Memoris Diamonds

Louis Moinet has introduced two new limited editions of the Memoris chronograph, each limited to 12 pieces and housed in the Original case, in either 18-karat red gold or grade 5 titanium. Both versions carry a bezel set with 60 diamonds, framing a white glittered dial with twelve blue sapphires marking the hours. The blue doesn’t stop at the markers. It appears again on the flange, on the mainplate, on the two blued screws of the chronograph bridge, and finally on the strap. Together, the diamonds and sapphires light up the dial’s three-dimensional architecture and make plain just how much construction is at work here.

The Original case, at 46 millimeters, has become a classic in its own right, having been the first to house the Memoris chronograph. It rewards a close look. The stepped bezel, secured by six screws, is set with 60 VVS-quality diamonds totaling 0.90 carats, and satin-brushed surfaces alternate with polished ones throughout, down to the brushed flanks of the curved middle case, which carry the watchmaker’s signature. The single pusher at two o’clock wears a clous-de-Paris pattern, the interchangeable tube-crown protection system houses an independent stem within a water-resistant mechanism, and the lugs hold black spinels set in screw-mounted chatons.

The Memoris places its entire chronograph mechanism on the dial side, more than 500 components in full view. Press the pusher and the levers, clutch, hammers, column wheel, springs, and wheels all engage in sequence, a small mechanical spectacle at every start, stop, and reset.