April 6th 2025
At Watches and Wonders 2025, Louis Moinet unveiled a stunning new timepiece: the Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph. This elegant chronograph pays tribute to the brand’s founder, Louis Moinet, who invented the chronograph in—you guessed it—1816.
A Modern Case with Classic Intentions
The case of the Louis Moinet 1816 is a nod to both innovation and tradition. Crafted from grade 5 titanium with polished and satin finishes, it measures 40.6mm in diameter and is composed of 51 parts. The titanium bracelet, the brand’s first metal bracelet, features curvilinear links that seamlessly extend from the case, giving the watch a sophisticated yet contemporary appearance.
A Dial Inspired by the Past
The dial evokes the aesthetic of the original 1816 pocket watch. Constructed from 23 parts and held together with four blued steel screws, it features a rhodium-plated, bead-blasted and engraved surface. Brushed rings frame the subdials, creating a monochromatic look. The hands are faceted, skeletonized, and lume-filled, while blued chronograph hands offer contrast. A ring marked in six-second intervals, reminiscent of the original sixtieths of a second scale, surrounds the dial.
An All-New Movement: LM1816
To match the original subdial layout (1, 6, 11), Louis Moinet developed a new movement—the LM1816. This hand-wound column wheel chronograph includes 330 components and offers 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour functions. It operates at 28,800 vph with a 48-hour power reserve, visible through the transparent caseback.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Priced at $32,770, the Louis Moinet 1816 blends historic homage with modern craftsmanship. For collectors who appreciate tradition with a modern twist, this chronograph offers something uniquely compelling.
