Sarpaneva Supernova | INTRODUCING

Tom Austin

• The eclectic Finland-based watchmaker has unveiled his newest tackle certainly one of his most vital watches, the out-of-this-world Supernova.
• Obtainable with a spread of stone dials or with an open moonphase complication, every watch is meticulously crafted by hand in Stepan Sarpaneva’s workshops on the shores of Helsinki.
• Manufactured from high-grade Outokumpu chrome steel, the Supernova’s distinctive case design is impressed by an exploding star, capturing a daring and quirky look that defies conventions.

Tucked away on the shoreline of Helsinki, Finland, there resides a small workshop devoted to blurring the strains between industrial artwork and watchmaking. It’s truthful to say that artisanal watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva shouldn’t be your regular watchmaker – he initially began his watchmaking journey from his house, however has since been crafting one-of-a-kind watches from his workshop since 2003, and since then has gone on to develop a singular style for exploratory and difficult designs together with his model, Sarpaneva.

The model solely manufactures a handful of watches a 12 months, and the Supernova has been round for some time now, however for 2025, Sarpaneva has refreshed the look ahead to a much bigger launch, one thing to be seen as pivotal for the model. Utilising the symbolism of the universe and, because the Supernova identify suggests, exploding stars, the brand new watch affords a set of recent dials and a beautiful moonphase complication to drool over.

As with most Sarpaneva watches, the case is way from typical. Actually, the one conventional factor about it’s that it’s primarily round, however its gear-like silhouette is one thing that’s appeared all through the model’s historical past and has performed an element all through Stepan’s profession, corresponding to making pocket watches from the gears of Harley-Davidson bikes within the late 90s. There are two variations of the Supernova for this launch, which each share the identical 40mm diameter case with angular and convex aspects, creating the virtually UFO-like form. At 11.2mm thick and with a lug-to-lug of 42mm, it’s a comparatively wearable dimension, which is nice to see, as a result of a watch with this a lot visible impression would have regarded nearly comical had it been a lot bigger.

Supplies are vital to Stepan, and for the Supernova, a specific metal was chosen for the job, particularly high-grade Outokumpu chrome steel, which is produced at house in Helsinki. It may be a difficult metal to work with, however the ensuing end and really feel of the fabric is what drew Stepan to decide on it for the watch. Because of a screw down crown, sapphire crystal up entrance and an exhibition case again, the case is water-resistant as much as 50 meters.

Every Supernova may have a special character and elegance, with a set of stone dials to select from, corresponding to malachite, lapis lazuli or meteorite, however the actual star of the present is the reduction moonphase dial, with Sarpaneva’s signature outsized, grumpy moon both in pink, white or yellow gold. The reduction motif begins life as an outsized copper mannequin, which is then painstakingly copy-milled into the tiny treasured steel face of every moonphase dial. All too typically, smaller manufacturers will insist on delivery work like this out to suppliers in Switzerland. Nonetheless, Stepan, eternally looking perfection, ensures the expert handiwork is carried out on the workshop in Finland, even crafting the polished, distinctive fingers in-house.

The broad vary of dial supplies and finishes depicts the customized nature of Sarpaneva watches nicely. Every watch they create is sort of distinctive in its personal manner, and it’s a show of Stepan’s artistry and efforts in the direction of exploring new and daring concepts. Additional customisation comes within the type of the straps, out there in an countless number of colors and finishes. The leather-based straps are completed with a Sarpaneva-customised metal pin buckle.

An everyday characteristic of Sarpaneva watches is the motion: a Swiss Soprod A10 calibre, a Seiko A10-based motion that may be a strong various to the Sellita SW-200 and ETA 2824. It’s a time-only, automated motion which beats at 28,800 vph and has an influence reserve of 42 hours, and has been subtly modified by Stepan so as to add a brand new customized “turbine” winding rotor, which is seen by the sapphire exhibition caseback. The motion has additionally acquired additional ending, within the type of rhodium plating and perlage, including a extra refined contact to what’s primarily a workhorse motion. The great factor is that reliability shouldn’t be questioned for the Supernova, with the Soprod calibre showing in a number of revered microbrand watches.

Sarpaneva Supernova value & availability

The Sarpaneva Supernova is accessible now. Stepan shared on social media that his orderbook is now open for 2025, and that they’ll solely make roughly 12-15 watches this 12 months and 20-25 subsequent 12 months. Value: beginning at €16,000 (time solely), beginning at €24,000 (moonphase)