Northern Lights on a Watch by Stepan Sarpaneva

A luminescent mosaic that vanquishes the darkness.

Stepan Sarpaneva's watch with an elaborate pattern of many tiny details probably shares the most similarity with marquetry dials by watchmakers such as Cartier, who use this technique of inlay work in their collections.

The only difference being that watchmakers at Cartier use straw marquetry and rose petals, whereas Sarpaneva prefers luminous details. The source of this fascination is in the Finnish watchmaker's blood. The longest December night lasts over 18 hours in Helsinki and northern Lapland goes 51 days without seeing the sun. 

In this environment, you begin to appreciate things that are able to flare through the darkness. An example would be the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) or the illustration on Sarpaneva's watch dial.  

The novelty by the Finnish watchmaker is named after the village of Kilpisjärvi in northern Finland, which has a population of just over a hundred inhabitants. It's the place where racing driver Valtteri Bottas enjoys spending his time off the racetrack.

Sarpaneva has teamed up with him to make what is already their third watch.The first two models were presented by the more affordable S.U.F brand, styled with a racing theme, whereas the new Sarpaneva x Valtteri Bottas "Kilpisjärvi" recalls a place where the racecar driver goes to take a break from revving engines and enjoy the northern lights. 

Each piece in the series limited to just 17 has a unique dial composition of Super-Luminova elements in five different tones. It's interesting that this is the first time Sarpaneva has opted for an abstract illustration on a watch.

Using the Chronode P1003 movement for the first time is another important update for the brand. The automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve was modified and given a skeletonized rotor with Sarpaneva's signature Moonface. The watchmaker had often preferred to use Soprod movements up until now.

In contrast, the watchmaker has remained true to his usual practices for the case. It's a round case that measures 46 mm in diameter, 50 mm lug-to-lug, with the characteristic lunar dimples of the "Korona" moon case. The matte steel SUPRA 316L/4435 alloy by the Finnish company Outokumpu serves as the case material.