By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-

Inspired by its austere yet individualistic appearance, inventive function, and haunting aesthetics, the judging panel for the acclaimed Red Dot design competition awarded the 2009 Communication Prize to the Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon timepiece.  This watch, the product of independent Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva, draws its design inspiration from the bleak Finnish winter and is notable for its moon phase indicator which captures a distinct sense of melancholy and contemplation.  A distinctive relieved dial allows the entire moon phase cycle to be perceived, including the elusive period of the new moon.  

The Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon watch is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case covered by a black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating.  Power is provided by a self-winding Soprod A10 movement modified by Sarpaneva for the moon phase complication.  Power reserve of the barrel is 42 hours, and balance wheel frequency is 28,800 vibrations per hour.  The central winding rotor is in stainless steel with a white gold mass for added weight; it displays a hand-engraved face which echoes the expression carved into the oxidized silver moon discs.

Sarpaneva is producing the Korona K3 Black Moon timepiece in a limited edition of just 20 pieces.  The watches are supplied with a hardwood case that holds the watch vertically for display.  A special touch, and one which particularly impressed the Red Dot jury panel, is a hand-bound book which comes along with every one of the twenty Black Moon watches.  In eerie black and white illustrations, the book presents the tale of Lilith, a seductive she-demon that draws power from the new moon to mesmerize and prey upon unsuspecting men.  

Click here to access an earlier ViaLuxe article discribing Sarpaneva's similar Korona K3 Red Moon timepiece.  Click here to visit the Sarpaneva website.