Introducing the new Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit
Friday - 20 May 2022
The new Memoris Spirit watch by Louis Moinet pays homage to the 200-year old Compteur de Tierces chronograph stopwatch and is offered in both lightweight titanium and 18ct rose gold case options.
Back in 2016, Louis Moinet released the Memoris watch to mark the 200th anniversary of the Compteur de Tierces – a name given to the very first chronograph ever made. Louis Moinet made himself the Compteur de Tierces to time astronomical observations, yet it would be another seven years before the next one was developed, not to mention another decade before the next chronograph would surface. The Louis Moinet Memoris was unique in the fact that it showcased the mechanics of the chronograph movement through its dial side. Now, to mark the Watches and Wonders 2022 event, Louis Moinet has released another modernised version of this unique-looking chronograph named the Memoris Spirit. The new Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit is available in three different versions; a titanium version with black dial elements, an 18ct rose gold version with silver dial elements and a titanium version with striking blue elements. All three models bear a 40mm diameter and are each limited in production – 60 each for the titanium models and just 28 for the 18ct rose gold watches.
About the Compteur de Tierces
The original Compteur de Tierces was developed between the years 1815 and 1816 and measured time intervals to the 60th of a second. It featured a stop, start and reset function and comprised a balance wheel that could perform at a rate of 216,000 vibrations per hour. Distilling the essence of the original Compteur de Tierces, the new and modernised Memoris Spirit watch by Louis Moinet is a unique collectable that pays homage to this important lineage. It boasts an ornate style but measures a much more discreet 40.7mm diameter compared to the dinosaur dimensions of its original ancestor. Most notably, the new Spirit version of the Louis Moinet Memoris watch features an off-centre dial. The two titanium versions offer this dial in a classic black or vivid blue colour. These different dial colours match their respective minute tracks around the periphery of their skeletonised dial. The main hours, however, are represented in Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The 18ct rose gold version features a silver-coloured off-centre dial and outer minute track but is finished in the same design, albeit with rose gold hour markers and hands. In all three designs, the inner workings of the chronograph movement are executed in rose gold and the display shows a bi-compax layout, with the 30-minute totaliser and small second sub-dial at 3 and 9 o’clock respectively, donating a sense of balance across the display. There are also the sub-dial hands and central chronograph second hand, executed in a vibrant red hue in all three designs and showcased underneath a domed sapphire crystal glass front, treated with anti-reflective technology.
There are several modifications to note about the new design of the Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit watch. No longer is the six-screw bezel present. The edges of the sapphire glass also sit flush with the edge of the case. This design element harmoniously combines with the new case profile, featuring skeletonised lugs and a fluid crown support for a more free-flowing style. Harking back to its stopwatch heritage, the new Memoris Sprit watch showcases a vintage-inspired pump-style pusher with a chequered motif and an easy-grip crown engraved with the Fleur de Lys detailing. All three Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit watches are also integrated with 50-meter water resistance.
Interestingly, the main timekeeping dial of these new models has been designed in two parts. Whilst its hands are faceted, the chronograph sub-dial hands are translucent to remain in keeping with the exposed design of the display. Inside each of the three new titanium and 18ct rose gold Memoris Spirit watches is the calibre LM84 – a collaborative effort between Louis Moinet and Concepto, Transported dial side - along with its horizontal clutch and column wheel - the chronograph movement is put on show, comprising no less than 131 components. The movement delivers a power reserve of 48 hours and beats to the rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Flip the watch over and the rest of the movement is put on show through the back of the case, including its stunning guilloche rotor decorated with Fleur de Lys effect.
Jean-Marie Schaller, the CEO of Louis Moinet details the original concept for the Memoris Spirit and its key position within today’s industry; “This secret dream remained hidden in the back of our minds for two long years. Whether the efforts of designer Fabrice Gonet of those of case-making artisan Bertrand Crevoisier, nothing seemed to work – until that lightbulb moment! The answer came from an original design, combining a strongly domed crystal with a flange dissociated from the glass notch...”
The new Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit watches are available on an integrated black alligator leather strap with hand-sewn stitching and a Fleur de Lys-shaped triple-blade folding clasp crafted from the model’s respective case material. For more information on the new rose gold and titanium limited edition Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit watches, you can check the details out here online at Jura Watches or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453.
