iW Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 124

The Sideralis LOUIS MOINET SPACE IS THE LIMIT “Sideralis is an invitation to embark on an interstellar journey – a whole new kind of discovery that’s singularly technical and poetic.” IN UNVEILING THE ATELIERS’ LATEST CREATION, LOUIS MOINET’S CEO JEAN-MARIE SCHALLER WAXES LYRICAL. THE TIMEPIECE IN QUESTION, SIDERALIS, IS PROTECTED BY TWO PATENT APPLICATIONS. OVER AND ABOVE PURELY TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS, SCHALLER SAYS THE SIDERALIS MAKES A STATEMENT THAT LOUIS MOINET IS ‘PERHAPS THE LAST FULLY-INDEPENDENT FIRM TO BE INVESTING IN NEW COMPONENTS WITH THE SOLE AIM OF INSPIRING AWE AMONG LOVERS OF FINE WATCHES.’ 124 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SPRING 2018 Sideralis is structured around two especially extraordinary tourbillons with multiple features. Special feature number one being that both of these tourbillons are oversized, with cages measuring 14.9 mm – half as big again as the average. This is the largest assembly of two tourbillons ever to have existed. “Aside from our exacting chronometric standards, this approach adds a fascinating visual dimension to the watch; a touch of magic that we’ve decided to gift to lovers of fine watches, just so they can contemplate beauty and horological art in all its splendor,” explains Schaller. SPECIAL FEATURE NUMBER TWO The two tourbillons are designed to be physically above the move- ment – above the dial, even. The two raised cages are large as life and wholly visible, revealing balance wheels with beautifully styled screws – and a distinctive aesthetic appearance.