Watchmakers explore new horizons with their cool and creative designs

The Sonomaster Chronomaster Chronograph from Reservoir takes its inspiration from measuring instruments widely used in the world of sound. Photo: Reservoir

From space travel to the exploration of sound, watchmakers have been inspired by different worlds for their timepieces.

Just take a look at this year’s creations. A moonphase design, for example, is a technical marvel, yet chic and elegant all the same.

Then there are robust creations that pay tribute to specific expeditions. These creations are meant to broaden your imagination by celebrating the spirit of adventure.

World of sound

The Sonomaster Chronomaster Chronograph from Reservoir takes its inspiration from measuring instruments widely used in the world of sound – or VU (volume unit) meters from analog stereo amplifiers. The action of the needle (one on either side indicating date and seconds using a 120° scale) is the same as a retrograde hand in a watch: the needles do not ascribe a 360° circle like conventional watch hands, but swing back-and-forth instead, mimicking the tracking of soundwaves.

Read more: The Sky's The Limit: Rolex Celebrates The Pioneers Of Aviation

Exploring new planets

Photo: Omega

In 1957, Omega created a watch that would go on to be the first worn on the moon. It has now been updated, designed to measure every moment on Earth – and Mars. The Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer is made in partnership with the European Space Agency. Its functions include an MTC function to track Mars’ sol date and time at the prime meridian, allowing for the fact that a day on Mars is 39 minutes longer than on Earth. There is also an innovative solar compass to find true north on both planets.

Look to the moon

Photo: Panerai

The Luminor Due was originally a time-only model, but Panerai has introduced a complication to the collection for the very first time. Luminor Due Luna features a moonphase in the form of a rotating disc with a 24-carat moon against a starry midnight blue sky. Luna, the final word in its name, is the Italian word for moon, which references the watchmaker’s roots in Florence. This breathtaking timepiece is available in four iterations, all in a 38mm that aims at appealing to a broad spectrum of wearers.

Space and time

Photo: Urwerk

Hand up, palm forward, fingers parted in the middle, and then the greeting: “Live long and prosper!” This is something known to all Trekkies, almost a world heritage, a salutation that rings like a blessing. This sign is also an integral part of Urwerk’s brand DNA. It had pride of place on a wall of the Geneva workshop for ages. And now, so does it above the mainplate of the new UR-120 (affectionately nicknamed Spock), whose time display reproduces the extremely iconic Vulcan salute.

Read more: A timely partnership between Tag Heuer and Porsche

Beyond terra firma

Photo: IWC Schaffhausen

Following the announcement of its partnership with Polaris Dawn earlier this year, IWC Schaffhausen is presenting the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn”. The timepiece in white ceramic with a space-blue dial will support the upcoming human spaceflight mission (targetted to launch no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2022). They come in four variations, each engraved with the name of one of the four crew members. After travelling to space and returning to Earth, the watches will be auctioned to raise funds for the life-saving work of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the US.