Let me tell you a quick story:
In 1816, a watchmaker by the name of Louis Moinet created what he called the “compteur de tierces,” but we know it as the chronograph, a timepiece that combines both a display watch and a stopwatch. It was originally created for use in tracking astronomical objects, but is now also used for many tasks, such as to pilot airplanes and maneuver submarines. It was and continues to be a fantastically beautiful invention, and now, 200 years after its creation, the watch company that bears his name has created a timepiece in his memory.
Louis Moinet, a Swiss watch brand located in Saint-Blaise, prides itself on taking “a completely different approach to watchmaking.” At Baselworld 2015 this past March, the company introduced “Memoris,” the first chronograph-watch in history – a chronograph that also tells the time. The launch of this piece fell on the ten-year anniversary of the company, and on the bi-centenary of the chronograph’s invention. It is a special piece, one that focuses on the celebration of both the man and the company.
Before I get into how I feel about this watch, let’s take a quick look at some of the specs:
- Visible chronograph mechanism
- A 60 second chronograph and 30 minute chronograph counter
- Automatic click movement with chronograph function on the dial
- 302-component LM54 caliber, which is manufactured and designed by Louis Moinet
- “Energie Plus” system – increases the automatic wind efficiency by 30% – watch can be wound in both directions
- The case is composed of 52 pieces, designed with two-part bezel and six screws
- 18K gold
- Diameter: 46 mm
- Thickness: 15.75 mm
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Strap is hand-sewn and made from Louisiana alligator leather with alligator lining
- Buckle is 18K gold folding clasp with a Fleur-de-lis motif
- This is a Limited Edition piece that comes in 18K rose gold and 18K white gold, with three editions. Only 60 watches in each edition were made.
If you ask me how I feel about “Memoris,” it would not be from the perspective of someone who is extremely well versed in the mechanics of watches, but of someone who has owned and enjoyed more than their fair share of watches in their lifetime. The first thing that I would say is that I cannot stop looking at it. I honestly had an emotional response the moment that I first saw this watch. “Memoris” is quite easily one of the most beautiful watches that I have ever seen. It is literally a work of art. It’s not just that it is a piece that celebrates a man and his invention that is still in use today, but it’s the way that it was designed. 300+ components were created for the movement, and over 50 components for the case. They were serious about making this timepiece work, and it shows. The watch is absolutely gorgeous, and the chronograph function in whole is displayed on the dial side of the piece, which is something that has never been done before. Being able to see the inner workings of the timepiece is exciting to me, as I have always been the person that wanted to know exactly how things work. Granted, that may have gotten me in a little trouble as a kid, because I always took apart the expensive things and didn’t put them back together, but that’s neither here nor there. 😉
I like beautiful things. I cannot help it. And “Memoris” falls into that category. There is something about it that calls to me, and I hope to add it to my collection one day. Mind you, that may be 10 years from now, but it will happen. It’s good to have a dream! But until then, there’s this:
Relax, I've Had Coffee. 