ReviewA Tale Of 20 Seconds: Into The Tempograph Chrome By Louis Moinet
Each nuance of the Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome epitomises a fusion of athletic appeal, refined elegance, and unparalleled exclusivity, all underpinned by the distinctive 20-second retrograde mechanism working its magic, in steel and gold editions
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A crown jewel in the exquisite portfolio of Louis Moinet, the illustrious Tempograph stands as a testament to the brand’s unique design DNA. Unveiled as the Louis Moinet 20-second Tempograph in 2014, this masterpiece is a true representation of individuality, boasting a formidable, robust appeal interlaced with an array of sensory delights. The intricate artistry and textural diversity of this horological marvel do not just add to its appeal, but they also manifest the complexity and sophistication inherent in its design. Drawing richly from the original Tempograph’s ingenious appeal, Louis Moinet breathed new life into the model. When materialised, it became the chic and compact Louis Moinet Tempograph Spirit—a transitional masterpiece that brilliantly forges the path for the second-generation marvel, the Tempograph Chrome. Every detail of the Tempograph Chrome expresses sportiness, elegance, and exclusivity based on the unique 20-second retrograde mechanism that is displayed on the top side of the watch—an exclusive animation that makes the Tempograph incredibly desirable.
The Tempograph Chrome: Technology And Aesthetics In Equal Measure
Exhibiting sheer innovation and uniqueness, Louis Moinet continually push the boundaries of timekeeping with its relentless pursuit of novel displays with the Tempograph. Encapsulating the brand’s intrinsic values—creativity, exclusivity, art, and design—the Tempograph Chrome is a harmonious confluence of technology and aesthetics. This balance is beautifully apparent across the dial—a canvas of precise mechanisms and sublime design. But the glory of this piece lies in its spectacular animation, which is a testament to the creative spirit that has stayed with the atelier Louis Moinet since their inception.
Driven by mechanics clearly visible on the left side of the dial, the 20-second retrograde hand is a spectacle in motion, making the Tempograph an extravagant offering that finds its drift in visible horological ingenuity and artistic excellence. The central retrograde hand commands attention at the heart of the dial and its running 20-second sequences are displayed on a dedicated segment, rendering a splendid animation. “Some people prefer to watch time pass, others make the most of every second. The fact that the 20 seconds are displayed on a sector and not a circle highlights the importance of each passing second and awakens the senses,” elucidates Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO of the modern-day Louis Moinet.
The retrograde hand glides across a 20-second arc, only to recommence its journey, thanks to an ingeniously designed snail cam system. This system, linked to a lever, propels the secondary escapement, enabling the enchanting retrograde action of the seconds hand. Perched just above this mechanical ballet, a circular animation unfurls, divided into 20-second segments. These divisions symbolise the three distinct retrograde leaps made by the seconds hand every minute, creating a mesmerising rhythmic display that enthrals the observer with its clockwork precision and beauty.
The Tempograph Chrome And Two Major Firsts
The second generation of the Tempograph presents not one, but two significant first-time features, setting new benchmarks for the ground-breaking series. The Tempograph Chrome showcases an alluring surround in either black, blue, or golden, while some incredibly playful Tempograph Chromes also feature pink and green surrounds. The hue extends from the bridges that structure the movement to the meticulously engraved rehaut, featuring a concentric clous de Paris pattern—a signature touch of Louis Moinet.
The timekeeping dial nestled at four o’clock is as exuberant as the rest of the package. Embellished with the distinct clous de Paris pattern, it creates a surreal sense of symmetry. Fully adorned in either black or blue lacquer, it beautifully complements Louis Moinet’s signature dewdrop hands, creating an enticing contrast and a stunning visual harmony.
Furthermore, the Tempograph Chrome introduces a fresh case design, inherited from Louis Moinet’s revolutionary Memoris collection—one of the first chronograph watches in history. The case, available in steel or gold, is composed of 52 components and has been brought down from 46mm to a more compact 44mm. The accomplished craftspeople at the manufacture redesigned the case to flawlessly accommodate the retrograde movement of the timepiece. In steel, rose gold, or white gold, the cases of these models are water-resistant up to 50m and are paired with a black or blue alligator leather strap, with a folding clasp.
At the heart of the Tempograph Chrome models beats the proprietary automatic calibre LM50. Comprising a staggering 260 components, this powerful engine achieves a rhythm of 28,800vph and an ample power reserve of around 48 hours. In its essence, the Tempograph Chrome pays homage to its venerable lineage while inscribing its unique signature in the annals of horological history. It presents a remarkable fusion of time-honoured tradition and cutting-edge innovation, encapsulating both the rich past and the vibrant present of watchmaking.
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