The universe has always fascinated us. Our desire to explore its vastness is the focus of watch designers who create moon-phase displays, meteorite dials and depictions of the starry firmament. In this excerpt from our WatchTime 2020 Special Design Issue, on sale now, we showcase some of the most exciting astronomical newcomers.
HERMÈS ARCEAU L?HEURE DE LA LUNE

Hermès? new watch combines two mother-of-pearl moons and a meteorite dial. One subdial for the time and a second subdial for the date circle around a movable central axis, yet always remain vertical while they rotate. The two moons are gradually covered by the subdials, so that their visible portions correspond to the lunar phases as seen by observers in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, Hermès inverts the globe and positions the moon-phase for the Southern Hemisphere in the upper half of the dial. (For more details, click here.) Stainless steel, 43 mm, manufacture Caliber H1837 with moon-phase module by Chronode, automatic, limited edition of 100 pieces, $25,500. ...