Watch Identifier: Louis Moinet Geograph Rainforest Review

Louis Moinet, also known as the inventor of the chronograph, made a Geograph watch before. This one is different: Introducing the Geograph Rainforest.

Limited edition with only 120 pieces in the world, the Geograph Rainforest is immediately recognizable by the very special golden yellow subdials. The circles are not just patterns or prints. They are made from fossilized palm wood that was on this planet for over 70 million years.

“The rod-like structures within the fossilised palm wood’s silicified grain produce amazing ochre and sorrel speckles on an amber background, throwing into stark relief the blued-steel hands of the 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.” -Louis Moinet

The genuine palm wood fossils on the dial of this chronograph are from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, which is where this model gets its name.

The Geograph Rainforest tells the time with two Gouttes de Rosee 18K rose gold hands and a sun-like small seconds indicator at 9:00 next to the date window. It also offers the time in a second time zone via the blues steel serpentine hand.

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The 316L steel case has a multi-finish in high polish and matte, with an 18K rose gold bezel, crown and chrono pushers. It takes up nice wrist-estate at 46.50mm diameter and 17.07mm tall. The closed back is sealed with 7 screws and features engravings that pay tribute to the tropical rainforest.

The movement caliber is not mentioned on the Louis Moinet site, but is described as an “exclusive caliber” carrying 25 jewels, beating at 28,800 vph, measuring 13 1/4”’, running for 48 hours straight with a Glucydor balance – AKA modified ETA caliber 7750?

For each watch sold, LM will donate a portion to the Pulau Banding Foundation. This group exists to preserve the Malaysian tropical forest region of Belum-Temengor.

“Geograph Rainforest was officially launched in a ceremony graced by the exceptional presence of His Majesty, the King of Malaysia.” -Louis Moinet

This is the new trend in timepiece marketing: a timepiece with a purpose. It’s a wonderful idea, but easy to be skeptical of, especially since most of the watch companies are careful no to disclose the actual amount they intend on donating. The retail price of this model is nearly $20,000 USD.

It’s great to support the rainforest, but part of rainforest protection is to preserve the habitats of the creatures within. The Geograph Rainforest watch is strapped with a hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather band with alligator leather lining. Let’s save the home of some animals and kill others for watch straps! This creates a contradiction of ideals and while it looks great, it was a bad choice for this timepiece in principal.