Cosmic dreams
Bell & Ross reaches for the stars with its new BR-03 Astro, while Sarpaneva celebrates 80 years of Moomin magic with a whimsical timepiece
BR-03 Astro
BELL & Ross has launched a timepiece that transcends mere timekeeping, offering a miniature solar system on your wrist. The BR-03 Astro, a limited edition of 999 pieces, is designed to capture the wonder of the cosmos, appealing to both astronomy aficionados and luxury watch collectors.
Inspired by the International Space Station’s Cupola observation dome, the BR-03 Astro’s dial acts as a porthole opening onto the planets. The watch presents Earth as seen from space, and symbolically aligned with the Moon and Mars.
Unsurprisingly, the BR-03 Astro also reimagines traditional time display. A small satellite orbits Earth every minute, precisely marking the passage of seconds, while advancing the Moon’s position. Mars shifts hourly. These unconventional “hands” – Mars for hours, the Moon for minutes, and the satellite for seconds – create a constant, mesmerising animation.
Bringing this playful interpretation of time to life was no easy task. To create a realistic and precise representation of Earth while upholding Bell & Ross’ standards for legibility, a decal process was applied beneath the glass. The dial’s glass, carved into a spherical cap, enabled a realistic rendering of Earth in both volume and decal. The same meticulous approach used in designing components for other precision timepieces was employed to calculate the weight and positioning of the hands – especially to accommodate the engraved Moon. The dial, crafted from blue aventurine, shimmers with a starlike quality, providing a captivating backdrop for this perpetual celestial dance.
Housed in a 41 mm black ceramic case and powered by a Swiss automatic mechanical movement, the BR-03 Astro is as robust as it is beautiful. This cosmic timepiece might be a departure from Bell & Ross’ traditional aviation-inspired designs, but it still embodies the brand motto “From the cockpit to the wrist”.
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Sarpaneva Moomin 80 Watch
For generations, the whimsical world of the Moomins, created by Tove Jansson, has captured hearts with its enchanting stories of adventure, nature and family. This year, Sarpaneva Watches celebrates 80 years of Moomin magic with a timepiece as unique and captivating as the tales themselves: the Sarpaneva Moomin 80.
Stepan Sarpaneva, the Finnish watchmaker behind the brand, has masterfully blended horological expertise with the whimsical charm of the Moomins in developing this timepiece. The watch face depicts a scene from Comet in Moominland, hand-painted in meticulous detail, bringing Jansson’s illustrations to life. But the real magic lies in the innovative time-telling mechanism. A skeletonised shooting star aperture, positioned between 11 and one, reveals the hours on a rotating disc, creating a dynamic display. Luminous stars mark the time, ensuring readability even in low light.
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Beyond the captivating design, the Sarpaneva Moomin 80 boasts exceptional craftsmanship. The 42 mm case is crafted from high-grade Finnish Outokumpu stainless steel, known for its durability and lustre. Inside, a modified Swiss Soprod A10 automatic movement ensures precision and reliability. The open case back offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the watch, showcasing the rhodium-plated movement and the skeletonised winding mass.
The Sarpaneva Moomin 80 is a timeless tribute to a timeless tale, a piece that will be cherished for generations to come – just like the Moomin stories we all love. Available in both colour and monochrome versions (30 each) from Watches of Switzerland, the sole retailer of Sarpaneva in Singapore.
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