This limited edition of only twenty watches, distributed only in Japan, is a masterpiece of watchmaking that literally transcends time and space. The extraordinary JAPAN ROCKET harbours three distinct and genuine cosmic elements: a fragment of the Japanese H-IIB rocket, an extremely rare lunar meteorite, and a Gibeon meteorite. Together, they are witnesses to the immensity of the universe and human being’s ceaseless quest to explore it. Each aspect of this watch, from mechanism to contemporary design, evokes both the loftiness of space exploration and mastery of a traditional craft.
To space and back
On 21 July 2012, the Japanese rocket H-IIB soared across the Pacific sky on its way into orbit. Its mission that day was to carry the H-Transfer Vehicle (HTV), known as Kounotori, to the International Space Station (ISS). It had some essentials on board for the astronauts, replacement parts for the ISS, and various experimentation devices and research apparatus. The H-IIB rocket was the product of a collaboration between the Japanese space agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It was an unmitigated success, having completed nine major missions between 2009 and 2020 without the slightest hitch.
Today, a real fragment from the payload fairing of that H-IIB rocket, has become immortalised onboard a very special timepiece: the JAPAN ROCKET. This bit of space history has been ingeniously positioned behind a lunar meteorite, and both elements were carefully enclosed inside an aluminium capsule. This was done to preserve their incalculable value and highlight their cosmic singularity.
The lunar meteorite | A journey through space
The limited-edition watch offers an exclusive, genuine fragment of the moon, an extremely rare and precious material, since only 300 such meteorites have ever been recorded world- wide. They travelled more than 400,000 kilometres before being captured by Earth's gravity and landing in the Dhofar Desert in the Sultanate of Oman. Here, a piece of this rare material has been transformed into a veritable work of art. Carefully sculpted and dyed red, it evokes the characteristic visual elements of the Japanese rocket H-IIB.
The Gibeon meteorite | Symbol of the universe
The Gibeon meteorite fell in Namibia and was named after the nearest town. It is famous for its distinctive “Widmanstätten pattern,” which is typical for extraterrestrial ferrous rocks. The Gibeon meteorite has been dyed midnight blue by means of an innovative process demanding great expertise and skill, and then placed at the centre of the dial.
The JAPAN ROCKET | An original creation
This contemporary timepiece combines a modern architectural design with the visionary genius of the inventor of the chronograph with a high-frequency mechanism. The key elements are as follow:
The dial | Showcasing mechanical magic
The dial has been openworked between 8 o’clock and 12 to show each vibration of its exclusive calibre. The opening sheds light on the escapement, which oscillates at 28,000 vph, and on the off-centre seconds. Everything has been arranged in such a way as to deliver a fascinating spectacle.
One key stylistic element is the extremely sophisticated markers. Each one was designed with different facets. The flanks have been diamond-polished and satinated to let light flood the dial. The three-dimensional indices feature a painted white central line that contrasts with the deep black of the dial. They have been suspended to a central ring and to the flange using virtuosic craftsmanship, which gives them an especially powerful visual impact.
The self-winding calibre | Function and style
The finishing of the movement is based on the noble traditions of fine watchmaking: côtes de Genève, diamond-polished chamfers, circular satinated wheels, circular graining. Through the sapphire crystal case back, one can observe the movements of the ball-bearing mounted rotor. The clous de Paris, or hobnail, motif so dear to Louis Moinet in the nineteenth century, has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, which gives the impression of continuous movement.
The Neo case | An industry trailblazer
The stainless-steel Neo case has a unique silhouette, whose manufacturing demanded innovative techniques. Everything is built around two bands that hug the case holding the openworked lugs in place. The bezel is firmly mounted upon the case using six visible screws, a Louis Moinet hallmark. The alligator leather strap is secured by a folding clasp adorned with the curved fleur-de-lys, the symbol of Louis Moinet.
