Just over a year ago I was all packed up and ready to travel to Baselworld when I had an unfortunate accident playing tennis. Although the incident wasn’t life threatening it did prove very frustrating because I had to cancel all my appointments. Fortunately brands like Louis Moinet supported me through this time and for that I am eternally grateful. This year I did attend the fair and got to meet the owner of the company Jean-Marie Schaller and the rest of the team. In fact it was my first scheduled appointment and a fantastic start to Baselworld 2015.
Generally when I talk to personalities within the industry they always have an opinion on other watchmakers in the industry. Normally it is constructive although it is a very competitive commercial environment and sometimes emotions run high. When people talk about Jean-Marie Schaller it is always with praise and very positive. Now I have met him personally I can totally understand why. He is a very unassuming person and lets the quality of his work do all the talking. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time to discuss the concepts behind some of his exquisite designs. Literally he was in demand for every minute of the show and each time I visited his booth (on subsequent occasions) he was engaged in deep conversation. Fortunately marketing manager Jonathan Richard allowed me access to some of the company’s newest offerings.
Over the last two years I have written about Louis Moinet many times on Total Watch Reviews and for other high profile magazines. One of my favourite models is the sublime Derrick Tourbillon. This year the company unveiled a new 2015 model called the Gaz, which unbelievably is even more striking. Dimensionally the timepiece measures 47mm (excluding the crown) and is sure to make a bold statement. Certainly for a watch of this it felt comfortable and lightweight on the wrist. Primarily this is down to the innovative case design (composed of 59 parts) and the choice of luxurious 18-karat white gold.
Visually the Derrick Gaz Tourbillon has a beautiful appearance and wouldn’t look out of place in a museum. In this new version the layout has slightly changed and there is a large aluminium tower positioned at the right hand side of the cobalt blue dial. All these industrial elements give the timepiece a wonderful steampunkesque aesthetic. Other distinctive details include open worked hour/minute hands, power reserve indicator and a large aperture (positioned at 6 0’clock) exposing the magnificent tourbillon movement. Overall the design of this objet d’art is well conceived and wonderfully executed.
At the heart of the watch is a highly exclusive manual winding movement created by Louis Moinet and Swiss company Concepto. The calibre comprises 19-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each component has been meticulously decorated, engraved and finished to the highest possible standards. Functionally the Derrick Gaz Tourbillon features hours, minutes and seconds (displayed on the rotating tourbillon). The timepiece also has a power reserve of 72-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Derrick Gaz Tourbillon (as tested) has a hand crafted blue alligator strap with matching white gold folding clasp. Priced for the connoisseur at: CHF 280,000 (approximately $293,191).
For more information about Louis Moinet visit the company’s website: http://www.louismoinet.com
