In a creation that is truly out of this world, Les Ateliers Louis Moinet S.A. (Switzerland) has claimed the record for most meteorite inserts in a watch as verified on 31 July 2023.
Meteorites are rare fragments of rock or metal that fall to Earth from space.
Les Ateliers Louis Moinet S.A. is a Swiss watchmaker, with their namesake originating from Louis Moinet, a famed watchmaker and the inventor of the chronograph.
@guinnessworldrecords Most meteorite inserts in a watch ⌚☄️ 12 by Les Ateliers Louis Moinet S.A.🇨🇭 #watch#watches#meteor#geology#guinnessworldrecords♬ original sound - Guinness World Records
According to Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, Moinet was also an avid astronomer with a passion for horology, which is shared with current CEO and creative director Jean-Marie Schaller.
This shapes the brand’s ethos of exclusively creating mechanical timepieces that fall into one of two categories, either “Cosmic Art” or “Mechanical Wonders”.
The watch, appropriately named ‘Cosmopolis’, features 12 different meteorites patterned over the face of the watch.
The specific meteorites, and where they came to Earth from, are:
• DHOFAR 461 – Moon
• DHOFAR 1674 – Mars
• ALLENDE – Meteorite shower
• ERG CHECH – Asteroid
• JBILET WINSELMAN– Asteroid
• ISHEYEVO – Asteroid
• ALETAI ARMANTY – Asteroid
• AGUAS ZARCAS– Meteorite shower
• GIBEON – Asteroid
• TOLUCA – Asteroid
• SAHARA 97093 - Asteroid
• BLACK CHONDRITE L5 – Asteroid
The record-breaking story began with Jean-Marie Schaller’s long-standing friendships with meteorite hunters.
With the help of these friendships, the meteorites were sourced by world-renowned experts, Luc Labenne and Bruno Fectay.
Additionally, GMS Créations SARL, a company that specialises in the sale of precious stones and materials, helped with procuring the meteorites.
To verify the meteorites, each one is authenticated by a certificate issued by meteorite hunters who are part of the by the Meteoritical Society.
There were several steps taken to create the galactic watch.
First, a design had to be considered that would be able to showcase the beauty of the 12 different meteorites while ensuring a contemporary aesthetic.
The final design was eventually chosen to be an 18 carat, rose-gold case with a diameter of forty millimetres and held by a black wristband.
Next came the process of meticulously cutting the meteorites. Each meteorite presented a unique challenge due to the differences in fragility to avoid any loss during the cutting process.
This part of the process demanded the need of experts who could work to ensure the meteorites stayed intact.
For this, specialist Daniel Haas carefully cut and shaped each of the twelve meteorite discs to meet the technical and horological constraints.
It was now time to insert each meteorite onto the watch.
The integration of the meteorites was a "painstaking" but "careful process" according to Les Ateliers Louis Moinet S.A.
Every meteorite was meticulously placed to best display and contrast each other. For example 'Dhofat 461', a rare specimen of lunar meteorite, was placed at the centre of the dial.
For the other meteorites, Jean-Marie Schaller envisioned them to act as "small pedestals designed to elevate them, creating a mysterious arrangement on the dial".
Les Ateliers Louis Moinet S.A. state that the record-breaking watch has a value of Fr.225,000 excluding tax (£201,325; $246,901)
“For us, achieving a Guinness World Records title is an exceptional recognition of our dedication to innovative watchmaking and pushing the boundaries of creativity. It is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration with outstanding partners. It also represents an ongoing tribute to the legacy of Louis Moinet and our unrelenting desire to push the limits of horology. We are proud of our achievement and determined to continue creating extraordinary watches that captivate the world." - Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO and Creative Director of Les Ateliers Louis Moinet.
The watchmaker hopes to permanently display their record-breaking creation in a museum to serve as a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship.
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