The New, More Compact and Streamlined Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit (Live Pics & Price)
A modernised, distilled expression of the brand’s design philosophy.
The Memoris was initially introduced in 2016 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ateliers Louis Moinet and the 200th anniversary of the Compteur de Tierces, the innovative stopwatch created by the eponymous watchmaker. Instead of revealing the chronograph movement on the caseback, the Memoris transposes the chronograph mechanism to the dial. During Watches and Wonders 2022, the model returns in a modernised version marking a fitting design direction for the independent watchmaking brand. Meet the Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit.
The Louis Moinet Memoris was designed as a tribute to the creation of a historic Louis Moinet creation, the Compteurs de Tierces. According to the markings on the case, this remarkable stopwatch was designed in 1815-1816 to time the passage of the stars – it measures time intervals to the 60th of a second with start, stop and reset functions. To reach this impressive precision, its balance wheel beats at a staggering 216,000 vibrations per hour!
The Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit is a modernised, distilled expression of the brand’s design philosophy. This new take on the model is presented in a more dynamic, more streamlined and less ornate style. It is also more wearable as it comes in a 40.7mm case making it significantly smaller and lighter than the original 46mm version.
Although the lineage is obvious, a lot has changed with the new Spirit. The new design is based on a pronounced domed sapphire crystal paired with a double-reading flange. The case no longer features the brand’s six-screw bezel and the protective dome sits flush against the side of the case, offering a unique perspective on the original dial-side chronograph mechanism. The case profile has also been reworked, notably with a more fluid crown support and skeletonised lugs. The crown is engraved with a Fleur de Lys, and the pump-style chronograph pusher features a chequered motif for better grip. The water-resistance is rated at 50m.
The off-centred dial has also been reinterpreted in a more contemporary style. Made of two parts, it features baton markers paired with faceted hands. The small seconds and chronograph minute sub-dials are transparent with white markings.
Inside the Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit is the self-winding calibre LM84, a proprietary movement developed together with movement manufacturer Concepto. In an original display, the chronograph mechanism is transposed dial side with its column wheel and horizontal clutch in full view. Comprising no fewer than 311 components, it runs at 4Hz with 48 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Although the chronograph steals the show, the other side of the movement is also visible through the exhibition caseback. It reveals a guilloché rotor adorned with a Fleur de Lys.
The Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit is worn on an integrated, hand-sewn alligator strap with alligator lining, and the strap is fitted with an interchangeable system. The triple-blade folding clasp is in the shape of a Fleur de Lys. The watch is released in limited editions of 28 watches in rose gold and 60 pieces in titanium. Price is set respectively at CHF 45,000 and CHF 29,500. For more information, please visit www.louismoinet.com.