Louis Moinet continues to pay tribute to the dynamic world of motorsports, with a new duet of Time To Race colourways, designated ‘Flash.’
The world of chronograph watches is one that is as exceptional as it is exceptionally crowded. From the first automatic chronograph to the first chronograph on the Moon, there seems to be less and less space for horological firsts within the subgenre. That isn’t a problem for independent watchmaker Louis Moinet, though. Within their archives, they hold perhaps the most important first of all: the first documented chronograph.
While this article isn’t about the Compteur de Tierces (see the 1816 collection for more on that), it proves that Louis Moinet is perhaps more closely connected to chronograph history than most. With that comes the opportunity to celebrate everything associated with chronographic history, which of course includes the world of motorsport.
Louis Moinet makes it their own by celebrating the golden era of racing with their Time To Race series, combining contemporary watchmaking with a retro touch. Recently, they’ve introduced a new rendition of the Time To Race collection, reforming the watch in an elegant configuration they call Flash.
Golden Goose
Building from the established architecture of the collection, the Louis Moinet Time To Race Flash features the same 40.7mm case diameter as its peers in the series. However, with a 17.92mm height, you can be almost certain that these watches will make an imposing presence on practically any wrist.
How imposing, though, is left up to the purchaser, thanks to the two different case materials available. Users can select from an 18k red gold model, which amplifies the intensity with its lustre and weight, or a grade five titanium reference. Of the two, the titanium model is the more practical option, as the toughness and lightness of the material lean further into the high-performance nature of the Louis Moinet Time To Race collection.
The Time To Race Flash is fitted with a preformed rubber strap designed to complement the watch’s sporty character and motorsport inspiration. The strap is secured by a triple-folding clasp crafted from steel with a black PVD finish.
Despite the watch’s substantial dimensions, Louis Moinet has also included micro-adjustability into the clasp, ensuring the avant-garde frame still sits comfortably for modern watch lovers. Combined with the curved lugs and ergonomic case architecture, the integrated strap design helps offset the substantial dimensions of the Time To Race Flash.
No Tyres…
The defining characteristic of the Time To Race Flash is its striking new colour palette. Inspired by the fractions of time that determine a race’s outcome, the watch combines a matte graphite tone with nostalgic golden accents inspired by the machinery of historic Grand Prix racing. The golden tone appears throughout the composition, including the first quarter of the tachymeter scale, the metal flange surrounding the dial, and two visible screws that highlight the mechanical nature of the design.
The off-centre black dial is inspired, drawing attention directly to the chronograph while providing an eye-catching feature of its own: the collection’s famous Lucky Number display. Presented in polished white numerals, the concept of the Lucky Number also stems from historic motorsport racing, where each car had its own racing number emblazoned on the front and sides.
Surrounding this focal point is a complex chronograph architecture evocative of a racing engine. Smoked sapphire counters introduce additional depth, while a woven carbon fibre plate reinforces the connection to modern motorsport engineering. Two triangular sections finished in matching matte graphite provide structure and visual movement across the dial.
The flange itself is inspired by the cylinder bores of racing engines and features a dual display combining a tachymeter and 60-second scale. The hour and minute hands feature the same golden tone, while the chronograph seconds and counter hands use black PVD satin finishing with coloured Super-LumiNova for improved visibility.
…Just Gas
It doesn’t take long to notice Louis Moinet’s Calibre LM96 that drives the entire show; you have the openworked dial to thank for that. However, the rest of the movement is revealed once you turn the watch around to its open caseback. Inside, the Cal. LM96’s automatic rotor can be found, finished to resemble the steering wheel of a race car. Operating at a beat rate of 4Hz (28,800VpH), its 48 hours of power reserve also powers the monopusher chronograph complication within.
Unlike the more common duopusher configuration, the monopusher localises all controls, start, stop, and reset, to a single button. Of course, this means you won’t be able to independently stop and start without resetting the chronograph, but if you’re timing laps around a race track, you hopefully won’t need to. Complete with a column wheel mechanism, Louis Moinet’s Cal. LM96 combines mechanical mastery with the brand’s signature dramatic flair.
Initial Thoughts
It’s hard to reminisce about the golden age of motorsport without falling into the familiar tropes. These days, watches that wish to pay tribute to such a beloved era of racing must be able to provide something new amidst the nostalgia, lest they become caught constantly reliving the glory days. While that can be fun for a while, time moves forward, not backwards, and audiences always demand something new.
Once again, it doesn’t seem to be a problem for Louis Moinet or their Time To Race Flash series. The watches are clearly as daring as they come, fixating on the mechanical features of the watch while nodding towards the golden era in their own special way through the Lucky Number display. Ultimately, it’s a design that looks behind while still remaining ahead of its time, and while every piece is one of a kind due to the Lucky Number, its impact is likely to be more than just a flash in the pan.
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | LM-96.20.FL (Titanium) LM-96.50.FL (Red gold) |
| Dimensions | 40.7mm case diameter x 17.92mm thickness |
| Case | Grade 5 titanium 18k red gold |
| Dial | Openworked with gold accents & unique Lucky Number |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. LM96 with monopusher chronograph (30min register) & small seconds complications |
| Power Reserve | 48h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 50m / 5bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Black rubber strap with micro-adjustable black PVD steel butterfly clasp & buckle |