Louis Moinet, Watch Manufacturers, Watch Reviews

Louis Moinet Skydance

Louis Moinet Skydance

Angus Davies embraces his feminine side and appraises the Louis Moinet Skydance.

This review of the Louis Moinet Skydance includes live images, specification and prices.

Louis Moinet Skydance - ladies' watch with automatic movement

The first time I met Jean-Marie Schaller, Louis Moinet’s CEO and Creative Director, I was impressed by his sartorial individualism. Schaller does not subscribe to conservative mundanity, his wardrobe brims with style.

Schaller’s uniqueness and aesthetic flair also extends to the fine watches he innovatively conceives.

The Swiss watch brand does not follow others but ventures off-piste, creating distinctive and eye-catching watches. Quite simply, Louis Moinet timepieces exhibit a style all of their own.

Louis Moinet has made ladies’ watches over the years but the brand’s catalogue has been heavily skewed towards men’s models. However, a few weeks ago the brand launched a new feminine timepiece, the Skydance, augmenting its portfolio of ladies’ watches. Furthermore, typical of Louis Moinet, the appearance of the Skydance is very distinctive.

The dial

According to the brand, the ‘Magic Blue’ dial is ‘unlike anything achieved using enamel, lacquer or galvanisation’. Indeed, the surface of the dial is very unusual. Schaller and his team remain tight-lipped about the composition of the dial surface, heightening the mystery and intensifying the allure. The dial epidermis exhibits a notably intense hue, shimmering with a wonderful radiance in the merest hint of light.

Louis Moinet Skydance - ladies' watch with automatic movement

This is not the first time Louis Moinet has employed ‘Magic Blue’, it originally appeared on a version of the brand’s Metropolis back in 2017. Now the maison from Saint-Blaise has enlarged its palette of colours, unveiling ‘Magic Green’ and ‘Magic Red’ as well.

Closely examining the dial with a loupe reveals an undulating texture, reminiscent of stone. The hours and minutes are cleanly conveyed with ‘Gouttes de Rosée’ hands. The dewdrop shape tips are lined with luminescent treatment and prove especially elegant. Diamond-set indexes add to the watch’s impressive quotient of glamour.

Located in the southern portion of the dial is a small seconds display. Interestingly, a depiction of the sun and its rays fanfare the running seconds. Stylish flourishes are ubiquitously presented.

The Louis Moinet Skydance is not endowed with a multitude of complications. The inventory of functions is restricted to hours, minutes and seconds, yet, it is festooned with detail and proves fascinating to observe. The attention to detail is amazing. The dial surface and its colour, the diamond-set indexes and the dewdrop shape hands all contribute to a captivating horological vista.

The case

The 36mm case is formed of Grade 5 Titanium and stainless steel. The bezel is adorned with six diamonds which are larger than those employed on the dial.

Louis Moinet Skydance - ladies' watch with automatic movement

Encircling the upper half of the case-band is a circlet of delightful engraving. The intricate motif confers a wonderful texture and stands testament to the deft hand of an accomplished artisan. This exquisite engraving distinguishes this watch as special, adding to its overall allure.

Unusually, the lugs are set with a diamond, conferring another point of differentiation.

Gracing the dorsal flank of the watch is a pane of sapphire crystal, granting sight of the self-winding Caliber LM 58.

The movement

The Caliber LM 58 is automatic, proving highly convenient for would-be wearers and providing a practical and charismatic alternative to a quartz watch.

Louis Moinet Skydance - ladies' watch with automatic movement

Blued screws, circular graining and snailing grace the movement and stand testament to its quality. The oscillating mass is embellished with a tasteful depiction of the sun and moon.

The balance has a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the movement contains 28 jewels. The power reserve is 42 hours.

Closing remarks

The ‘Magic Blue’ dial is my preferred choice from the triumvirate of shades. It shimmers in light with a beguiling glow. The texture features numerous undulations and resembles no other dial surface I can recall.

Beyond the ‘Magic Blue’ feature, the dial possesses an array of other qualities. Grace and poise emanate from the dewdrop hands. The diamond-set indexes bristle with ‘pizzazz’ and the small seconds display sidesteps the perfunctory and wholeheartedly embraces creativity and style.

Where some dials can appear plain, the dial of theLouis Moinet Skydance proves fascinating. However, despite the originality of the dial and the many elements of which it is comprised, the indications on this watch prove highly legible.

The case is an interesting combination of steel and titanium. The bezel is garnished with a tasteful smattering of diamonds and the case-band is beautifully engraved. This is a timepiece imbued with femininity.

Many ladies select quartz watches, drawn to the ease of ownership. However, an automatic watch also requires minimal user-input and proffers far more soul than a battery-operated timepiece. I applaud Louis Moinet for offering the Skydance with a mechanical heart rather than succumbing to the norm and offering a quartz only offering.

The movement is pleasingly appointed and the extraordinary styling of the oscillating mass, adds further value to this watch.

The Louis Moinet Skydance is an exemplar of sophistication. Each element of its composition reveals finesse. The creativity is omnipresent. This is a beautiful watch and should suit those ladies seeking individuality and quality in equal measure.

Further information

http://www.louismoinet.com/

Technical specification

  • Model: Louis Moinet Skydance
  • Case: Grade 5 Titanium and engraved steel; diameter 36mm; sapphire crystal to front and case-back; water resistant to 5 ATM (50 metres)
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds
  • Movement: Caliber LM58; Self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 28 jewels; power reserve 42hours
  • Strap: Alligator strap with folding clasp
  • Price: CHF 10,900  (RRP as at 19.2.2018)
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