Mars Mission

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Mars Mission  - Louis Moinet
“There are 77 government space agencies to date, and knowledge of Mars has become a priority for humanity” Jean-Marie Schaller

Why is the cosmic world so important to Louis Moinet?
Louis Moinet invented the chronograph in 1816, to meet the needs of his astronomical observations. This hitherto unknown instrument was indeed associated with the unit of measurement of his astronomical transit instrument: the tierce, which corresponds to 1/60th of a second. 

Why “Mars Mission”?
Louis 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. 

Mars Mission, a character-filled creation

This modern timepiece aims to combine the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work. The essential elements are outlined below.

The dial – a witness to the conquest of space

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 this MARS MISSION watch. 

Mars Mission

Mars – an authentic Martian meteorite fragment

Louis Moinet 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.

Mars Mission

The hour-markers – light and radiance

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 self-winding calibre – function & style

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.

Mars Mission

The Neo case – a watch industry trailblazer

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. 

Its alligator leather strap is secured by a folding clasp adorned with the curved Fleur de Lys, the symbol of Louis Moinet. 

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