For some prestigious manufacturers, watchmaking has always been part of a heritage, steeped in the art of timekeeping. Not for Louis Moinet. The founder of the company studied architecture, sculpture and art at a young age before securing himself a job in the Louvre upon his return back to Paris. His role as Professor at the Academy of Arts would form the foundations to a deep seated passion in timekeeping instruments. Louis Moinet had actually spent a great proportion of his life with a skilled watchmaker, thus the idea to continue his education in the area of watchmaking was formed. Having spent ten years studying the art of watch manufacture with his master, Louis Moinet was ready to venture into the world of luxury watchmaking, but not before he became president of the Chronometry Society of Paris. It was here he became close friends with Breguet. Between the years 1811 and 1816, the two explored many a timekeeping concept, sharing their vision and aspirations in their fields of expertise.
Louis Moinet’s first chronograph movement was created in 1816. What would follow is two decades of expert chronograph manufacture. During this time, Louis Moinet created his first magnum opus, called Le Traite d’Horlogerie, which was released in 1948. The literature based on Moinet’s expertise took a total of 20 years to write. In addition to this, Louis Moinet created an astronomical watch and various designs that were received well and enjoyed not only by royalty but high members of society too.
The revival of Louis Moinet 155 years later by Jean Marie Schaller enabled the company to hold onto its unique heritage whilst also appealing to a whole new, modern-day audience. The company has managed to do this by revisiting original design codes and remaining faithful to traditional watchmaking techniques. In this way, the company creates classic and refined timepieces that tell a story of history, prestige and provenance. Louis Moinet has gone on to patent several mechanisms that give each wristwatch a completely unique and authentic feel on the wrist. Many of the special editions created have been restricted to small numbers ranging from 12 and 60 individual pieces. Once production is ceased on any one model, the pre owned price subsequently increases, making every Louis Moinet watch a highly sought after collectable.
The Memoris watch line remains popular, appealing to collectors of intricately crafted luxury watches. Equipped with a skeletonised dial that exposes many beautifully decorated elements of an in-house made movement, the timepiece imparts a complex look that is full of character and charm. The main timekeeping dial is presented in an off-center dial at 6 o’clock. The Memoris also pays homage to the world’s first chronograph developed by the manufacturer. The Ultravox by Louis Moinet is another recognisable design. It showcases a very rare complication that is exposed through the dial side of the watch. The striking hammer is released when a gathering pallet located at 6 o’clock is engaged. The inertia braking flywheel then regulates the rhythm of the strike and the entire timepiece comes to life, combining both visual and sensual appeal.
Offering a more dynamic choice when it comes to dial colours is the Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome watch, which boasts a dial flange and surround finished in a striking blue, green or black colour. The design is characterised by its dew drop inspired hands that parade the dial elegantly and gracefully. The Tempograph is powered by the 20-Seconds Tempograph retrograde movement, fully reworked for this modern, ergonomically developed design. As with all Louis Moinet watches, timepieces like this continue to add leverage to the brand’s success to date, extending on a line of fresh, clean and unique looking instruments for the wrist.
