Louis Moinet unveiled its new model, the "1806," at the Geneva Watch Days, held from September 4th to 7th, 2025. This timepiece pays homage to the milestone year in which 19th-century watchmaker Louis Moinet made his name when he presented his first watch to French Emperor Napoleon. It will be released as a new addition to the "Mechanical Wonders" collection.
Text by Kento Nii
[Article published on January 8, 2025]
A tribute to 1806, the origin of watchmaker Louis Moinet's success
Louis Moinet's "Mechanical Wonders" is a collection that focuses on the mechanisms of mechanical watches and carries on the techniques and creativity of watchmaker Louis Moinet, who began his watchmaking training in Switzerland in 1800. Inheriting his spirit, this collection features a lineup of timepieces that combine sophisticated mechanisms with sophisticated designs.
The newest addition to the collection is the "1806" model, which commemorates the year that Louis Moinet first gifted a watch to a famous person. The year, which is also listed along with the brand logo, saw him deliver a clock to Emperor Napoleon of France, establishing his firm position in the watchmaking world. This success is said to have led to the creation of the world's first chronograph, the "Contour de Thiers."
The 12 o'clock position on the dial features the fleur-de-lis symbol as a tribute to Louis Moinet's hometown of Bourges, France. Automatic movement (Cal. LM1806). 22 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 48 hours. Titanium case (diameter 40.6 mm, thickness 15.15 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price to be determined.
With this background, this timepiece has a modern appearance, but is also full of respect for traditional watchmaking.
The dial features two finishes: microbead blast and satin, creating a contrast between matte and glossy finishes. At the 6 o'clock position is the brand logo, written in the same font as the world's first chronograph, the Contour de Thiers. Meanwhile, the "Chronomètre d'Observatoire" inscription at the 3 o'clock position, indicating that the watch is an observatory chronometer, is inscribed in the same font as the applied indexes, adding a modern touch to the watch's appearance.
The dial is secured in place by four screws, and the use of traditional blued steel for these screws, as well as the hour, minute, and second hands, creates a visual contrast and improves legibility.
The exterior is made of grade 5 titanium. The bracelet, in particular, features a shape that is integrated with the case, named "Project Bridge," combining a modern look with a comfortable fit. The movement is the Cal. LM1806, developed in collaboration with Concept. It is an observatory chronometer that has passed 15 days of testing under various positions and temperature conditions, and has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
