It is going to be difficult to dissociate the Louis Moinet brand from its spectacular revelation in March 2013: the discovery of the first chronograph in horological history, discovered, dated and signed by the illustrious horologist himself. While historians are still busy rewriting textbooks, the youthful brand is pursuing its chosen path and unveiling three new models at BaselWorld.
The Geograph watches are models launched two years ago, “in current editions that are now virtually all sold out”, says Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO & Creative Director of the Ateliers Louis Moinet. That is indeed exactly why at this year’s BaselWorld the brand is introducing new aesthetic variations based on the succession version, in midnight blue, Havana and silver-toned titanium interpretations. This Havana colour, achieved by a galvanic bath featuring a subtle chemical balance such as few brands are able to master, will be shared with a new Mecanograph model, another best-seller from the Ateliers Louis Moinet.
In parallel with these classic collections, the brand is planning to reinforce its range of sports watches, with a model dedicated to Nelson Piquet and joining a whole new Legends collection. “This collection is dedicated to great champions and gentlemen. Nelson Piquet is indeed an automobile sports legend who won Formula 1 world championship titles in 1981, 1983 and 1987. With the Ateliers Louis Moinet, we share that same passion or mechanical performance”, points out Jean-Marie Schaller.
The new Nelson Piguet model, a 45.5 mm chronograph with a forged carbon bezel, will feature a tinted glass that is blue on this first example and will be joined as of next month by another model dedicated to another champion.
The first watch equipped with a… derrick
The Ateliers Louis Moinet have already accustomed us to timepieces comprising materials that are pretty unusual or indeed unprecedented in the watch industry, such as the Jurassic Tourbillon and its dial made of genuine dinosaur bone.
Pursuing this same ‘fossile’ approach, the brand has now turned to the oil industry. “Above its tourbillon at 6 o’clock, the Tourbillon Derrick features an animation that literally reproduces the pumping motion of actual oil derricks”, explains Jean-Marie Schaller. This original development was devised in cooperation with the brand’s watchmaking partner, Concepto. This 12-piece limited edition will join the “Treasures of the world” collection, which encompasses timepieces incorporating materials dating back several millions of years.
The Ateliers Louis Moinet are thus continuing to develop their collections in a remarkably consistent manner – which is no small feat with collections carrying price tags from CHF 10,000 to CHF 100,000, and covering a territory ranging from motor sports to drilling rigs!
