Wonderfully futuristic in both execution and arrangement, the SpaceOne Tellurium is a contemporary and simplified heliocentric tellurium, offered in a limited edition of only 300 pieces, and at a price point rarely seen considering the level of innovation and craftsmanship which has been devoted to its creation. The complication which enables the mesmerising planetary motion of the Earth and Moon around the central Sun on the dial is the work of renowned Parisian independent watchmaker, Théo Auffret, while the streamlined case, which was penned by French designer, Olivier Gamiette gives the model a supremely modern architecture.

Manufactured from Grade 5 Titanium the case of the watch measures 50mm in length, 42mm wide and 16mm high and is fitted with a crown at the 12 o’clock position. The high-domed sapphire crystal that is required to accommodate the Tellurium on the dial-side goes beyond mere functionality, becoming an integral part of the space-age theme of the watch, and a feature that also adds an incredibly tactile element to its profile, as it blends seamlessly with the seductive curves of the case.

Beneath the dome, the dial evokes stunning depth with the planets, time and date indications arranged on differing levels. Instantly mesmerising, the polished titanium spheres appear to float creating an ethereal illusion against the sparkling adventurine glass of the dial, which is further embellished with polished titanium stars. At the centre, the largest represents our Sun, with a smaller example for the Earth rotating around it once every 365 days, and another for the Moon that completes its rotation once every 29.5 days. Just beneath the Sun sphere, the hands for the hours and minutes are openworked with sharply tipped points and, leaving the dial arrangement largely uncluttered, the indices are reduced to arabic numerals at the 12, 4 and 8 o’clock. On the lower dial, an aperture reveals a jumping date indication, paired with a sliding month indication, and with blue PVD on the apertures the effect of the striking vivid tone against the intensity of the deep blue is spectacular.

Inside beats a Swiss Soprod P024 H4 automatic movement, modified to include the patented Tellurium Complication module which ensures accurate indication of the Earth and Moon positions for 100+ years. Despite the seemingly complex character of the watch, ingenious engineering ensures easy adjustment of the astral positions and of the date for each 30-day month, via the crown.

An excellent example that captures the space-age theme to perfection, the SpaceOne Tellurium wears on a black fabric strap secured with a Grade 5 Titanium buckle.