gaze. In all, six distinct elements are in motion: two satellite tourbillons rotating around the dial, as well as their two cages and their two counterweights.
ASTRONEF has been designed to instil a sense of movement, whatever the angle from which it is viewed. Fluid on the outside, original on the inside, it features an absolutely unique and distinctive aesthetic.
A MYSTERIOUS MECHANISM
The mechanism is hidden in the base of the frame, which is only 3.75 mm thick. The advantage of this construction is that it clears the stage to enhance the magic of the show being staged.
The spectacular design linked to the complexity of the mechanism is marked by its control tower – or central column – which transmits the orders to the tourbillons and hands.
Finally, the mechanical part is ennobled by a powerful and modern engine that endows it with a very high level of performance, making it even more efficient than a single tourbillon.
SECRETS OF THE MECHANISM
- Double tourbillon – for enhanced accuracy
- Perfect rotation and poising of the rotating elements – Five ball-bearing mechanisms with seven ceramic bearings. One ball-bearing mechanism with nine ceramic bearings
- Two barrels – each supplies its energy to the tourbillon
- Ultra-complex mechanism – 471 components
- Virtuoso assembly – A single movement crafted per month
SPECTACULAR TOURBILLONS
The tourbillon cages are geometrically shaped. The weight of a cage is only 0.25 grams, in order to guarantee the correct speed through fine poising.
Each cage rotates in 60 seconds and requires perfect poising, which also relies on an 18K gold counterweight weighing 0.4 grams.
ORIGINAL TIME-SETTING
Placing the selector on the back of the case enabled a gain in volume and this device plays two distinct roles: time-setting or winding. The crown is no longer pulled out; it is used to set the hands or to wind the mechanism.
Like every detail of ASTRONEF, this function expresses technicality, elegance and exclusivity based on a unique mechanism stemming from extensive research experience.
A THEMED PRESENTATION BOX
A presentation box is specially made for each ASTRONEF. Finely crafted by an artisan, it notably features a straw marquetry motif in various shades and the buyer can choose from several different graphic design alternatives.
ASTRONEF, AN EXCLUSIVE CREATION
Only eight ASTRONEF watches will emerge from Ateliers Louis Moinet in Saint-Blaise, a number meaning that only eight owners will jealously safeguard this elite embodiment of contemporary watchmaking technology.
Further reading