A few weeks ago I watched an absolutely fascinating documentary about a young Australian inventor called Cedar Anderson. For years Cedar lived a modest lifestyle with his partner in country New South Wales working on ideas in his shed. Essentially they survived on a small income, without any mod coms. This was until he launched his revolutionary bee-keeping product aptly named the Flowhive on Kickstarter. Unbelievably his creation went viral and raised over 12 million dollars within 24 hours. This effectively propelled Cedar into the international limelight and made him a multi-millionaire over night. Ultimately this heartwarming success story is reminiscent of the trials and tribulations many watchmakers have to go through. For example Jean-Marie Schaller originally launched Swiss watch brand Louis Moinet from his living room.
In the short time I have know Jean-Marie Schaller I have come to really respect him. I am also very grateful for the ongoing support that Louis Moinet has given Total Watch Reviews. Without the generous assistance of brands, watch blogs just wouldn’t survive. Ultimately this would have a negative impact on the industry because most printed magazines only feature their sponsors. Essentially this means that only the richest brands would ever get any exposure. Nevertheless it is pertinent to mention that I write articles about Louis Moinet primarily because I love their timepieces.
Recently Louis Moinet’s Vertalor won the prestigious International Chronometry Competition. To win this award the watch was subject to numerous tests (including measurement cycles, exposure to magnetic fields, and Impacts) over a duration of four months. In my opinion this is well deserved and a great team effort from all concerned. Even though I haven’t personally tested this marvelous creation I did get to try on many other watches at Baselworld including the Derrick Gaz Tourbillon, Jurassic Watch and Memoris. For that reason I know it would feel exceptionally comfortable to wear.
Visually the Memoris has the high quality appearance you would expect from a luxury watchmaker like Louis Moinet. It is clear that Jean-Marie Schaller has very specific ideas about the aesthetic of his watches and that is why there is no room for compromise. What I particularly love about this timepiece is the exquisite skeletonized white dial. This characteristic works in perfect harmony with the luxurious 18-karat (52 piece) white gold case. Other features include blue tinted “Gouttes de Rosée”® dewdrop hour/minute hands and two sporty chronograph counters. Overall the composition is cohesive and the finishing absolutely first rate.
Beneath the magnificent façade lies a sophisticated self-winding movement developed entirely in house by Louis Moinet. The Caliber LM54 comprises 34-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Each of the 302 individual components has been fastidiously decorated (Côtes de Genève) finished and assembled by hand. This entire mechanical splendor is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Memoris features hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph timers. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 48-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 50-metres.
The Memoris is limited to only 60 pieces and has a hand stitched Louisiana alligator strap with matching 18-karat white gold folding clasp. Priced for the discerning at: CHF 55,000 (approximately $55,171).
For more information about Louis Moinet visit the company’s website: http://www.louismoinet.com
