“Imagine a watch that shelters the first traces of life ever discovered in the cosmos. It’s a silent messenger, a guardian of the stars, and it was predestined to be called STARMAN.
Among the treasures of my personal collection are meteorites that have fascinating stories. One in particular, the Jbilet Winselwan, is noted for the presence of amino acids, molecules that are considered the building blocks of life itself. I was fascinated by these traces of life in space, so this year I decided to incorporate a fragment of that meteorite in a timepiece with a name that came quite naturally: STARMAN. This watch, which is the product of some remarkable horological techniques, has many other secrets to reveal…
Jean-Marie Schaller, Owner and Creative Director
The earliest traces of life from the cosmos: Jbilet Winselwan
A fragment of the Jbilet Winselwan meteorite majestically dominates the upper part of the STARMAN’s dial and competes visually with the tourbillon. This beautiful black stone, spangled with little brown dots, was discovered in the western Sahara Desert. It bears amino acids and is thus a silent witness to the first sparks of life spread throughout the cosmos.
The STARMAN dial: a highly complex construction
The STARMAN’s dial is a genuine feat of artistic and technical prowess. Let’s begin with the base cut from the Gibeon meteorite, which fell to earth in prehistoric times and is famous for its emblematic Widmanstätten pattern. The fragment was dyed in a deep blue using an intricate – and secret –process. A second disc made of sapphire crystal features a map of the stars. In the foreground are the constellations carefully painted by hand using a luminescent material. They appear on the backdrop of the map’s longitudinal and latitudinal lines.
At night, the STARMAN reveals a magnificent stellar panorama, creating an appearance of depth that draws us into the immensity of the universe itself. This nightly display is enhanced by the vibrant blue hands and indexes that provide a touch of technical elegance to this exceptional timepiece.
The solar map and its riddle
Turn the STARMAN around, you will find a fascinating chart of the solar system. The planets, some of which only measure two millimetres in diameter, have been meticulously painted by hand and placed on a grid that seems to float over a star-lit sky.
The ultimate secret, however, is this: The planets have been precisely positioned as they appeared on March 21, 2013, when the world of watchmaking was stunned by an amazing revelation: Louis Moinet was the inventor of the chronograph. The public event was held at the Neuchâtel observatory, where Jean-Marie Schaller unveiled the famous compteur de tierces, which had been built by the great French watchmaker in 1816.
The art of horology
The STARMAN defies gravity in a riveting manner thanks to its flying tourbillon in an off-centre cage. The hand-wound movement is equipped with two barrels in parallel. The system, called “volte face,” has one of the barrels turned upside-down or head-to-tail, so they deliver their energy simultaneously, producing a power reserve of ninety-six hours.
It comes in an 18-carat gold case with a diameter of 47.4 millimetres. Its architecture is opulent and complex, mixing brushed and polished surfaces and a stepped bezel that gives it a unique character.
The STARMAN is available in two editions limited to twelve pieces each, one in 18-carat red gold, the other in 18-carat grey gold.
In creating this timepiece, Jean-Marie Schaller delved into the mysteries of the cosmos. It’s a spirited homage to Louis Moinet, a man whose spirit of innovation and exploration is destined to continue resonating into the future.
Technical specifications
STARMAN WATCH
Limited edition: 12 pieces (red gold) and 12 pieces (white gold)
CASE
Material: 18K red gold 5N or 18K white gold
Diameter: 47.4 mm
Water-resistance: 30 m
DIAL AND HANDS
Dial: Complex multi-layered dial including:
Gibeon meteorite tinted blue
Sapphire disc with hand-painted stars with luminescent material
Jbilet Winselwan meteorite
Hands: Faceted and skeletonized, with luminescent material
MOVEMENT
Functions: Hours and minutes
Complication: Flying tourbillon
Type: Manual winding, double spring barrel
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Jewels: 26
Power reserve: 96 hours
