LUNATIONS PIECE UNIQUE

An icon of modern independent watchmaking, the Lunations by Finnish master watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva is an exceptional watch which combines one of the most classical of all horological complications with pioneering materials and of course, the unmistakable, almost intimidating aesthetics of a Sarpaneva wristwatch.

Presented in a case measuring 42mm across, and 9.8mm tall, the Lunations is manufactured in locally produced Outokumpu Supra stainless steel, and continues Sarpaneva's bold and uncompromising design code, with its pronounced indentations and chunky, off centre crown at the four o'clock position.

For all of its robust and imposing presence, any more than a cursory glance at the Lunations reveals great beauty and meticulous, delicate, hand crafted attention to detail throughout. The dial is composed of layers of skeletonised elements, which provide a glimpse of the fully in-house designed and developed Sarpaneva Moonment which powers this extraordinary wristwatch. Around the periphery, the chapter ring is punctuated with blued hour indices, complementing the matching signature hour and minute hands, which taper to fine tips.

Dominating the dial space however is a remarkable moon phase display which uses a combination of optical fibres and shade to replicate the passage of the lunar cycle. Calibrated to precisely 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.3 seconds, it requires an adjustment of one day once in every 14,000 years.

In darkness, the Lunations takes on a completely different personality, as the use of Super-LumiNova on the indices (orange) and underside of the hands (green), and Lumicast (blue) on the moon feature cast their luminous glow across the dial and transform the display into a head turning spectacle of multi coloured light.

A sapphire caseback reveals the Lunations manual winding Moonment, and the rotating pair of globes which provide the moon phase display's backlight of blue or white, alternating from cycle to cycle. Beating at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vib/h) the movement boasts a power reserve of at least sixty hours.

A truly spectacular and rare piece, the Sarpaneva Lunations is presented on a black alligator leather strap with pin buckle. This timepiece comes with its original box, warranty (dated 2021), and papers.