Romain Jerome’s Moon Dust-DNA watches turn space exploration into both a design concept and a materials story. The manufacturer says the collection began in 2009 and describes some dials as containing authentic Moon dust and some cases as incorporating steel from Apollo 11. The range is not one watch or one price: listed steel models include automatic chronographs and PVD variants, while a nine-piece Roswell tourbillon sits in a different price category altogether.
What are Romain Jerome Moon Dust-DNA watches?
RJ-Romain Jerome’s official user manual describes Moon-DNA as a collection launched in 2009 and inspired by space exploration. Its wording calls it “an exclusive and original collection” inspired by “the conquest of space.” The manual says the family uses Moon dust, elements of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, or fibers from an International Space Station spacesuit, depending on the watch.
For the dial, the manual describes a mineral coating containing authentic Moon dust blended with natural pigments. It also says the 1.4435-XI steel cases combine conventional stainless steel with steel taken from the Apollo XI spacecraft. These are the manufacturer’s material descriptions; the manual is not independent laboratory verification of the materials’ composition or provenance. RJ-Romain Jerome official user manual
How the models differ
Moon Dust-DNA is a family of watches, not a single specification. The listed examples range from automatic chronographs to automatic PVD models and a scarce manual-winding tourbillon.
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- Bezel - Carbon fibre & Satin-finished stainless steel black PVD
- RJ2901 – Mechanical self-winding movement
- Hands - Hour & minute inspired by the solar panels of a spacecraft and small seconde by the moon-landing target
- Case Back - Moon Dust engraving
- Strap Material - Black Rubber
Stainless-steel chronograph
RJ Watches lists the Moon Dust-DNA Stainless Steel chronograph, reference RJ.MD.CH.101.10, with a 46 mm case, a carbon-fibre and stainless-steel bezel, and automatic mechanical chronograph caliber RJ001-CH1. Its listed movement specifications are 23 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vph and a 42-hour power reserve. The strap is black rubber, with an optional black Hornback crocodile leather strap described as partly woven with carbon fibers and fibers from an ISS spacesuit. RJ Watches: reference RJ.MD.CH.101.10
Stainless-steel PVD automatic models
RJ Watches also lists Moon Dust-DNA Stainless Steel PVD and color variants. One example, reference RJ.MD.AU.101.20, has a 46 mm black satin-finished steel case and a carbon-fibre and black-PVD stainless-steel bezel. It uses self-winding caliber RJ2901, with 31 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vph and a 38-hour power reserve. These specifications are not interchangeable with those of the chronograph. RJ Watches: reference RJ.MD.AU.101.20
Rank #2
- Bezel - Carbon fibre & Satin-finished stainless steel black PVD
- RJ2901 – Mechanical self-winding movement
- Hands - Hour & minute inspired by the solar panels of a spacecraft and small seconde by the moon-landing target
- Case Back - Moon Dust engraving
- Strap Material - Black Rubber
The Truth about Roswell tourbillon
The GPHG profile documents a more unusual example: The Truth about Roswell, a 46 mm manual-winding tourbillon from a nine-piece Moon Dust-DNA series. The profile says the materials have legal-document authentication in Switzerland and that each watch comes with a certificate from the Association of Space Explorers. Those provenance details are claims reported by the GPHG profile, not a general specification applicable to every Moon Dust-DNA model. GPHG: The Truth about Roswell
What do Moon Dust-DNA watches cost?
The displayed prices below refer to different models and price contexts, so they should not be treated as a like-for-like range or as current resale values.
Rank #3
- Bezel - Carbon fibre & Satin-finished stainless steel black PVD
- RJ2901 – Mechanical self-winding movement
- Hands - Hour & minute inspired by the solar panels of a spacecraft and small seconde by the moon-landing target
- Case Back - Moon Dust engraving
- Strap Material - Black Rubber
| Example | Listed price | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|
| Moon Dust-DNA Stainless Steel chronograph, RJ.MD.CH.101.10 | $22,900 | RJ Watches suggested retail price before applicable taxes; the manufacturer says suggested prices may change without notice. Source |
| Moon Dust-DNA Stainless Steel PVD and color variants | $16,950 | Displayed price before applicable taxes; the manufacturer says suggested prices may change without notice. Source |
| The Truth about Roswell, nine-piece tourbillon | CHF 156,000 | GPHG-listed price excluding VAT for this rare complication, not a typical collection price. Source |
The gap reflects meaningful differences in model, complication and rarity. The Roswell tourbillon is an extreme example, not a useful proxy for the price of an ordinary Moon Dust-DNA chronograph or automatic model. The listed retail figures are not evidence of what a buyer will pay today.
What does the auction record tell buyers about resale?
Antiquorum records a Romain Jerome Moon Dust-DNA chronograph, reference RJMCH002, limited edition 0051/1969, sold for CHF 3,000 at its Geneva sale on November 9, 2024. The catalog described the watch as very good overall, noted slight case scratches and recommended an overhaul at the buyer’s expense. Antiquorum auction record
Rank #4
- Bezel - Carbon fibre & Satin-finished stainless steel black PVD
- RJ2901 – Mechanical self-winding movement
- Hands - Hour & minute inspired by the solar panels of a spacecraft and small seconde by the moon-landing target
- Case Back - Moon Dust engraving
- Strap Material - Black Rubber
That is one completed sale for one specific watch on one date. It is not an appraisal, a current asking price or a valuation for every Moon Dust-DNA reference. Its condition and service notes do show why a resale comparison should account for more than the model name.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare two Moon Dust-DNA watches
Before comparing prices or considering a pre-owned example, match the actual reference and condition. A useful checklist is:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hour & minute hands inspired by Titanic’s anchor
- RJ7753 Mechanical automatic-winding Chronograph movement
- Case Back-Moon Dust engraving
- Bezel-Carbon fibre & stainless steel
- Case -Satin-finished steel
- Reference and edition: confirm the reference number and any limited-edition numbering; a nine-piece tourbillon is not comparable to a standard chronograph.
- Movement and complication: identify whether it is a chronograph, automatic time-only model or manual-winding tourbillon, then compare the movement specifications for that reference.
- Case, bezel and dial: check the listed materials and finish rather than assuming every model has the same construction.
- Condition and service: examine the case and movement condition, service records and any recommended overhaul; service needs can affect the cost of ownership.
- Type of price: distinguish a suggested retail price, an auction estimate and a completed sale. They answer different questions and are not interchangeable measures of market value.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
