Swiss luxury watch atelier LOUIS MOINET has launched MAYA ECLIPSE, an extremely symbolic wristwatch that pays tribute to the charismatic Maya peoples and the rich history of Mexico. This unique and extraordinary piece was presented for the first time at SIAR (Salón Internacional Alta Relojería) in Mexico, from 18th to 20th October 2022.

The MAYA ECLIPSE watch evokes the mesmeric cosmic phenomenon named eclipse. It showcases the extravagant encounter between the moon and the sun 18 times per hour, with the magical axis of the Kukulcán Pyramid serving as its centre point.

Mayan society and culture drew an important association between astronomy, the vision of the Cosmos, religion and politics. Brilliant mathematicians and architects, the Mayans were also fervent observers of the stars and other celestial phenomena.

They used their observations to create various calendars, some of which were highly complex and extremely accurate. They used these to measure time, enabling them to determine the phases of the moon and the position of the sun during eclipses, solstices and equinoxes.

This unique creation combines striking elements of Mayan culture with the watchmaking expertise of Ateliers Louis Moinet. The concept was developed by the young jewellery artist, Nathanaël Schaller, national winner of the French Prix des Métiersd’Art in 2020.

Pyramidal architecture features in the shape of the watch’s mysterious and complex movement, whose stepped construction projects from the centre. This movement has two satellite tourbillons that rotate in opposite directions, with their counterweights representing a moon and a sun inspired by Mayan symbols.

They cross and overlap 18 times per hour, i.e. 432 times per day, with each meeting producing a striking and poetic eclipse, from where the timepiece gets its legendary name: MAYA ECLIPSE.

At the top of the movement’s mechanical axis sits a fragment of jade. Its position at the top of the pyramid is symbolic, since jade was considered more precious than gold by the Mayans, who used it to make various artefacts to feature in their rites and ceremonies.

The back of the dial is made from coloured mother-of-pearl, an exquisite and ethereal material which reminds us that the Kukulcán Pyramid is built over a cenote. Cenotes are natural pits primarily found in North and Central America. Usually filled with fresh water (though sometimes with sea water), they were considered sacred by the Mayans. The transparent flange features hour-markers with Mayan numerals made up of lines and dots. These graphical elements make for easy time reading.

The pyramid is made from 18k 5N rose gold and is adorned with guilloché geometric patterns that play with light and shade to stunning effect. This recalls the phenomenon that occurs at the Kukulcán Pyramid itself during equinoxes: the sun strikes the north-west corner of the pyramid, creating the illusion that the serpent is descending the steps of the pyramid.

The LOUIS MOINET MAYA ECLIPSE watch depicts the Kukulcán Pyramid seen from the above, with its nine levels and four staircases.

Technical details

Model: LOUIS MOINET MAYA ECLIPSE

Case
Frame material: 18K 5N rose gold, polished and satin-brushed
Container material: Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Glass: Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Diameter: 43.5 mm
Thickness: 18.3 mm

Dial
Coloured mother-of-pearl dial base
Appliqués in 18K 5N rose gold, hand guilloche

Flying satellite double tourbillon
Two tourbillons with reversed rotation direction
18 hourly crossings (every 3 minutes and 20 seconds)
Upper tourbillon: Hourly rotation, 1 revolution in 5 minutes
Lower tourbillon: Anti-clockwise rotation, 1 revolution in 10 minutes

Movement
Manufacture Louis Moinet Calibre LM105
Winding: Manual
Function selector: Winding and Time setting
Finishes on the upper side Tourbillon bridges: Steel, mirror-polished
Balances: Sandblasted, mirror-polished, diamond-polished
“Moon” counterweight: Polished, rhodium-plated
“Sun” counterweight: Polished, 3N gilded, diamond-planed rays
Upper insert: Jade
Finishes on the underside Steel parts: Polished chamfers and straight graining
Gear trains: Circular satin-brushed
Mainplate: Vertical “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern, polished sinks, polished chamfers
Components: Two barrels, Six ceramic ball bearings (44 balls)
Oscillations: 21,600 vibrations/hour
Frequency: 3 Hz
Jewels: 56
Power reserve: 48 hours
Diameter: 38.5 mm
Height : 13.6 mm
Components: 471

Functions
Hours and Minutes

Strap
Louisiana alligator leather| Alligator lining, hand-sewn
Clasp: Folding clasp in 18K 5N rose gold, Curved “Fleur de Lys”

Limited edition
Unique piece

Louis Moinet Mars Mission’s timepiece aims to combine the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work.

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.

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.

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 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 Parismotif dear to Louis Moinet in the 19th century has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, giving an impression of movement.

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.

Technical details

Model: Louis Moinet Mars Mission

Case
316L stainless steel
Diameter: 45.4mm
Glasses: Sapphire crystal, Glare-proofed on both sides
Water resistance: 50 metres

Dial
Theme: Depiction of the surface of Mars
Engraving: Hammering, Copper plating and Patina
Capsule at 3 o’clock Mars meteorite fragment; Red anodised aluminium
Index: Suspended above the dial, Black PVD treatment, diamond-polished and satin-brushed flanks

Movement
Manufacture Louis Moinet Calibre LM45
Self-winding mechanism
Balance with screws
Oscillations: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 22
Power reserve: 48 hours

Oscillating mass
Bi-material
6 ball bearings
Adorned with concentric “Clous de Paris” hobnail pattern and “Fleur de Lys

Finishes
Mainplate: circular “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern, circular satin-finished and circular-grained
Self-winding bridge: circular graining, diamond-polished chamfers, engraved and gilded Louis Moinet symbols
Gear trains: circular satin-finished

Functions
Hours, Minutes and Seconds

Strap
Louisiana alligator leather with alligator lining, hand-sewn

Clasp
Triple-blade folding clasp
Steel with black PVD finish
Fine adjustment
Curved “Fleur de Lys”

Edition
Limited edition of 100 watches

Drawing inspiration from a rare lunar phenomenon known as Super Moon, independent Swiss luxury watch brand Louis Moinet has launched a limited edition collection.

Louis Moinet’s Super Moon watch combines the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work. It is a limited edition of 100 pieces.

A Super Moon is a full or new moon corresponding to the moment when the orbit of this satellite is closest (perigee) to Earth.

The dial depicts the first extra-terrestrial view of the Moon, as provided by Apollo 8 in 1968. The engraving results from hand-crafted hammering creating pleasing contrasts on the lunar surface. The finish features two light and dark tones resulting from light brushing performed after nickel-plating the dial.

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.

With this exclusive watch, Louis Moinet offers exclusive real fragments of the Moon. This is an extremely rare and precious material, as only 371 lunar meteorites are known to exist worldwide. This meteorite travelled more than 400,000 kilometres through intersidereal space before being captured by Earth’s gravity and landing in the Dhofar Desert in Oman.

The Lunar meteorite 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 strike a contrast with the night star.

Each hour-marker 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 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 Parismotif dear to Louis Moinet in the 19th century has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, giving an impression of movement.

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.

Technical details

Model: Louis Moinet SUPER MOON

Case
316L stainless steel
Sapphire crystal glass glare-proofed on both sides
Diameter: 45.4mm
Water resistance: 50 metres

Dial
Depiction of the lunar surface
Engraving, Hammering, Nickel-plating and Brushing
Capsule at 3 o’clock; Lunar meteorite fragment; Blue anodised aluminium
Hour-markers: Suspended above the dial; Rhodium-plated, diamond-polished and satin-brushed flanks

Movement
Manufacture Louis Moinet Calibre LM45
Self-winding mechanism
Balance with screws
Oscillating weight: Bi-material with 6 ball bearings and adorned with concentric “Clous de Paris” hobnail pattern and “Fleur de Lys”
Gear trains: circular satin-finished
Oscillations: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 22
Power reserve: 48 hours
Mainplate: circular “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern, circular satin-finished and circular-grained
Self-winding bridge: circular graining, diamond-polished chamfers, engraved and gilded Louis Moinet symbols

Edition
Limited edition of 100 watches

Louis Moinet’s TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT watch comes with an exclusive 20-second retrograde mechanism. The large central retrograde hand dominates the dial. Its running 20-second sequences are displayed on a dedicated segment, creating a unique animation.

The next animation comes at 9 o’clock, where a counter with a red, black and blue gradient marks the three 20-second sequences composing each minute. The watch has an hours & minutes sub-dial at 4 o’clock.

Clearly dictated by the decision to highlight a dominant visual concept, TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT presents two distinct graphic zones. The right-hand side is devoted to time indications, with its twenty-second retrograde hand and hours & minutes subdial.

The left-hand side displays the mechanism required to drive this watchmaking creation. In particular, the spectacular interaction between the cam and the jewel-tipped rack is clearly visible.

The raised, rhodium-plated, chamfered and snailed bridges bear a retrograde reading zone rising towards a curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal. These bridges make it possible to play with space and reveal three different reading levels. The power of the mechanism is revealed in a new light.

Although the diameter of TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT is only 40 mm, it enables better visual appreciation of the mechanism. This is due on the one hand to the design of the upper bridges, the retrograde zone and the hours dial, all of which emerge from the mechanism to bring it closer to the gaze.

The anti-reflective sapphire crystal is designed to complete the show by enabling technical details to be admired from the front as well as from the side, while at the same time slimming down the silhouette and guaranteeing optimal ergonomics.

The care devoted to the aerodynamic treatment of the TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT’s design began with the integration of a new, more fluid crown guard. The flanks have been given a facelift, with open-worked lugs topped by a subtle satin-finish camber accentuating the integration of the bracelet.

The lugs are tipped with Louis Moinet’s emblematic signature, four black zircons featuring chatons held by screws. The case is made of grade 5 titanium which weighs only 18 grams, or of 18-carat gold. The bracelet is perfectly integrated to ensure maximum comfort.

Designed and developed by Ateliers Louis Moinet, the LM85 calibre comprises over 250 components. Its single-piece construction forgoes the use of an additional module for the complication, which is therefore fully integrated so as to demonstrate the full force of its mechanical beauty. This self-winding movement offers 48-hour power reserve.

Through the caseback, TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT reveals circular Côtes de Genève, diamond-polished recesses and circular satin-brushed gears with a 5N-coloured finish. The rotor features a reinterpreted version of the Clous de Paris hobnail pattern, with a concentric decoration that lights up the entire timepiece.

Technical details

Model: Louis Moinet TEMPOGRAPH SPIRIT

Case
18K 5N rose gold, polished and satin-finished, with DLC-treated titanium back or Grade 5 titanium, polished and satin-finished
Glasses: Box-type sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
Diameter: 40.7 mm

Dial
Hours/minutes
– Colours: different choices
– Construction: two-part
– Finish: sunburst
– Hour-markers: polished
Seconds counter: Located at 9 o’clock | Three-colour varnish: red, blue, black
Retrograde zone: Circular satin-brushed, anthracite
Hands: Faceted, Red varnished retrograde hand
Inner bezel ring: Circular satin-brushed

Movement
Manufacture Louis Moinet Calibre LM85
Self-winding mechanism
Balance with screws
Oscillating weight, Bi-material, 6 ball bearings, Adorned with concentric “Clous de Paris” hobnail pattern and “Fleur de Lys”
Finishes on the upper side Upper bridge: snailed, diamond-polished chamfers
Circular satin-finished wheels
Finishes on the underside Circular “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern
Self-winding bridge: diamond-cut chamfers, engraved and gilded Louis Moinet symbols
Diamond-polished sinks
Components: 254
Oscillations: 28,800 vibrations per hour
Frequency: 4 Hz
Jewels: 34
Power reserve: 48 hours
Water resistance: 50 metres

Functions
Hours, Minutes and Seconds
Retrograde 20 seconds

Strap
Louisiana alligator leather | Alligator lining | Preformed wristband |
Triple-blade folding clasp | Fine adjustment | Curved “Fleur de Lys”

Edition
18K 5N rose gold version: Limited edition of 28 watches
Grade 5 Titanium version: Limited edition of 60 watches