Louis
Moinet was a fascinating figure in late eighteenth-century/early
nineteenth-century Paris: he was a professor at the Academy of Fine
Arts, author of an impressive two-volume publication on horology, and
president of the Société Chronométrique. The original Louis Moinet
company dates back to 1806. Since it was reestablished in 2005 it has
focused on creating unique and extraordinary watches.
How often does the centerpiece—or star—of one’s collection contain thrilling elements from outer space?
The
Midnight Star by Louis Moinet is said star, through and through. First,
as part of an extremely limited edition this timepiece is one of only
28 pieces produced. As such, it can prove difficult to obtain.
Next,
take note of the chronograph hour counter at 6. It contains a portion
of the rare Armanty meteorite, tinted blue and showing off a gorgeous
Widmanstätten pattern. This meteorite is composed of a ferro-nickel
alloy and it originates from the asteroid belt between the orbits of
Mars and Jupiter. The sample harvested for this timepiece comes from the
meteorite’s terrestrial landing here upon Earth, which was discovered
in China in 1898.
The
stylistic genius of this otherworldly dial does not end there. You will
also enjoy geometric engravings that recall lines of longitude and
latitude as well as a star-emblazoned small seconds counter at 9 where
you will also find a cleverly positioned date window.
In
addition to the 12-hour chronograph counter at 6 there is also a
30-minute counter at 12 and a bold red center seconds hand. A second
time zone can be read via the red star-tipped squiggly arm; and the blue
/ black colors of the 24-hour track separate day from evening hours.
There is an attractive ruby chaton within each of the chronograph
counters, as well as subtly rendered applied steel hour markers.
The
lightweight, yet rugged, Grade 5 titanium case measures 46 mm in
diameter, 15 mm in height, and rests upon a fashion-forward blue
lacquered alligator leather strap with a titanium deployant buckle that
sports the Louis Moinet logo.
Additional
features include an exhibition case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire
crystal, and a 50 m / 5 atm water resistance. As a self-winding
automatic timepiece, this Midnight Star is driven by Louis Moinet’s own
manufacture LM24 caliber, which beats at 28,800 vph, possesses 25
jewels, and gives you a 48-hour power reserve.
Standout features: Extremely
limited edition of only 28 timepieces produced; contains a portion of
the rare Armanty meteorite; lightweight and rugged Grade 5 titanium
case; convenient second time zone; unique and elegant stylings.
Details at a glance:
- Model Reference: LM-87.20.20
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Case Dimensions: 46 mm
- Case Height: 15 mm
- Movement: Self-winding automatic, 28,800 vph, 25 jewels, 48-hour power reserve
- Caliber: Louis Moinet manufacture LM24
- Complication(s): Standard time, small seconds, second time zone, chronograph, date
- Dial: Blue with meteorite insert
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
- Winding Crown: Push / pull
- Water-resistance: 50 m / 5 atm
- Band: Hand-sewn blue lacquered alligator leather
- Clasp: Stainless steel deployant buckle with Louis Moinet logo
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
- Retail Value: $26,400
- Condition: Pre-owned in like new condition.
- Comments: Includes complete set of boxes, instructions, papers, and meteorite certificate
