Celestial Elegance: A Stellar Expansion of the Stardust Series
The Artistry of Sarpaneva: A Legacy of Innovation
Since its inception, Sarpaneva Watches, under the visionary leadership of Stepan Sarpaneva, has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. The brand's signature Korona case design and evocative moon phase displays have become hallmarks, establishing a recognizable catalog that seamlessly blends traditional techniques with strikingly original expressions. Notable recent creations such as the Supernova, the Moomin 80, the Supermoon, and the Midnight Sun have all contributed to this rich tapestry of innovation, with the Stardust series, initially launched in 2023 to commemorate the brand's 20th anniversary, now welcoming two new members.
Crafting Cosmic Narratives: Design and Materiality
The Stardust Pluto and Mars watches share a foundational construction but diverge significantly in their atmospheric and textural interpretations. Both timepieces are encased in Sarpaneva's iconic Korona case, meticulously crafted from premium Outokumpu stainless steel, sourced directly from Finland. Measuring a balanced 42mm in diameter and 10.4mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug length of 46mm, the case features a refined interplay of brushed and polished surfaces. Essential features include a screw-down crown positioned at 4 o'clock, ensuring a water resistance of 100 meters, and sapphire crystals on both the front and back, treated with multiple anti-reflective coatings for optimal clarity.
Distinguishing the Celestial Twins: Dial Variations
The most pronounced differences between the Pluto and Mars editions lie in their intricate four-part openworked dial constructions. Both showcase hand-finished stainless steel components, adorned with DLC coating and multiple hues of Swiss Super-LumiNova, complemented by stenciled numerals on the hours ring. The Stardust Pluto features a silvered, matte base dial that evokes a frosty, luminous quality, while the Stardust Mars boasts a red gold-plated matte base dial, exuding a warm, fiery glow. Each variant is further distinguished by its unique two-tone hands, with Pluto featuring cool blue hands and Mars sporting bold black hands, both generously filled with luminescent material for enhanced readability.
The Heart of the Cosmos: Precision Movement
At the core of both Stardust editions beats a meticulously modified Chronode P.1003 caliber. This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a robust 60-hour power reserve. It precisely indicates hours, minutes, and a repositioned small seconds display at 10 o'clock. The movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, is rhodium-plated with a matte finish, proudly showcasing Sarpaneva's distinctive Moonface rotor, mounted on a ceramic ball bearing for exceptional performance.
Exclusivity and Presentation: Limited Edition Offerings
Each watch is presented on a handcrafted Sarpaneva leather strap, secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. For those seeking an elevated aesthetic, an optional Moonbridge steel bracelet is available at an additional cost. Both the Stardust Pluto and Stardust Mars are highly exclusive, with each version limited to just 20 pieces. The price for each timepiece is set at EUR 16,500, excluding VAT. The Moonbridge stainless steel bracelet, as depicted on the Stardust Pluto, represents an optional upgrade for both models, priced at an additional EUR 2,500, excluding VAT. Estimated delivery for these exquisite creations ranges from two to eight week