Since I launched Total Watch Reviews nearly three years ago I have established working relationships with many Australian retailers. These have included companies like J. Farren Price, Vendome, Watchpartners, Avstev Group, Big Watch World and Swiss Watch Box. Another person I have communicated with on a regular basis is Perth based Josh Reed. Although Josh’s core business is jewellery he has a penchant for haute horology. In fact he sells watches from brands like HYT, Rebellion, Ressence, Romain Gauthier and Louis Moinet SA. As Australia only has a small population (and hasn’t got the same demand as other regions) he has really taken a leap of faith on representing these small independent watchmakers.
About a year ago I mentioned to Josh Reed how much I admired the talents of Louis Moinet SA and in particular Jean-Marie Schaller. Josh informed me that Jean Marie had personally stayed at his home (on a few occasions) and is one of the nicest guys in the watch business. On my recent visit to Baselworld I was able to meet Jean-Marie and try on some of his exquisite timepieces. Back in April I published an in depth review of their exceptional Derrick Gaz Tourbillon. Genuinely photographs do not do this watch justice, as it looks much better in real life.
Another one of Louis Moinet’s Baselworld novelties that caught my eye was their amazing Jurassic Watch. Dimensionally the watch is much smaller than the Derrick Gaz Tourbillon and measures 43.50mm x 15.60mm. I feel these proportions will appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the unisex market. Generally I was very impressed at how comfortable and lightweight the watch actually felt on the wrist. Primarily this is down to the elegant case design and choice of luxurious 18-karat rose gold in production. Even though this timepiece will probably only be reserved for special occasions it could be worn on a daily basis.
Visually the Jurassic Watch has an exceptionally refined and classical appearance. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the beautiful brown dial constructed from a fossilized dinosaur bone dating back 200 million years. Master craftsman Daniel Haas has carefully handcrafted this sublime dial. Just like meteorite this material is exceptionally hard to work with, as it is so fragile. Other fine details include a sublime white small second counter with Clou de Paris pattern and exquisite “Gouttes de Rosée”® open worked gold dew drop style hour/minute hands. Overall the design is perfectly understated and the finishing superlative.
At the heart of the watch is an exclusive self-winding Swiss made COSC-certified movement. The Calibre LM34 comprises 26-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). Each of the 182 individual components have been engraved and decorated to the highest possible standard. This intricate mechanism is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Jurassic Watch features hours, minutes and small seconds. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 48-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 50-metres.
The Jurassic Watch is limited to only 12 pieces and has a hand stitched Louisiana alligator strap with matching 18-karat rose gold pin buckle.
For more information about Louis Moinet SA visit the company’s website: http://louismoinet.com
