Watches And Wonders 2022: Louis Moinet- Newly Launched Astronef Superwatch Of The Decade?
4 min read
There’s been a lot of chatter about superheroes and their influence on the watchmaking industry. But now, the tables have turned. Enter the Super watch Of The Decade- The Astronef by Louis Moinet.
ASTRONEF ushers us into the exclusive realm of uncompromising contemporary watchmaking. It is a product of both ancestral know-how and an unwavering determination to build tomorrow's design. Its personality is a mix of energy and contemporary art. The technology developed for SPACE REVOLUTION is adopted by ASTRONEF, but only the tourbillon specifically remembers their kinship.
The pinnacle of aesthetics
Their beginning point for creating ASTRONEF was Louis Moinet's (1848) motto, "Produce an excellent and curious effect." The goal is to push established boundaries, much like Louis Moinet did in his time, when he invented the chronograph in 1816.
More than three years of study went into developing the ASTRONEF mechanism. Because of its completely novel nature, its creation was deemed unfeasible at various phases of research and was nearly abandoned. It was only to the combined efforts of the best watchmakers and engineers that ASTRONEF was eventually able to see the light of day. Today, ASTRONEF is without a doubt one of the most significant superwatches of the decade.
New technology results in a unique design
ASTRONEF shows off a new technology that involves two tourbillons rotating at high speeds in opposite directions. They are built on two floors and cross paths 18 times per hour (every 3 minutes and 20 seconds).This brings to life a mesmerising animation that emerges in front of the viewer's eyes. Six separate parts are in motion, including two satellite tourbillons revolving around the dial, their two cages spinning on their axes, and their two 18K gold counterweights.
Regardless of the angle from which it is seen, the volumes of the ASTRONEF were created to imply a sensation of motion. It has an extremely unique and distinctive style that is fluid on the exterior and original on the inside.
Two magnificent tourbillons
The tourbillon cages are shaped geometrically. A cage's weight is only 0.25 grams, which ensures the correct pace by fine poising. Each cage rotates in 60 seconds and requires flawless poising, which is aided by a 0.4-gram 18K gold counterweight.
The mechanism is hidden in the base of the frame, which is only 3.75 mm thick. The advantage of this construction is that it clears the stage to enhance the magic of the show being staged.
Exterior with a high-tech feel
ASTRONEF's curving crystal reveals a robust mechanism, whose strength is enhanced by the lightness of its gold frame and sapphire container. Observers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind sight thanks to the greatest transparency. The case's technical design is unique, and it includes:- a sapphire container set in a gold 18K frame
- lugs and case midsection are openworked
- a sapphire dome and the bezel ring that surrounds it
Only eight ASTRONEF watches will emerge from Ateliers Louis Moinet in Saint-Blaise, a
number meaning that only eight owners will jealously safeguard this elite embodiment of contemporary watchmaking technology. Watch collectors are you ready?
