Gold Jewelry Design · 2022
Astronef Double Tourbillon Watch
- A' Design Award 2022 Gold Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Louis Moinet
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 121,173
- Verification code CF07B32213 · Verify this award
About Astronef Double Tourbillon Watch
Astronef is heir to both ancestral know-how and an unyielding desire to create the design of tomorrow. Its character combines adrenaline and contemporary art. It showcases recently introduced technology involving two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed. They cross paths 18 times per hour and are built on two different levels. This gives life to a captivating animation, which unfolds before the wondering gaze. In all, six distinct elements are in motion: two satellite tourbillons rotating around the dial, as well as their two cages and their two counterweights.
The Astronef Double Tourbillon Watch by Les Ateliers Louis Moinet represents a remarkable achievement within the tradition of haute horlogerie, positioning itself at the intersection of mechanical innovation and sculptural artistry that has defined the most ambitious expressions of watchmaking since the eighteenth century. This timepiece appears to draw upon the legacy of precision chronometry while simultaneously embracing contemporary aesthetic sensibilities that transform the functional instrument into an object of contemplation and wonder. The dual tourbillon mechanism, visible through carefully orchestrated apertures, demonstrates technical mastery of one of watchmaking's most demanding complications, here doubled to create both enhanced precision and visual drama. The rose gold case material, with its warm chromatic presence, establishes associations with traditional precious metal craftsmanship while the architectural treatment of the movement suggests more recent developments in open-worked horology. Compositionally, the design achieves sophisticated balance between revelation and concealment, allowing glimpses into the mechanical heart while maintaining areas of mystery that invite continued visual exploration. The integration of the black alligator strap provides essential tonal grounding, preventing the precious metal elements from appearing overly ostentatious while introducing organic textural variation against the geometric precision of the case and movement. One observes particular accomplishment in the handling of surface finishes, where polished, brushed, and matte treatments create a subtle hierarchy of visual attention guiding the eye through the composition. The central elevated tourbillon cage functions simultaneously as technical component and sculptural crown, rising from the dial plane to command attention while demonstrating the three-dimensional possibilities of watchmaking as spatial art. Viewers might consider how such objects mediate between the intimate scale of personal adornment and the monumental ambitions of mechanical engineering, inviting reflection on humanity's enduring fascination with the measurement and marking of time.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- ASTRONEF is a limited edition mechanical masterpiece presented by Ateliers Louis Moinet. Its character combines adrenaline and contemporary art. This creation unveils a complex dial, a super-light case and reveals a powerful mechanism: two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The dial is made from a plate measuring a total 0.6mm thick, from which 0.2 mm is then hollowed out to reveal the numerals and a rack, in order to create a depth effect facilitating readings. The
ensuing deep black DLC treatment creates a striking contrast with the rhodium plating and endows it with a two-tone hue. Finally, a circular satin-brushed finish is applied to instil it with undeniable strength of character. The curved crystal of ASTRONEF reveals the powerful mechanism and its power is accentuated by the lightness of its gold frame and sapphire container. This maximum transparency enables
observers to admire a unique sight. The technical construction of the case is unusual:
➢ a sapphire container mounted on an 18K gold frame
➢ openworked lugs and case middle
➢ a sapphire dome and its applied inner bezel ring - Tags
- Tourbillon, Double Tourbillon, Space Tourbillon, ASTRONEF, Rotating Tourbillons
- Production Technology
- The mechanism devised by Jean-Marie Schaller is entirely original. Initially deemed impossible, its development required more than three years of research. Given the complexity of the technology
involved, the possibility of a successful outcome was even called into doubt after a year's research. Today, this construction is one of the most sophisticated in the field and requires the best possible
care devoted by a handful of exceptional watchmakers. - Design Challenge
- The ASTRONEF mechanism required more than three years of research. Given its totally innovative character, its development was even considered impossible at various stages of research and almost discontinued. The fact that ASTRONEF was finally able to see the light of day was due to the concerted efforts of the finest watchmakers and engineers. The tourbillon cages are geometrically shaped. The weight of a cage is only 0.25 grams, in order to guarantee the correct speed through fine poising.
Each cage rotates in 60 seconds and requires perfect poising, which also relies on an 18K gold counterweight weighing 0.4 grams. - Project Duration
- The ASTRONEF mechanism required more than three years of research.
- Operation Flow
- ASTRONEF showcases recently introduced technology involving two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed. They cross paths 18 times per hour (every 3 minutes and 20
seconds) and are built on two different levels.
This gives life to a captivating animation, which unfolds before the wondering gaze. In all, six distinct elements are in motion: two satellite tourbillons rotating around the dial, as well as their
two cages and their two counterweights.
ASTRONEF has been designed to instil a sense of movement, whatever the angle from which it is viewed. Fluid on the outside, original on the inside, it features an absolutely unique and distinctive
aesthetic. - Inspiration
- "Produce an excellent and curious effect": this maxim upheld by Louis Moinet (1848) was our starting point for designing ASTRONEF. The idea is to push back known limits, just as Louis Moinet did in his time – notably by inventing the chronograph in 1816. ASTRONEF propels us into the exclusive world of uncompromising modern watchmaking. It is heir to both ancestral know-how and an unyielding desire to create the design of tomorrow. Its character combines adrenaline and contemporary art. ASTRONEF adopts the technology developed for SPACE REVOLUTION, yet only the tourbillon specifically recalls their kinship