We all know and have probably used a chronograph watch. Apart from looking sporty and classy, they are incredibly useful type of watches. But do you know who invented the chronograph complication? Back in 1816 in Paris, the master watchmaker Louis Moinet developed the very first chronograph watch. Though back then it was used and designed to observe the planetary orbits in the sky. Nevertheless, it proved to be one of the greatest inventions in the watchmaking history. Fast forwarding to the present day, Louis Moinet has launched the Memoris 200th Anniversary timepiece. It is the first-ever chrono watch dressed with light. It is also the first in the series of commemorative watches launched by the brand to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of chronograph.
News Points
- Louis Moinet launches Memoris 200th Anniversary at SIHH 2016.
- Launched to commemorate the bicentenary of ‘chronograph’ invented by Louis Moinet.
- Features a special hand-engraved enamel dial with glowing and shining stars.
- The flange and counter bridge is made of special secret translucent material.
- Self-winding monopusher chronograph featuring a column wheel.
The Memoris 200th Anniversary wristwatch features an enamel hour dial. The absolutely stunning mainplate with star constellations is decorated and painted with finesse. Plate is made up of brass coated with translucent blue colour. However, the stars on mainplate are result of a special engraving technique which uses an all-new fixed graver process. This technique was developed by one of the Louis Moinet craftsmen. It involves attaching a custom-made metal shaping machine or lathe as commonly known to a traditional guillocheuse. This combines precision of handheld engraving with power of the guillocheuse machine. As a result, the mainplate gets varying levels of depth which a traditional turning machine would not be able to achieve. When looked closely at the Louis Moinet SIHH 2016 launch, you will find the stars are engraved at different angles and depth, to ensure maximum absorption of light. The whole fixed graver process is conducted several times for perfection. The final outcome is unprecedented in watchmaking, giving an impression that the stars are really glowing and radiating.
With transparent bridges and flange, the wearer of the watch is able to enjoy the beauty of each and every shimmering star.
Louis Moinet Memoris 200th Anniversary watch is a single-pusher chronograph with column wheel. The chronograph Louis Moinet watch mechanism as seen from the dial side, blends in sweetly, with the blue starry constellations background. A bright blue coloured sub-dial at 6’o clock shows the local time with tiny fine-looking dew drop hands. When the chronograph function is activated the thin central hand indicates 60-seconds time frame while a sub-counter at 3’o clock shows 30 minute counter. The chronograph complication works on the in-house produced LM54 caliber. The bi-directional self-winding movement consists of 302 individual components and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Louis Moinet new 2016 watch has approximately 48 hours of power reserve. It’s 30.40 mm wide movement is marvellously decorated with diamond-polished facets and diamond-cut chamfers.
*Words by Yogen Bobde
