Platinum Watch Design · 2025
Black Moon Watch
- A' Design Award 2025 Platinum Winner in Watch Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Les Ateliers Louis Moinet
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,532,203
- Verification code 227B145A6E · Verify this award
About Black Moon Watch
Black Moon is a wristwatch with an astronomical moon display. The lunar indication uses fragments of two lunar meteorites set on a slightly domed central disc. The new moon is cut from the dark Dhofar 457 meteorite, and the full moon from the lighter Gadamis 005. The current lunar phase is read at three o'clock, where the index is framed in red. A 135 tooth gear drives the moon complication, which deviates by only one day every 122 years. The case is polished grade 5 titanium with a domed sapphire crystal.
Within the distinguished tradition of astronomical horology, this remarkable creation by Les Ateliers Louis Moinet represents a profound meditation upon humanity's enduring relationship with the cosmos, executed through the exacting standards of contemporary haute horlogerie while honoring the astronomical pursuits of the maison's historical namesake who pioneered chronographic measurement in the early nineteenth century. The technical achievement manifests through multiple registers of sophistication beginning with the incorporation of authentic lunar material positioned as the celestial body within a miniature cosmos rendered upon the dial, where scattered luminescent particles against the profound black ground evoke the infinite star-field observable from terrestrial vantage points uncorrupted by artificial illumination. Compositional intelligence reveals itself through the careful orchestration of functional elements into aesthetic harmony as the subsidiary seconds indication at nine o'clock exposes the rhythmic oscillation of the movement's regulating organ, transforming mechanical necessity into visual poetry while maintaining the radial balance essential to dial legibility. The chromatic restraint exercised throughout speaks to refined sensibilities wherein the strategic deployment of vermillion accents creates focal points without disrupting the contemplative darkness essential to the astronomical narrative, suggesting perhaps the warmth of distant stellar phenomena against the cold vastness of interstellar space. Material selection demonstrates both technical competence and poetic sensitivity as the substantial case provides secure housing for the mechanical caliber within while the organically textured lunar sphere introduces geological time scales measured in billions of years against the mechanical precision measured in fractions of seconds. The viewer might contemplate how this object upon the wrist collapses cosmic distances into intimate proximity, transforming the wearer into a custodian of celestial fragments while remaining perpetually connected to the ordered progression of earthly hours, inviting meditation upon our place within the vast machinery of the universe.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Black Moon features, on a slightly domed central disc, the full and new moon represented by two lunar meteorites. Each comes from a different type of lunar rock; Dhofar 457, a dark meteorite, and Gadamis 005, a lighter one. The mechanism behind this innovative display is an astronomical moon complication, distinguished by its remarkable precision, deviating by only one day every 122 years, thanks to a sophisticated 135-tooth gear mechanism.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Black Moon is assembled in a grade 5 polished and satin-finished titanium case of 40.7 mm diameter. It weighing it weighs only 18 grammes. The domed sapphire crystal is a high-tech feat in itself that enables one to appreciate the depth and detail of the dial.
Limited edition: 60 pieces
Moon Disc: two lunar meteorites: Dhofar 457 and Gadamis 005
Movement: Self-winding mechanism, screw balance
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Complication: Central astronomical moon
Power reserve: 48 hours - Tags
- watch, astronomical moon, timepiece, luxury, meteorite, aventurine
- Production Technology
- The Black Moon timepiece combines advanced horological engineering with extraterrestrial materials. Its astronomical moon mechanism, driven by a 135-tooth gear, ensures exceptional precision. At the centre, two expertly cut lunar meteorites are placed on a slightly domed disc, representing the full and new moon. The surrounding dial, designed with an aventurine base, features floating indexes that create a sense of depth and mystery. The watch is housed in a polished grade 5 titanium case, topped with a domed sapphire crystal.
- Design Challenge
- The main creative challenge for the Black Moon was to reinvent the lunar indication with clean and refined lines, focusing on the essential—the new and full moon. The design had to showcase the technical complexity of the mechanism while maintaining a sleek look. Placing the lunar disc at the center and working with volume on the dial were key. Details like the openworked zone, sector seconds with longer and shorter ends, domed sapphire crystal, openworked lugs, integrated strap, and oscillating weight all reflect this modern approach.
- Project Duration
- The Black Moon project began in 2022 at Les Ateliers Louis Moinet in Switzerland, led by Creative Director Jean-Marie Schaller. It took two years to develop, from concept to final timepiece. The watch was officially unveiled in early 2024 at Watches and Wonders, released as a limited edition of 60 pieces.
- Operation Flow
- The Black Moon innovatively indicates the moon’s. An index at 3 o'clock, framed in red, points to the current state of the moon. The timepiece announces the full moon when the fragment circled in red aligns with the indicator. The subdial at 9 o'clock displays sector seconds with a compass-inspired hand: the longer end counts the first 30 seconds, and the shorter end the next 30. This innovative design enhances the overall aesthetic, while luminescent hands and indexes improve visibility at night.
- Research
- The Black Moon research focused on creating an innovative lunar display, blending mechanical engineering with the natural beauty of lunar meteorites. Les Ateliers Louis Moinet collaborated with meteorite hunters to source rare specimens. Master artisans sculpted these fragments for placement on the central lunar disc. The movement driving this astronomical moon complication was designed and developed by the LAB of Louis Moinet in collaboration with Concepto.
- Inspiration
- The central concept of the Black Moon is the reinvention of the lunar display, marking a first in watchmaking. This idea is inspired by several sources. First, the deep connection between Les Ateliers Louis Moinet and the Moon. Louis Moinet, the great watchmaker passionate about astronomy, created the world’s first chronograph specifically for his celestial observations. Then, Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO and Creative Director of Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, with his passion for collecting rare meteorites, including lunar fragments. The Black Moon is also the result of innovation and technical mastery, featuring an astronomical moon display.
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