Louis Moinet Tempograph 20

Louis Moinet, the chronograph’s inventor The recent discovery of a hitherto unknown timepiece is rewriting the history of watch development. It turned out to be the first ever chronograph, although its maker, Louis Moinet, called it a "compteur de tierces". According to hallmarks on the dust cover, the chronograph was started in 1815 and completed the following year.This remarkable instrument of an entirely original design is evidently the work of a genius well ahead of his time.

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Louis Moinet as a watchmaker founded his legacy on complicated high-end watchmaking. Today, the brand continues that tradition, not only by producing high-end complicated timepieces, but by also producing watches that display the time in novel ways.

About Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watches

With a case inspired by the original chronograph pocket watch that Louis Moinet created to help with his celestial studies, the Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 is a watch that brings some mechanical whimsy to the wrist. The movement features a retrograde seconds display that completes a cycle every 20 seconds.

After 20 seconds, the second hand jumps back to the starting point of the display, and begins the cycle again. Not only does this feature display the brand's watchmaking skill, but brings extra animation to the dial. Adding to the light hearted nature, the open-worked bridges on certain models are brightly colored, making these timepieces even more eye-catching.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 History

Born in 1768, Louis Moinet's career started in fine art, studying architecture, sculpture, and painting, while still pursuing horology early on. He moved around Italy before settling in Paris after gaining a professorship at the Académie des Beaux-Arts. He continued to pursue horology, making it his primary focus in 1800.

It was then he became peers with many of the most historic names in horology, including Abraham Louis-Breguet. Working closely with Breguet from 1815-1823, Louis Moinet pioneered a number of invitations, including the first chronograph ever produced, which was also the first high-beat chronograph ever produced, able to measure with an accuracy of 1/60th of a second. An achievement that put his historic status among other famous names in horology.

Today, the brand is an independent luxury brand led by Jean-Marie Schaller. After acquiring Louis Moinet's first chronograph, this watch served as an inspiration to bring Moinet's namesake back to modern horology.

Today, the brand creates high-end haute horology timepieces and is a member of the Foundation of High Horology (FHH). Drawing inspiration from Louis Moinet's legacy, the Tempograph 20 collection utilizes a case design inspired by Moinet's historic pocket watch and draws on his history of high-end complicated watchmaking by incorporating the 20-second retrograde mechanism.

How Much Do Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watches Cost?

As a high-horology brand, Louis Moinet watches command high-end prices. With a focus on movement, case, and dial finishing, all of these take time and expertise to accomplish. Watches within the Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 collection range from $25,000 for models with stainless steel cases, and extend to $55,000 for models cased in 18k rose gold.

ModelStarting PriceUnique Features
Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome Black Limited Edition LM-50.70.50$55,000Black lacquer dial, 18k red gold case, limited edition of 60 pieces
Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome Stainless Steel Blue$25,000Blue movement bridgeplates, with blue lacquer dial. Limited edition of 3 pieces.
Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome Stainless Steel Black LM-50.10.50$25,000Black lacquer dial with black movement bridgeplates. Limited edition of 12 pieces
Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome Blue Limited Edition LM-50.70.20$55,000Blue movement bridgeplates, with blue lacquer dial, 18k white gold case, limited edition of 60 pieces
Louis Moinet 20 Seconds Tempograph Titanium LM-39.20.80$25,000Titanium case with silver toned dial and skeletonized bridge plate. Limited edition of 365 pieces.
Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome Stainless Steel Green$27,000Green dial and green skeletonized bridge plate. Limited edition of 12 pieces.

What's Unique About Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watches?

The main attraction of the Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 watches is the retrograde 20-second display, with the seconds hand moving across the display and jumping back to the start position every 20 seconds.

Additionally, many models feature open-worked dials with the skeletonized bridges treated to be brightly colored. The bright colors and animated open-worked dial make for a more light-hearted haute-horology experience. There are models with more conventional colors if the bright hues are not to your taste.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Movements

The Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 collection utilizes the automatic winding caliber LM50. The movement displays the hours, minutes, and the retrograde 20-second register. The movement features the “Energy Plus” winding system, which allows the winding rotor to wind the watch in both directions. The movement operates at 28,800 bph, has a 48-hour power reserve, and 36 jewels.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watch Colors

Besides the retrograde 20-second display, the brightly colored bridges are part of the attraction of this collection. Available in blue, purple, and green, these watches are certainly vibrant. If a more traditional aesthetic is desired, there are models with black dials as well, in addition to a titanium model with a silver-toned dial.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watch Materials

All Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 watches utilize sapphire crystals for the top and back crystals. The straps used are alligator leather and come with folding clasps that match the case material. Depending on the model, the case material is either stainless steel, titanium, 18k white gold, or 18k rose gold.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watch Complications

While most complications add extra functionality, some are novel ways of displaying the time. That is the case with the Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 collection, as the retrograde seconds display completes a cycle every 20 seconds, adding animation to the time display.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Sizes

The most recent Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 collection features a 44mm wide case, with previous versions measuring 46mm in diameter. The titanium version features a 43mm wide case.

Buying Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watches

Louis Moinet watches are available directly through the Louis Moinet brand or through authorized retailers. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Louis Moinet watches, and we would be happy to assist you in purchasing your next Louis Moinet. timepiece, whether it is online, over the phone, or at our showroom in Naples, Florida.

Caring for Your Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 Watch

Exquisite Timepieces, as an authorized Louis Moinet retailer, is able to assist in the care and servicing procedures for your Louis Moinet watch and ensure it remains in top condition. Should a problem arise with your Louis Moinet watch, Exquisite Timepieces will ensure it is properly repaired, either by our in-house repair team or by returning the watch to Louis Moinet for any necessary repairs.

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 FAQ

What is a Louis Moinet Tempograph 20?

The Louis Moinet Tempgraph 20 is a timepiece with a retrograde second display that completes a cycle every 20 seconds. The second hand starts at one end of the register, and moves across in 20 seconds. Once it reaches the end of the seconds register, it jumps back to the starting point.

How much is a Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 watch?

Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 watches start at $25,000 for models in stainless steel, and go up to $55,000 for models in 18k gold.

Find your new Louis Moinet Tempograph 20 watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Whether it is your first purchase or adding to an existing collection, Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer for Louis Moinet, both in our store in Naples, Florida, and online.

As an authorized dealer, all our new Louis Moinet timepieces come with their full manufacturer warranties and will be shipped free of charge and fully insured. Should you have any questions, please reach out and contact us, and an Exquisite Timepieces representative will be happy to assist you.

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