Best known for its complex creations, the Swiss independent brand Louis Moinet has just unveiled its latest wristwatch: the Starman. Available in either white or red gold, the Starman is a majestic piece that beautifully depicts the universe on both the front and back, visible day and night.

The highlight of the Starman is its celestial display. The front features a map of constellations made up of tiny stars, which are actually luminescent paint on a sapphire crystal, creating a stunning view in the dark. An astronomical dial design is rare in wristwatches, and a glow-in-the-dark version is even more exceptional, with only a few peers like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Tourbillon Celeste.

A two-sided celestial display

Flipping the watch over reveals another cosmic portrayal: a three-dimensional representation of the solar system. Each planet and the sun are miniature orbs painted and mounted on a plate above the movement. These celestial bodies can be customized according to personal preference. For example, these particular images captured the arrangement of the solar system as it appeared on March 21, 2013 — a date significant to the brand as it marked the discovery of the compteur de tierces, the first ever chronograph built by Louis Moinet himself in 1816.

While the arrangement of stars on both sides remains static and does not function as a complication, its visual appeal is enhanced by clever execution involving multiple layers and various materials. 

The dial of the Starman is impressively detailed, offering a remarkable sense of visual depth. It features a three-layer design, with the bottom layer crafted from a slice of dark blue meteorite. Above this, a sapphire disc displays latitude and longitude lines, decorated with luminescent stars. At 12 o’clock, there’s an additional disc made from a darker piece of meteorite, enhancing the watch’s cosmic theme. This layered structure is particularly striking when viewed from a slight angle.

While meteorite dials are not uncommon in watchmaking, the Starman stands out for its use of two different types of meteorite. The main dial is made from the well-known Gibeon meteorite, recognizable for its distinctive pattern. In contrast, the sub-dial at 12 o’clock features Jbilet Winselwan meteorite, which has a simpler, more organic pattern and is dyed in a darker hue. This combination creates a mysterious look that aligns perfectly with the watch’s celestial theme.

If the Jbilet Winselwan meteorite had been used for the main dial, it might have appeared somewhat flat. However, this thoughtful pairing offers the best of both worlds: an eye-catching main dial complemented by a subtle sub-dial that conveys elegance and tranquility.

A flying tourbillon takes residence at six o’clock, which adds to the watch’s dynamic appearance through clever arrangement, as opposed to adding more functions. For instance, the sub-dial at twelve o’clock, which sits above the main dial, not only adds visual depth but also creates balance by echoing the tourbillon. 

The case of the Starman is equally impressive in both size and construction. While many may shy away from larger watches due to concerns about wearability, the Starman’s commanding case size (coming in at 47.4mm) does demonstrates that sometimes, a watch needs that extra presence to shine. 

The movement inside the Starman is a typical hand-wound caliber found in various Louis Moinet watches. Interestingly, it features a double barrel construction arranged in parallel, meaning both barrels unwind simultaneously. While having two barrels doesn’t increase the power reserve, it does provide higher torque, which enhances accuracy — particularly important for energy-intensive complications like the tourbillon. This arrangement may not be as commercially appealing as an extended power reserve, but Louis Moinet’s choice to include it showcases their engineering expertise. Notably, the power reserve is still impressive at 96 hours, ensuring that the watch remains functional and reliable.

Tech Specs: Louis Moinet Starman

Movement: Manual-winding LM 139; 96-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; seconds; flying tourbillon
Dial: Multi-layered dial with blue-tinted Gibeon meteorite, sapphire crystal disc, and Jbilet Winselwan meteorite
Case: 47.4 mm; 18k white gold or red gold; 30m water-resistance
Strap: Leather strap
Limited edition: 12 pieces each in white or red gold