Louis Moinet SA Geographic Rainforest Unveiled by King of Maylasia

Louis Moinet timepieces exude aristocracy as though blue blood runs through every component.

In Baselworld 2011, it was the King of Maylasia himself, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and his lovely Queen, who unveiled Louis Moinet's GEOGRAPH rainforest.

The GEOGRAPHIC forest Louis Moinet timepiece is limited to 120 pieces, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the “PULAU BANDING Foundation” which strives to preserve one of the oldest rain-forest's in the world, the Malaysian tropical forest of Belum-Temengor. This forest is the largest untouched forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia and is the home of many animals and plants which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. "Belum" literally means "land before time", and it is here in this untouched worldliness, roams 14 of the worlds most threatened mammals including the Malaysian Tiger, Malaysian Sunbear, Sumatran Rhinoceros, the White-handed Gibbon, Asiatic Elephant, and Malayan Tapir.

The timepiece has two chronograph counters which are crafted from a new material to the watch making world, but ancient to the natural world - petrified palm wood. Petrified Palm Wood from this region is said to be over 70 million years old and is unique since it contains rod like structures within the regular grain of the silicified wood. These structures show up as spots when sliced across. The rod-like structures are woody tissues that gave the wood its vertical strength. Because the wood is comprised of silica, it polishes well, and is resistant to wear and tear.

The bezel and 45.50 mm case is an attractive combination of 18k rose gold and 316L stainless steel. The upper steel bezel affixed to the case with the aid of six screws. "Champagne-cork" style gold and steel Chronograph pushers ,embellished with an atlas motif, are placed either side of the crown which is equipped with an interchangeable crown tube system - patent pending. A black dial with a Cotes du Jura design reminds me of the constant darkness of the forest floor permitting, in places, thin strands of sunlight. At the 9' o'clock a bright gold sun turns at every second. The hour and minute hand indicators are crafted in 18k gold and towards the end is the image of a dew drop. A 24 hour time display is indicated by an applied dark blue and gold tone zone. A central blued serpentine hand reads the dual time.


The case back is affixes with 7 screws ensuring 50 meters water resistance and features the engraving of an orangutan and a rhinoceros hornbill against the backdrop of a tropical rain forest beneath the nights sky.

Powering the timepiece is an automatic mechanical movement containing 25 jewels and beating at 28,800 vph with a 48 hour power reserve.

A hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather strap and lining is secured with a 316L stainless steel double folding clasp. When purchased, the watch will arrive in a handsome presentation box with a Louis Moinet book and a hand written guarantee.