The Louis Moinet TIME TO RACE collection, with its latest RUSH and WHITE FUJI editions, exemplifies the brand’s relentless pursuit of horological innovation, technical mastery, and motorsport-inspired artistry. Each piece in this series is a unique creation, defined by its singular colour code and the personal “lucky number” chosen by its owner, thus transforming each watch into a bespoke artefact that resonates with the spirit of competition and individual achievement.
A Mechanical Tableau of Racing Heritage
The dial of the TIME TO RACE is an intricate composition that immediately evokes the world of high-performance racing. Its base is crafted from woven carbon fiber, a material synonymous with modern race cars, providing both visual depth and a direct link to the automotive inspiration underpinning the collection. The chronograph mechanism is not hidden but showcased on the dial side, allowing the wearer to observe the interplay of the 147 components dedicated solely to the chronograph complication. This visual dynamism is enhanced by semi-transparent subdials for the running seconds and the 30-minute totalizer, which are secured with visible screws and flanked by elegantly arched springs, further emphasizing the mechanical choreography at play.
The hours and minutes are relegated to an off-centre subdial at six o’clock, a design choice that both enhances legibility and draws attention to the personalized “lucky number.” This number is meticulously painted on a polished white background, set within a metal ring inspired by engine cylinder bores, and is produced through a process involving casting, kiln-firing, and hand-polishing before being applied to the dial. The flange surrounding the main dial integrates both a tachymeter scale and a 60-second display, rendered in a bi-material construction that ensures both functionality and aesthetic distinction, with luminous transfers to guarantee readability in low light.
Technical Sophistication and Artisanal Finishing
At the heart of the TIME TO RACE beats the Louis Moinet Calibre LM96, an automatic movement comprising a remarkable 311 components. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 48 hours, underscoring its reliability for everyday wear or timing competitive events. The chronograph is actuated by a single pusher, engaging a column-wheel mechanism that orchestrates the interaction of rocker, clutch, hammers, springs, and gearwheels with a tactile precision that is both satisfying and mechanically impressive.
The movement’s aesthetic finishing is executed to a level befitting haute horlogerie: the upper side displays straight-grained and chamfered steel parts, circular satin-finished gear trains, and a carbon fiber mainplate, while the underside is adorned with “Côtes de Genève” hobnail patterns, polished edges, and diamond-polished sinks. The oscillating weight, mounted on six ball bearings, features concentric “Clous de Paris” hobnail motifs and a Fleur de Lys, further elevating the movement’s visual appeal.
Lightweight Engineering and Ergonomic Excellence
The case of the TIME TO RACE is sculpted from grade 5 titanium, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and hypoallergenic properties. Weighing a mere 18 grams, the case exemplifies the quest for minimum weight that is central to both motorsport engineering and high-end watchmaking. Its aerodynamic lines are complemented by a high, domed sapphire crystal, which offers a panoramic view of the dial-side chronograph mechanism and enhances the sense of mechanical depth. The case measures 40.7 mm in diameter, striking a balance between presence and comfort, and is water-resistant to 50 meters, ensuring versatility in daily wear.
Additional design features include a crown guard for added protection, openworked and satin-finished lugs that integrate seamlessly with the preformed rubber strap, and the brand’s signature four black zircons set in chatons at the lugs’ tips. The overall ergonomics are further refined by the thoughtful interaction between the case back and the lugs, resulting in a watch that sits comfortably and securely on the wrist.
For collectors
The Louis Moinet TIME TO RACE RUSH and WHITE FUJI editions transcend the conventional boundaries of chronograph design by merging technical sophistication, bespoke artistry, and a deep-rooted connection to the world of motorsport. Each watch is not merely a timekeeping instrument but a personal statement, a celebration of speed, precision, and the enduring allure of competition. Through its openworked dial, meticulously finished movement, and featherweight titanium case, the TIME TO RACE collection asserts itself as a modern icon of horological engineering, offering collectors a unique opportunity to wear their passion, and their chosen number, on their wrist
