April 6th 2025
At Watches and Wonders 2025, Louis Moinet introduced a stunning tribute to horological history with the release of the Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph. Honoring the legacy of the brand’s namesake—who invented the chronograph in 1816—this timepiece blends modern materials with a vintage-inspired design.
Refined and Thoughtful Design
Breaking from the brand’s often avant-garde releases, the 1816 Chronograph adopts a more restrained aesthetic, paying homage to the first chronograph pocket watch. The case is crafted from grade 5 titanium, polished and satin-finished, measuring 40.6mm in diameter and 14.7mm thick. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating tops the 51-part construction.
The integrated titanium bracelet, Louis Moinet’s first metal bracelet, features curvilinear wide links that flow seamlessly from the case—designed for comfort and elegance.
Monochrome Elegance on the Dial
Constructed from 23 parts, the dial has been bead blasted, engraved, and rhodium-plated, creating a sophisticated monochrome look. Blued steel screws, brushed rings around the subdials, faceted skeletonized hands with lume, and blued chronograph hands round out the detailing. The minute and seconds ring includes black nickel cabochons, nodding to the sixtieths of a second markings from the original.
A New Caliber: LM1816
To reproduce the unique 1, 6, 11 subdial layout of the original chronograph, Louis Moinet developed the new LM1816 movement. This hand-wound, column wheel chronograph features 330 components, offers 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour timing, and boasts a 48-hour power reserve. Visible through a transparent caseback, it operates at 28,800 vph using 34 jewels and a swan-neck regulator.
Heritage Meets Innovation
With a price of approximately $32,770, the 1816 Chronograph delivers a unique blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation—perfect for collectors looking for tradition with a modern twist.