TIME TRAVELERS
A journey to the far reaches of the galaxy to understand meteorites, these debris from asteroids that have traveled through space and time. Witnesses to the birth of life, sources of valuable scientific knowledge, they challenge us about our relationship with time and the Earth.
METEORITE
AMMUNITION BASE
Coming from the far reaches of the solar system, the Muonionalusta meteorite struck the earth's surface a million years ago. 4.56 billion years old, it is, according to scientists, the oldest object on our planet. From this extraterrestrial rock was born the final chapter of Mission To Earth: TIME TRAVELERS.
Discover why, beyond the high technicality that its use requires, wearing this fragment of eternity on the wrist takes on a scientific, symbolic and philosophical dimension.
Every year, more than 84,000 meteorites collide with Earth. The vast majority of them disintegrate upon entering the atmosphere, and a large portion of the survivors will end up in the oceans that cover more than 70% of our planet, lost forever. In the end, a very small portion of meteorites are found, and this rarity makes them precious. While the making of a meteorite dial is significantly more expensive than a traditional dial, it is justified by its cosmic origin and its unique history reflecting the origins of the world and our solar system.
Each dial made from Muonionalusta reveals a unique iteration of the Widmanstätten figures. These characteristic patterns of iron meteorites are the result of extreme heating, beyond 1000 degrees, caused by their entry into the Earth's atmosphere. There are no two identical slices, which gives each watch an inherently exclusive character.
Every year, more than 84,000 meteorites collide with Earth. The vast majority of them disintegrate upon entering the atmosphere, and a large portion of the survivors will end up in the oceans that cover more than 70% of our planet, lost forever. In the end, a very small portion of meteorites are found, and this rarity makes them precious. While the making of a meteorite dial is significantly more expensive than a traditional dial, it is justified by its cosmic origin and its unique history reflecting the origins of the world and our solar system.
Each dial made from Muonionalusta reveals a unique iteration of the Widmanstätten figures. These characteristic patterns of iron meteorites are the result of extreme heating, beyond 1000 degrees, caused by their entry into the Earth's atmosphere. There are no two identical slices, which gives each watch an inherently exclusive character.
Meteorites are difficult to work with. The creation of a meteorite dial requires advanced know-how throughout the stages of its manufacturing. Due to its iron content, it is a very difficult material to machine, and its extreme hardness also makes it particularly brittle. This technical complexity explains its rare use in watchmaking.
"At the end of a series of delicate operations, each dial will reveal totally unique nuances, effectively excluding the possibility of obtaining two identical watches. The obtained plates are then polished to reveal their natural color, a light gray with steel reflections, which galvanization can modify to achieve new shades."
Next comes the crucial selection phase during which we only retain the dials that feature the most aesthetic and luminous patterns. Finally, the indexes will be delicately applied to the surface of the dial, the last step before the final assembly of the watch.
AN EXCEPTIONAL METEORITE, RENOWNED AND COVETED
The Muonionalusta meteorite, renowned in watchmaking for the remarkable beauty of its patterns, enjoys a great reputation among collectors worldwide.
"It is sought after by the biggest luxury brands eager to offer their clientele pieces rich in history and of exceptional quality. This meteorite is becoming increasingly difficult to find, its value rising year after year in international markets due to its history, age, and also its unique structure, which is impossible to reproduce on Earth."
OSCAR PROJECT
"Seemingly silent, Space is teeming with frequencies that the artist Stéphane Thidet has decided to capture to create the very first extraterrestrial musical work. The various data collected will thus be transformed into a spatial symphony thanks to a partitioner and an organ installed outside the ISS, in symbiosis with the scientific experiment IR-COASTER."
This work, which seeks to materialize on Earth the duration of an orbital journey, will come to life in the form of an artistic installation, concerts, or even choreographies.
AWAKE wishes to officially support the OSCAR project, whose purpose, halfway between arts and sciences, resonates with the Mission To Earth project.
The owners of the 3 chapters of this collection will thus benefit, in advance, from exclusive content throughout the creation of the musical work.
DISCOVER THE PROJECT