HyperFocal: 0
Cover HyperFocal: 0
Elegantly merging time and space, watchmakers are reaching for the stars with these cosmos-inspired designs

1. Astronomia Maestro Minute Repeater by Jacob & Co

Tatler Asia
Above Astronomia Maestro Minute Repeater by Jacob & Co. (Photo: Courtesy of Jacob & Co)

After the fun, fearless and a little bit foolhardy Astronomia collection, what can Jacob & Co founder Jacob Arabo possibly do next? Having already mastered the minute repeater, the brand has broken boundaries again by adding carillon gongs and beautiful interstellar images to its already complex Astronomia Maestro line.

Three spiral gongs chime out the hours, 15-minute periods and the minutes, and can be viewed through the sapphire crystal adorning the 43.44mm rose-gold case of this Astronomia Maestro Minute Repeater. A magnesium-lacquered blue globe and hand-painted astronaut rotate on themselves, while seven planets in precious stones each perform a full revolution, making for a scene that’s always in motion.

2. Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Speedmaster Professional by Omega

Tatler Asia
Above Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Speedmaster Professional by Omega. (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, Omega has introduced a limited edition of the Speedmaster Professional, nicknamed the Moonwatch, which astronaut Buzz Aldrin sported when he first stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969.

The Moonwatch’s basic aesthetic is kept alive with a 42mm case, but it is revamped for the anniversary with two “1” markings for the 11 o’clock marker in reference to Apollo 11, as well as a laser engraving of Aldrin climbing down the lunar module’s ladder and an astronaut’s footprint encircled by Neil Armstrong’s immortal words: “That’s One Small Step For A Man” and “One Giant Leap For Mankind.”

See also: Omega Unveils Anniversary Edition Of The First Watch Worn On The Moon

3. Lady Arpels Zodiac Lumineux by Van Cleef & Arpels

Tatler Asia
Above Lady Arpels Zodiac Lumineux by Van Cleef & Arpels. (Photo: Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)

Van Cleef & Arpels is looking to the stars with two new collections of zodiac timepieces that recreate the constellations in illuminated beauty. The Midnight Zodiac Lumineux, a bold men’s line, and the women’s Lady Arpels Zodiac Lumineux each comprise 12 models—one for each sign of the Zodiac.

Both collections feature white-gold cases; however the men’s line is decorated with rich blue enamel dials with sculpted white gold forming Zodiac shapes, while the women’s line is fully set with a dazzling array of diamonds of varying sizes.

The collection is completed with an electromechanical complication that lights up the dials like the night sky.

See also: An Insider's Look At Van Cleef & Arpels' Treasure Of Rubies Collection

4. 2019 Cat’s Eye Celestial by Girard Perregaux

Tatler Asia
Above 2019 Cat’s Eye Celestial by Girard Perregaux. (Photo: Courtesy of Girard Perregaux)

Girard Perregaux has us starry-eyed admiring the glistening stars of the 2019-unveiled Cat’s Eye collection. The Celestial variation features a deep blue, glittering aventurine dial that elegantly contrasts against hand-polished and guilloché mother-of-pearl elements.

Complete with a 8.9mm rotating moon-phase disc, this dressy timepiece boasts a translucent case-back that reveals the reliable in-house manufactured movement made of 240 components.

To complement any style, the lunar ladies’ wristwatch can be fastened by either a rich blue alligator strap or pink gold bracelet.

5. Arceau L'Heure de la Lune by Hermès

Tatler Asia
HyperFocal: 0
Above Arceau L’Heure de la Lune by Hermès. (Photo: Courtesy of Hermès)

Hermès has released a whimsical, yet classically designed, moon phase watch for men.

The Arceau L’Heure de la Lune’s 310 components are cleverly engineered to display the moon phase of both the northern and southern hemisphere.

Two stationary mother-of-pearl moons are covered and uncovered by two rotating dials, just as Earth’s shadow covers and uncovers the glowing moon of the night sky.

Limited to two variations of only 100 pieces each—one with a meteorite dial and graduated grey lacquered discs and one with an aventurine dial and white lacquered discs—this lunar complication will sell out quickly, so hurry!

See also: Meet Ini Archibong, The Man Who Designed Hermès' Latest Watch

Topics