Louis Moinet marks 2026—the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac—with a métiers d'art tour de force that demonstrates why this independent manufacture has become synonymous with artisanal puzzle dials. The new Tourbillon Puzzle Fire Horse arrives as a unique piece celebrating an astrological convergence that occurs once every 60 years, when the element of fire combines with the horse in the Chinese calendar, heralding a period of intense, assertive energy.
Things to Know About the Watch
The 18K red gold case measures 40.7 mm in diameter with flowing, taut lines that complement the dial's artistic intensity. A sapphire dome—itself a technical achievement—allows the puzzle dial to be appreciated from all angles, including from the sides. Openworked lugs perfect the visual balance and elegantly emphasize the integration of the black alligator strap.
The dial reveals its artistic ambition immediately. Constructed from 81 meticulously interlocking pieces arranged across four distinct levels, the puzzle dial has been hand-painted by expert micro-painters to bring the Fire Horse to life. The horse itself appears in dynamic movement, head thrown back, mouth open in what reads as triumph. Its mane transforms into stylized, flowing flames that envelope the composition in undulating forms, alternating between sharp and blurred, creating visual tension between the animal's clear lines and the surrounding energy, rendered in warm, dominant tones.
The métiers d'art achievement here warrants particular attention. To ensure harmony across the four levels of construction, Louis Moinet's craftsmen must fully dismantle the 81-piece puzzle, paint the edges of each element, then reassemble the entire composition. This patient, meticulous process brings the legendary creature to life piece by piece, with each fragment contributing to the dial's overall dynamism.
The Movement
At the heart of this timepiece beats a manual-wound movement with a flying tourbillon mounted in an off-center cage. The calibre is powered by two serial spring barrels arranged head-to-tail using Louis Moinet's "volte-face" system, which allows them to discharge simultaneously, ensuring a generous 96-hour power reserve. The movement operates at 28,800 vph and incorporates 26 jewels.
Positioned directly behind the tourbillon cage sits a fire opal—an ancient symbol of inner strength, transformation, and creative energy. Fire opal distinguishes itself from other opal varieties through its striking transparency and orange-to-red warm color palette. Unlike conventional opals prized for their iridescent play-of-color, fire opal derives its appeal from its solid body color and clarity. The gemstone forms in silica-rich volcanic regions, with Mexican deposits representing the primary commercial source for this variety.
This gemstone placement is deliberate, echoing the fire element of the 2026 horse and placing astrological symbolism at the very heart of the movement itself, visible through the dial architecture.
Summary & Price
The Tourbillon Puzzle Fire Horse demonstrates Les Ateliers Louis Moinet's commitment to taking the fine art of watchmaking to new heights of expression. As a unique piece celebrating a rare astrological event through sophisticated dial artistry and haute horlogerie complications, this timepiece will appeal to collectors who value both technical accomplishment and artistic vision equally.
StickerPrice TBC. More info on Louis Moinet here.
