“The success of a creation like Metropolis depends on just two things: first of all, making sure it is true to the brand’s DNA; and secondly, ensuring that it is coherent from start to finish, in terms of both form and essence. These have been our twin guiding principles for these two new limited editions of Metropolis. On the one hand, the timepieces exude the Louis Moinet spirit, with a particular emphasis on their styling and individual identity: they must be entirely different from any rival timepiece. At the same time, they are entirely self-consistent: Metropolis is our horological take on urban architecture. Moving on from our classical approach, here we’ve adopted an edgier, more modern urban style – in just the same way as some of today’s great cities are so good at developing without rejecting their heritage.”

The new “Black & Red” Metropolis sports a black DLC case, a black dial, and red hour markers. The resulting contrast gives Metropolis a contemporary dynamic and a sport chic ethos bursting with fresh assertiveness.

The “Magic Blue” Metropolis comes housed in a steel case, and features a Magic Blue dial and rhodium-plated hour markers with white lacquer. The Magic Blue hue is owned outright by Louis Moinet, its composition a closely-guarded secret. Far more than just a colour, it provides depth and focus going far beyond a mere variation in shade. The end result is that the “Magic Blue” Metropolis is redolent with a unique emotion, at once intense and gentle.

Each of the two timepieces bears the hallmark attributes of Metropolis. First off, there are three pieces of openwork, for the hour markers, the dial, and the lugs and vertical bridges, giving the watch a unique three-dimensional splendour. The Roman numeral hour markers are the first recipients of the openwork treatment, and are themselves a first for a Louis Moinet timepiece:

1. Light dances off each hour marker’s three differently-shaped faces.

Each side sports a diamond-cut, satin-finish section that reflects light deep, deep into the dial, setting the timepiece sparkling with life. The colour contrast is enhanced by each hour marker being lacquer-coated.

2. The hour markers are suspended in mid-air, adding a further sense of depth.

In a rare feat of craftsmanship, each marker is linked to a central ring and a dark grey flange made from neoralithe. This produces an effect of depth, with the numerals raised above a sand-blasted black base.

A Louis Moinet through and through

The LM45 caliber, boasting a 48-hour power reserve, is completely new, and was designed and assembled in accordance with the firm’s most stringent chronometric requirements. Between 8 and 12 o’clock, the escapement (beating at a rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour) and the offset seconds hand are displayed in all their glory, thanks to a second piece of openwork – and carefully arranged to ensure an unobstructed view of every detail of the Metropolis’ workings.

The movement’s finishes embody all the noble traditions of fine watchmaking: Côtes de Genève, diamond-cut angles, circular-grained wheels, and pearling. The sapphire caseback, meanwhile, reveals the movement of the rotor, mounted on a ball bearing. There’s a new, concentric version of the Clou de Paris pattern – much beloved of Louis Moinet in the nineteenth century – conveying a striking impression of motion. The hours, minutes, and seconds are read off by Louis Moinet’s iconic double-lined “Gouttes de Rosée” dewdrop hands.

Unique watch case architecture: Neo

The 43.2-mm-diameter Metropolis case has been dubbed Neo: its new technical solutions have led to the creation of an all-new shape of watch. Everything is built around two vertical bridges running through the timepiece, securing the strap at each end of their lugs – the latter incorporating the third and final openwork finish on the watch. The bridges support the movement’s housing, topped by the bezel and its six screws – another of Louis Moinet’s hallmarks.

A total of no fewer than 55 different parts all contribute to the creation of a unique visual effect. The crocodile strap comes with a folding clasp decorated with still another Louis Moinet symbol, the Fleur de Lys.