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Moondust meets technology in the new LUNAR 1,622 watch collection

The Belgium watchmaker company Col&MacArthur literally encapsulates moondust in its new watches to create timepieces beyond time.

by Pooja Suresh HollannavarPublished on : Nov 13, 2023

Belgium-based watchmaker Col&MacArthur has unveiled the LUNAR1,622 collection, which is simultaneously an ode to the past and a nod to the future of moon exploration. This collection of watches, a part of the INTERSTELLAR collection, goes beyond just telling time; it encapsulates the limitless spirit of human exploration. With a watch design that integrates authenticated and certified meteorite moon dust and cutting-edge NFC technology, the LUNAR1,622 collection becomes more than just a timepiece. It is a piece of history.

The watch combines literal moondust and cutting-edge technology | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
The watch combines literal moondust and cutting-edge technology Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

The global race to the Moon is a testament to humanity's undying curiosity and competitive spirit. From the Apollo 11 mission and the upcoming Artemis 3 mission by NASA to ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3, the thirst for exploring the moon persists. The LUNAR1,622 collection pays tribute to these remarkable missions, bridging the past and the future of lunar exploration. It is a reminder that our limits extend far beyond the skies.

One of the standout features of the LUNAR1,622 collection is the inclusion of authenticated meteorite moon dust. This dust comes from a lunar meteorite found in Northwest Africa in 2017, known by the ID# NWA11515. This meteorite has undergone meticulous processing and has been transformed into fine dust, which is thoughtfully integrated into the watches. The dust is housed within a sapphire glass chamber at the 3 o'clock position, making each watch truly one-of-a-kind.

A sapphire glass chamber at the 3 o’clock position holds the moondust | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
A sapphire glass chamber at the 3 o’clock position holds the moondust Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

Meteorite moon dust is incredibly rare and holds immense scientific and historical significance. It offers valuable insights into the Moon's composition, allowing wearers to carry a piece of the lunar surface with them. This unique material connects us to the cosmos in a profound way.

With the face of the watch featuring the cratered surface of the moon, the LUNAR1,622 collection comprises three distinct models: the Standard, the Advanced, and the Premium. Each model caters to different preferences and budgets.

The faces of all the watches feature the cratered surface of the moon | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
The faces of all the watches feature the cratered surface of the moon Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

The Standard Model features the Miyota automatic movement, a reliable Japanese movement known for its precision. The watch includes Neil Armstrong's iconic footprint at 3 o'clock and the official NASA logo on the back cover. The case is made from high-quality stainless steel, available in silver or black.

The standard model shows Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprint instead of the moondust | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
The standard model shows Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprint instead of the moondust Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

Like the Standard Model, the Advanced Model also features the Miyota automatic movement and includes the authenticated meteorite moon dust inside the sapphire glass chamber at the 3 o'clock position. The back cover displays the official NASA logo, and the case is available in silver or black stainless steel.

The limited-edition Premium Model boasts the Sellita automatic movement, a Swiss movement renowned for its craftsmanship. In addition to the meteorite moon dust at 3 o'clock and the NASA logo on the back cover, this timepiece features a gold-coated seconds' hand. The watch case is made from lightweight and robust titanium. It comes with the NASA Collector Box and is limited to just 2025 units, a nod to the upcoming Artemis III mission in 2025

The back covers feature the official NASA logo | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
The back covers feature the official NASA logo Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

An exciting addition to the Premium model of the LUNAR1,622 collection is the NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. This technology design enables swift wireless data access when your watch is tapped near an NFC reader, such as a smartphone. Users can effortlessly share watch information, verify authenticity, and enjoy secure data sharing, all without the need for complex apps or settings. This essentially means that users can share their name along with details of their watch such as its serial number and meteorite ID number with fellow watch enthusiasts with just a tap. This feature promotes connections among space and watch enthusiasts. This piece of wearable technology puts the protection of privacy and data accuracy at the forefront through robust encryption.

The watch is a true amalgamation of design and technology | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
The watch is a true amalgamation of design and technology Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

Appropriately named to pay homage to the moon's mystique and surface gravity, the LUNAR1,622 collection is a powerful tribute to the human spirit of exploration. The detailed relief 3D print of the moon's cratered surface on the watch's face, surrounded by references to NASA's Apollo missions and Neil Armstrong's iconic words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," encapsulates the spirit of adventure and progress. It also features the GPS coordinates of the Apollo 11 landing and the date of the moon landing. As the meteorite dust moves with the movements of the user, the watch stands out as a wearable and extremely tangible testament to mankind’s enduring quest to understand the cosmos.

‘One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’| Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld
‘One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ Image: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

As the next chapter in humanity's cosmic journey unfolds, the product design of the LUNAR1,622 collection is a startling reminder that our limits are boundless, and the sky is just the beginning.

LUNAR1,622 is designed for watch and space lovers alike Video: Courtesy of Col&MacArthur

Project Details

Name: Lunar1,622
Location:Belgium
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Col&MacArthur

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STIR STIRworld Lunar1,622 watches by Col&MacArthur | Lunar1,622 | Col&MacArthur | STIRworld

Moondust meets technology in the new LUNAR 1,622 watch collection

The Belgium watchmaker company Col&MacArthur literally encapsulates moondust in its new watches to create timepieces beyond time.

by Pooja Suresh Hollannavar | Published on : Nov 13, 2023