We are slowly losing count of the number of brands making a noise about the landing of man on the moon – fifty years ago. It is understandable that Omega gets out the bells and whistles, but when independent Glashütte manufactory Moritz Grossmann makes a statement in general about space and moon, it makes me wonder why make it a commemorative piece. On its own this limited edition can make a statement.
The Moritz Grossmann Moon in Space watch is more a take on the first satellite in Space — Sputnik I. The design cues of the watch are relevant enough to make this connection. In many ways it’s a relief to see something different than the Omega offerings we have seen in the past.
The dial of this watch dominates the conversation, as its very unique and ‘lunar’ in nature. The moon features as the backdrop for the two dials and the whole segment seems ‘suspended’ (not literally) in space. Perhaps that is why it’s ‘moon in space’, as the dub-dials unit is off-centered and different from what we have seen.
The watch hosts the functions of hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds and all of this sits on the three-part, black and white grand-feu enamel dial. You can read the time via Arabic numerals, but the most outstanding feature of the dials is the cambered lunar disc with relief engraving.
The manually crafted, hour and minute hands are made from steel and annealed to brown-violet. This violet color of the hands is very stylish and a signature feature with the watchmakers. They certainly steal the show, but in this case, they come second, and only after the admirable lunar disc. The small seconds hand is made from stainless steel and is polished.
The Lunar Dial is Sputnik I
Let’s talk a little more about the dials, which are coated with grand feu enamel. The white dial focuses on the hours and minutes. Overlapping this dial at the bottom segment – at the seven o’clock spot – is the sub-seconds dial in black grand feu enamel with contrasting white detailing’s. On this subdial we see the lollipop counterpoise on the hand showcasing the seconds.
The four tendrillar bars in gold that sweep across the face of the dial, in an attempt to catch the moon and the two subdials are a clear reference to the four antennae of Sputnik I. You may conclude that the off-center position of the moon is thanks to the caliber 102.0, which has a 26 mm diameter.
The case is a hearty 44.5mm in size and is crafted in stainless steel and is coated with DLC. The watch uses Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on one side. Under the hood you will find the manufacture calibre 102.0, which is a manually wound movement and is adjusted in five positions. The movement provides a decent 48-hours of power reserve. The watch is teamed with an alligator leather with prong buckle in stainless steel.
Pick it up for $35,000.