The Louis Moinet 10-second Tempograph is the world’s first timepiece to feature a 10-second retrograde mechanism in a 60-piece limited edition and the recipient of the RedDot Design Award in 2011. Louis Moinet was one of the greatest watchmakers ever and the inventor of the chronograph in 1816. Today, his spirit lives on thanks to Jean-Marie Schaller, who as founder and creative director of the Louis Moinet brand, revived the prestigious name of the inspirational master watchmaker.
Louis Moinet is today an independent watch brand located in Saint-Blaise, Switzerland, specializing in the creation of high-end timepieces, often featuring exotic materials and innovative technology, underpinned by the philosophy of limited edition mechanical art.
All of Louis Moinet’s timepieces are either exclusive limited editions or unique pieces. The Louis Moinet 10-second Tempograph is available in five limited editions of 60 pieces each: 18K 5N red gold with titanium and steel with black dial; 18k 5N red gold with titanium and steel with silver dial; in titanium and steel with black dial; in titanium and steel with silver dial; and in 18K 5N red gold and yellow gold with black dial.
The Dial
To offer uncompromised view of the main function of this watch, Louis Moinet chose to go with a retrograde hand construction that comprises 15 components meticulously crafted to micron tolerances to ensure perfectly smooth and reliable operation. Its highlight is the mesmerizing cam mechanism at 9 o’clock, visible through the open-worked dial, adding yet more spectacle to the retrograde’s visual theater. Fitted on a plate especially designed to highlight its operation, the cam is composed of six teeth and performs one rotation per minute, releasing the titanium and white gold hand adjusted to the hundredth of a gram.
The dial, also includes a blackened bridge with 'Côtes du Jura' guilloché pattern —where the 'Fleur-de-lis' Louis Moinet logo is located. This bridge is simply stunning and adds amazing dimension and contrast to the dial.
A blued-steel tipped hand at 3 o’clock sweeps in 10-second intervals to create a spellbinding ballet. This stunning feature joyously enlivens the dial, while perfectly complementing the majestic hour and minute subdial at 12 o’clock also equipped with blued hands and skeletonized construction.
Jean-Claude Sozzani, head of Tempograph’s technical development, explains: “Never before has a retrograde mechanism been fully revealed. Ours is particularly spectacular because of the cam and lever. The need to perfectly define its center of gravity made this part especially complex to produce.” So original is the retrograde mechanism that a patent has been duly filed for it.
The Case, Crown & Strap
The Louis Moinet 10-second Tempograph is completed by an exceptional titanium and stainless steel 45 mm case, comprising more than 40 bespoke parts designed with a two-part bezel and 6 screws, that is assembled at a 17° angle. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.
The crown features the Louis Moinet logo as well as the patent pending screwed-in crown guard. The Louis Moinet signature crown guard consists of an independent stem integrated within a watertight system and held with a plate secured by four screws. It represents a major advantage compared to the traditionally soldered stem, facilitating its replacement if required.
The watch is fitted with a black hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather strap with 24 mm width between lugs and a folding clasp with apparent pin buckle design.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Louis Moinet 10-second Tempograph is the new Louis Moinet automatic calibre LM39. Composed of 125 parts and 27 jewels, the movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement can be fully appreciated on the dial side and the case back side. The case back is screwed to the case with seven screws, engraved with its individual number and with the traditional Louis Moinet symbols.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size on a 7.25" wrist. The wrist presence is simply remarkable and definitely one of those conversation timepieces for sure. The Louis Moinet Tempograph is available in a limited edition of 60 pieces for each metal.
Sticker Price CHF22,000 Swiss Francs for titanium and stainless steel. For more info on Louis Moinet click here.
