[Interview] Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO and Creative Director of Louis Moinet

Born in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, Jean-Marie Schaller worked for the trading company Siberhegner, founded Perrelet, and then launched Louis Moinet in 2004.

I wanted to devote my life to making my own watches.

"I was born in the Vallée de Joux. There was nothing there, but nature and the culture of watches were there. When I was little, I realized that watches were not just products, but patrimony, and that I wanted to devote my life to making my own watches." He started Louis Moinet as a side job.

"When I worked with Franck Muller, he was pure, and I also thought that watches should be pure. I don't like power games. So I started the Louis Moinet business as a side job, with my boss's permission. I was divorced and had no money, but my dream was to be happy and to make watches." It seems that the person who gave her advice was Daniel Roth.

"He was a hero. François Baudet hired Roth when he was reviving Breguet. That's when he learned about Louis Moinet. After Roth went independent, I flew with him to Tokyo. Over wine, he said, 'I should have my own brand, and Louis Moinet would be the perfect choice.'"

　Since discovering the historic chronograph in 2012, the company has been obsessed with chronographs—not surprising, considering Louis Moinet is said to be the inventor of the chronograph—but now Louis Moinet is looking to branch out even further.

"My goal is to add a new emotion and to highlight the craftsmanship and watchmaking. Chronographs are important, of course, but I think Louis Moinet's DNA is mechanical wonder and cosmic art. He excelled in chronographs and astronomical clocks."

　Now, it makes sense why the Cosmic Art Collection was created.

　Now, Louis Moinet is no longer limited to chronographs, but is creating its own unique timepieces. Moreover, its "style" is becoming more and more free each year. What triggered this change?

"I don't want to limit the direction of the product. Rolex is simple and has a set way of doing things, but we're not like that. We want to play with the elements of the watch. We want to create something completely new, with passion and DNA," he said, praising Louis Moinet: "Louis Moinet was both a watchmaker and an artist. So why not do Métiers d'Art?"

　Jean-Marie Schaller has expanded his creative freedom beyond the boundaries of the chronograph, which is perhaps why Louis Moinet has established a unique position for itself today.