Independent watchmaking has always been about more than telling time. It is about storytelling, craftsmanship and emotion.
With the unveiling of the Sarpaneva Stardust Pluto and Mars, Stepan Sarpaneva continues his cosmic journey, presenting two watches that explore contrasting states of existence in the universe.
Now available through The Hour Glass in Singapore, these creations push deeper into the brand’s bold design language and philosophy.
A Universe of Contrast
Pluto and Mars share the same architectural foundation, yet their personalities could not be more different. Together, they form a duality that reflects sisu, the Finnish spirit of resilience, endurance and courage in the face of uncertainty.
Pluto represents cold stillness and distance. Mars embodies warmth and restrained energy. Both exist in orbit, both connected, yet both profoundly different.
This philosophical contrast gives the Stardust collection a deeper meaning. It is not simply about planets. It is about emotional states, inner strength and the beauty of opposing forces.
Pluto: The Poetry of Silence
The Pluto edition captures the stillness of deep space. Its silvered matte dial evokes frozen celestial landscapes, with a frost-like texture that appears to shift gently under light. The effect is subtle and restrained, creating a quiet presence rather than an attention-grabbing statement.
There is a timeless quality to Pluto. The dial absorbs light instead of reflecting it, allowing the wearer to experience depth and texture without distraction. It is contemplative and calm, a reminder of the vastness of space and the beauty of silence.
Mars: Warmth in Suspension
In contrast, Mars introduces warmth and quiet intensity. The red-gold-plated matte dial glows softly, evoking oxidised metal, cosmic dust and the lingering heat of a fading star. It is not aggressive or fiery. Instead, it conveys energy held in suspension, controlled and refined.
Mars feels alive yet restrained. It is a study of balance, where warmth exists without excess, echoing the idea of power that does not need to be loud.
A Sculptural Dial Architecture
Both watches feature open-worked, multi-layer stainless steel dials that are meticulously hand-finished and coated in DLC.
The futuristic stencilled numerals, inspired by interplanetary instruments, give the watches a strong, contemporary identity.
Shadow and depth are key elements of the design. As light moves across the dial, different layers reveal themselves, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Four different colours of Swiss Super-LumiNova are applied by hand, enhancing legibility while reinforcing the cosmic narrative.
This layered construction is where Sarpaneva truly shines. Each dial feels like a miniature sculpture, combining art, engineering and storytelling.
Inside both Pluto and Mars is a modified Chronode P1003 automatic movement, chosen for its reliability and precision. The calibre is finished in rhodium with matte surfaces, reflecting the brand’s understated aesthetic.
The movement is complemented by Sarpaneva’s signature Moonface winding rotor, mounted on a ceramic ball bearing. Visible through the sapphire caseback, this detail adds personality and reinforces the emotional connection between wearer and watch.
It is a reminder that independent watchmaking is as much about identity as it is about technical performance.
The Korona Case: Form Meets Function
The watches are housed in Sarpaneva’s distinctive Korona case, crafted from high-grade Finnish Outokumpu stainless steel. The organic shape is enhanced through careful brushing and polishing, creating a sculptural presence on the wrist.
The screw-down crown at four o’clock improves ergonomics, while the case offers ten ATM water resistance, ensuring these artistic timepieces remain practical for daily wear.
Despite their avant-garde design, Pluto and Mars are built to be worn and experienced, not simply admired from afar.
Exclusivity for the Discerning Collector
Both the Sarpaneva Stardust Pluto and Mars are limited to just twenty pieces each, reinforcing their exclusivity. Prices are set at SGD 28,000 for leather and SGD 32,000 on bracelet, including tax.
