Case Inspired by the Moon

India’s journey to the Moon is a defining chapter in its space history. On 22 October 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a PSLV-XL rocket. It marked India’s first lunar mission and led to a significant discovery—evidence of water molecules on the Moon’s surface. 

This moment became the starting point for the Apogee Manzinus. The watch was designed as an inspiration to that mission, bringing together material, form, and story. At 6 o’clock sits a 9mm meteorite disc, placing a fragment of space within the watch. The case, finished in a bright white tone, reflects the Moon’s surface and introduces Cerasteel®, a proprietary material developed for the Apogee collection. 

Cerasteel® is built as a unibody case from high-grade steel, coated with ceramic for durability and finish. It was tested in stratospheric conditions, where it withstood extreme temperatures. These tests also influenced the evolution of the case, transitioning from the original white to darker matte tones, aligning with the broader Apogee design language inspired by space. 

India’s lunar ambitions continued with Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, culminating in a successful landing near the Moon’s South Pole in 2023. This milestone led to the creation of the Manzinus II, named after the Manzinus Crater, one of the key lunar reference points. 

The watch carries forward the same idea, with a 9mm Muonionalusta meteorite disc at 6 o’clock. The dial shifts to a darker tone, representing the low-light conditions of the lunar surface, while maintaining the connection to exploration and material authenticity. 

The space-inspired watch collection, Apogee, reflects a broader approach to watchmaking at Bangalore Watch Company, where design is closely tied to narrative. The introduction of Cerasteel ® was not only a material innovation but also a functional improvement over earlier cases, offering strength, durability, and a distinct visual identity suited to space-inspired watches. 

This approach is consistent across all collections, where each watch is built around a specific idea, whether it is an aviation watch, a watch for outdoors, or inspired by a sport. In the case of Apogee, the focus remains on space and India’s progress within it. 

Design today draws from the spirit of contemporary India that's dynamic, evolving, and forward-looking. At BWC, this perspective shapes the watches we create. Our four collections reflect modern Indian watchmaking through distinct Indian stories from aviation-inspired designs rooted in India’s skies to space narratives that celebrate the country’s achievements and its journey beyond. 

Material choices follow the same thinking. The Cerasteel ® white case is not just an aesthetic decision, but one that aligns closely with the story of the watch while offering improved performance and durability.