Finally In Stores Now: Meet the Exceptional Louis Moinet Memoris Chronograph

The year 2016 will mark the 200^th year of the chronograph, as invented in 1816 by Louis Moinet. That first precision instrument boasted an amazing 216,000 vibrations per hour and measured 60ths of a second. It also featured a reset function that was unheard of at that time. In short—a pioneering masterpiece.

Earlier this year – and arriving in stores now – Louis Moinet opts to celebrate the 1816 great accomplishment with the Memoris Chronograph, a contemporary design based on a two-centuries-old concept. The watch  (first unveiled at BaselWorld and briefly covered by us then)  features 147 parts that comprise the case, dial, hands, etc. The automatic movement consists of another 155 components and a very unique and spectacular design. In fact, the chronograph module is positioned at the top of the watch in full view (with the automatic portion located beneath the mainplate) as the starring function of the watch.

The Chronograph is powered by a column wheel that features two components linked to each other: six columns on the top portion and, on the lower portion, a cog base that ensures perfect positioning and rotation of the column wheel. Between the two sections, six columns, together with the minute’s hammer and blocking lever and clutch, perform the functions for the chronograph to work.

Additionally, like its 200-year-old predecessor, the new Memoris watch features a high-performance winding system that Louis Moinet refers to as “Energie Plus.” The system improves the winding performance of the automatic movement by approximately 30 percent over basic automatic calibers. IT does this via use of an extra plate equipped with two pawls that allows the rotor movement to store energy in when moving in both directions. The cutting-edge technology of the Energie Plus system consists of a miniature ceramic ball bearing that offers greater intensity, lower weight and minimum friction.

Memoris is offered as a monopusher chronograph whose dance of function is orchestrated on the dial — yielding unparalleled visual appeal. The wearer and onlookers are treated to a ballet of clutch, hammers, column wheel, springs and cogs – all set in motion as they measure a specific timed event. The 46mm watch is offered in three 60-piece limited editions crafted in either rose gold ($55,000) or white gold ($59,900).