The moon has been shaping mankind, our culture, and our thirst for knowledge since time immemorial. Even in ancient times, great thinkers would look to the heavens for answers about the cycles on earth. This curiosity planted the seed for modern-day astronomy and its close relation, horology – the science of measuring time. The pioneers in their field were always driven by the same ambition: To understand the mysterious forces that set our universe in motion. The new PanoLunarInverse, limited to just 200 pieces, seeks to give an answer to this big question on a small scale: An intricately crafted night sky in miniature provides the backdrop for a spectacular moon phase display, while the inverse design of the movement reveals the inner workings of the watch.

The moon in all its splendour Curiosity and ingenuity have always been the driving force behind progress. It is as true for the scholars of old as it is for the creative minds in the Glashütte Original workshops today. The moon phase display occupies a special place in the traditions of the German watch manufactory. In their latest creation, the brand’s designers and engineers have completely reinterpreted this classic complication by placing it in the heart of an avant-garde timepiece that lends it a mystical aura.

The moon of the PanoLunarInverse rises against a glistening firmament. This deep blue starry sky is made of aventurine, also known as goldstone – a material first produced in the 17th century by the masters of glass art on the Venetian island of Murano and famed for its fine sparkle and intense colour. The moon itself is crafted in relief and its surface is intricately 3D laser-engraved to reflect the craters and mountains of the earth's only natural satellite. Though the moon is normally the herald of the night, its silent presence can be felt at any hour with the PanoLunarInverse: Once it has passed through the cut-out section of the dial, it continues its orbit, still visible beneath the grey-blue sapphire crystal. Its translucent surface offers a constant glimpse of the two circular shapes of the lunar disc, giving an insight into the mechanisms that are otherwise hidden from view.

A movement with astonishing insights Although the PanoLunarInverse is intended to offer a glimpse into the infinite expanse of outer space, the watchmakers at Glashütte Original had to work on a tiny scale to house its complications. The hour and minute display, which is linked to the moon phase, is located off-centre on the left-hand side of the PanoLunarInverse. Just like the PanoMaticInverse, it features an unusual movement design, which simultaneously acts as an unmistakable hallmark: Parts of the movement are mounted inversely so that they are visible from the dial side; this also had to be factored in when integrating the additional complication. The result is an eye-catching design that offers unique insights into the intricate mechanics and ultimately creates a window into its very own universe – namely, the balance. This can be admired on the front, beneath a black rhodium-plated balance bridge with an intricate guilloché decoration. Characteristic features of Glashütte watchmaking meet with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to deliver an unmistakable, distinctly modern architecture.

A masterpiece with rarity value The celestial spectacle of the PanoLunarInverse is presented in an elegant 42 mm diameter platinum case. It is the first Glashütte Original model with an inversely designed movement to feature a moon phase display. The PanoLunarInverse, which is water-resistant to 5 bar, is worn on a grey Louisiana alligator nubuck leather strap or a blue synthetic strap made from yarn that is produced entirely from recycled material. The hand-finished 91-04 automatic calibre delivers a running time of up to 45 hours. In keeping with the lunar leitmotif, the skeletonised rotor is itself adorned with a domed moon, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.