The prestigious Watches and Wonders 2025 exhibition served as the perfect backdrop for Louis Moinet’s latest horological masterpiece – the Louis Moinet 1816 chronograph.
This exceptional timepiece represents a significant departure from the brand’s recent design language, embracing a more restrained aesthetic that pays homage to its namesake’s groundbreaking invention of the chronograph in 1816.
The new model strikes a delicate balance between historical reverence and contemporary craftsmanship, offering watch enthusiasts a compelling blend of heritage and innovation.
Craftsmanship and Technical Excellence
The Louis Moinet 1816 showcases exceptional attention to detail in its construction. The case, crafted from polished and satin-finished grade 5 titanium, measures a comfortable 40.6mm in diameter.
This sophisticated housing consists of 51 meticulously engineered components, achieving a total thickness of 14.7mm. The watch features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal visibility and protection.
Perhaps most notably, the 1816 marks Louis Moinet’s first foray into metal bracelets. The grade 5 titanium bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case design, creating a cohesive visual experience. The bracelet’s wide links exhibit a distinctive curvilinear shape that naturally extends from the case, enhanced by a harmonious combination of satin and polished finishes that catch and reflect light from different angles.
The dial itself is a marvel of horological artistry, comprising 23 individual components secured by four blued steel screws. The meticulous bead-blasted and engraved surface receives a rhodium plating treatment, while brushed rings elegantly encircle both the main dial and subdials. This thoughtful approach results in a sophisticated monochromatic appearance that speaks to the watch’s refined character.
The timepiece features faceted, skeletonized main hands filled with luminescent material for enhanced legibility in various lighting conditions. In contrast, the chronograph hands are executed in a striking blue finish, creating a subtle visual differentiation between time-telling and chronograph functions.
Ten blacked nickel cabochons are strategically positioned on the minute and seconds chapter ring, which is divided into six-second increments – a deliberate nod to the original chronograph’s sixtieths of a second indication.
Engineering Innovation and Historical Connection
To faithfully recreate the distinctive 1, 6, and 11 o’clock subdial arrangement found in Louis Moinet’s original chronograph, the company developed an entirely new caliber designated LM1816.
This impressive movement consists of 330 components and features a sophisticated column wheel chronograph mechanism capable of measuring elapsed time in 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour increments.
The hand-wound movement measures 30.4mm in width and 7.9mm in thickness, operating at a contemporary frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This modern rate ensures precise timekeeping while providing a power reserve of up to 48 hours.
The movement utilizes 34 jewels and incorporates a swan-neck regulating spring for fine adjustment capabilities. Watch enthusiasts will appreciate the transparent caseback that offers an unobstructed view of this remarkable mechanism in action.
With the introduction of the 1816 Chronograph, Louis Moinet expands its portfolio to include a more traditionally styled timepiece that should resonate with both existing fans and new admirers of the brand.
While not strictly a reissue of the original chronograph, this new model successfully captures its historical essence while incorporating modern materials and manufacturing techniques. The attractive dial design paired with the lightweight titanium construction creates a compelling option for collectors seeking something distinctive yet wearable.
The Louis Moinet 1816 chronograph is positioned as a premium offering within the luxury watch market, with pricing established at approximately CHF 28,000. This pricing reflects both the watch’s technical sophistication and its status as a limited production timepiece from an esteemed independent watchmaker.
For watch enthusiasts and collectors interested in exploring this fascinating blend of horological history and contemporary craftsmanship, additional details and specifications can be found on the official Louis Moinet website.
