Louis Moinet recently unveiled the 1816 Chronograph, a striking reimagining of the brand’s original ‘compteur de tierces’ stopwatch first constructed in 1816. Rendered now in refined Grade 5 titanium and featuring an integrated bracelet, the latest 1816 balances historical tribute with contemporary horological power. To refer to this as a statement piece doesn’t do it justice considering everything it has to offer. Consider the double-gadroon case, beautiful blending polished and satin surfaces, spans 40.6 mm and comprises 51 parts, while its profile recalls the Directoire semi-bassine style. Next, pushers flank a crown adorned with the fleur-de-lys, a historical nod to Moinet’s birthplace in Bourges. Water resistance is measured up to 30 meters.
The dial architecture mimics the original stopwatch layout with modern clarity
The dial of the 1816 comprises 23 elements, including ten blackened nickel cabochons and four blued screws that secure it to the movement below. Its stepped, bead-blasted rhodium surfaces give way to annular counters for minutes, hours, and small seconds. The chronograph’s outer chapter ring is graduated in six-unit increments, echoing the original sixtieth-second logic reminiscent of the early compteur de tierces. The hands are crafted from blued steel, and hour and minute hands are openworked with luminescent tips, assuring legibility against the rhodium backdrop.
A new caliber linked to tradition and precision
The newly developed LM1816 calibre lies at the heart of this model, created in collaboration with Concepto. It comprises 330 parts, including 34 jewels, and operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The movement features a column wheel, horizontal clutch, swan-neck regulator, and a jumping minute counter — an intricate, state-of-the-art complication that instantly advances the elapsed minute hand at each full minute to produce a clear, unfettered reading. The LM1816 boasts 48 hours of power reserve. Its open architecture gives way to some contrasting finishes: gilt bridges, steel components, blued screws, and ruby jewels. The titanium integrated bracelet, dubbed ‘Project BRIDGE’, flows from the case with satin and polished surfaces and sculpted links for a finished look that is classic, yet thoroughly modern.
A refined statement of heritage and mechanical brilliance
The Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph is a technical piece de resistance, a historically grounded timepiece that dares to lead a charge towards a more engaging timepiece. The end result equates to modern finishing, engineering, and wearability for the discerning collector.
