Hands-On: The New Louis Moinet Space One Chronograph

Louis Moinet and its Owner and Creative Director, Jean-Marie Schaller, have never hidden a certain passion for anything related to space exploration and the cosmos. Many of the recent creations of the independent watchmaker are cosmic-themed watches, character-filled watches with distinctive designs and complex displays. There’s something equally important for the brand, and it’s the chronograph, which is a tradition since the remarkable 1815-16 Compteurs de Tierces. And today, with the Louis Moinet Space One, everything the brand stands for is placed into a single, rather polarizing new chronograph. 

The new Space One Chronograph is once again inspired by the universe, the cosmos and anything related to the stars. Its design, typical of the brand, is unmistakable, striking and highly personal. But it’s also a watch with cool features and a unique display. Atypical, and full of character, it’s not going to remain unnoticed. But then again, this isn’t what you expect from Louis Moinet.

The Louis Moinet Space One comes in a case with familiar traits. It relies on the brand’s signature shape, with a complex bezel adorned with 6 screws, and a combination of colour and finishes that give a lot of depth. It’s undeniably a polarizing watch, with a 46mm diameter and a 16.20mm height. Nevertheless, it’s been crafted from grade 5 titanium, giving it lightness and comfort on the wrist despite the dimensions – the whole watch weighs only 102 grams. Combining polished and brushed surfaces, the case of this specific edition features a blue ADL-coated titanium insert on the bezel, and a monopusher architecture with an oversized button to active the chronograph, decorated with a Clou de Paris pattern. Sapphire crystals on both sides frame this new watch, with a water-resistance rated at 50 metres.

The dial of the Louis Moinet Space One is, once again, immediately recognizable. The present silver-coloured edition (there’s also a black and a blue model) has a sunray brushed central part with an engraved world map – it’s quite discreet and doesn’t alter the legibility and contrast. It is framed by a blue ALD inner bezel ring with a precision seconds track. There are far more notable elements on this dial, though. First, the counters are made using blue-tinted fragments of the Armanty meteorite (Armanty was a meteorite weighing more than 50 tons, which was discovered in several regions of China in recent years. It is composed of an extra-terrestrial ferronickel alloy). Then, in the centre, you’ll discover a ruby chaton created using the Verneuil method.

Then, there’s the display. Overall, it’s a classic two-register chronograph, with small seconds at 9 o’clock, central seconds and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock for the chronograph. Then you’ll discover a date that is originally placed in a circular aperture at 7 o’clock and an indicator between 4 and 6 o’clock. This is a chronograph function indicator, which activates when the chronograph is actuated, showing if it’s started, paused or in reset (off) mode. Pretty cool.

Inside the case is the calibre LM30, a proprietary movement based on the architecture of the automatic cam-lever Valjoux chronograph, but deeply modified for the occasion – monopusher, function indicator. It beats at 4Hz and retains its classic 48h power reserve. The look and decoration on the back are also far from standard, with newly designed bridges, an openworked rotor, dark coated elements and an overall refined finishing.

Worn on a glossy blue alligator leather strap with alligator lining, closed by a Fleur de Lys folding claps, the Louis Moinet Space One Chronograph is released as a limited edition of three times 28 pieces (in silver like presented, but also in dark blue and black). It is priced at CHF 21,500 (excl. taxes). For more details, please visit louismoinet.com.