WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
March 30, 2015
LOUIS VUITTON | A succession of men's models to satisfy watch connoisseurs, led by the first minute repeater model!
LOUIS VUITTON | The House of Louis Vuitton
Led by its First Minute Repeater Model
A Succession of Men's Models to Satisfy Connoisseurs!
Since its full-scale entry into the watchmaking business in 2002, this luxury brand has consistently released a small but captivating number of timepieces each year.Louis VuittonThis year marks a significant leap forward.
Interviews and text by Yasuhito Shibuya
Announcing 17 New Models in First Fair Appearance
The biggest topic at Baselworld 2011 was undoubtedly the debut participation of Louis Vuitton, a brand at the pinnacle of the luxury business, in the Baselworld fair. From March 23rd to 25th, a new collection was unveiled aboard a luxurious boat moored alongside the "Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois," a five-star hotel on the Rhine River flowing through the heart of Basel. The centerpiece was 17 models across six series within the "Tambour Collection," the flagship of the brand's watchmaking. This is likely the first time since Louis Vuitton's full-scale entry into the watch world in 2002 that so many new models have been presented at once.
Declaring a Transformation into a Leading "Manufacture" in Watchmaking
A statement within the official press release issued at the event reads, "aiming to become a central player in the world of watchmaking." This is nothing less than a declaration by Louis Vuitton itself that it will position timepieces as a core product of the brand, akin to its other product categories, and engage in the watch business with full commitment. Indeed, Hamdi Chatti, Director of the Watch & Fine Jewelry division, stated that the brand intends to actively expand its product line, focusing on men's watches, and establish a firm position within the watch industry. He also revealed that the company has begun developing and manufacturing its own movements. In essence, it is virtually certain that Louis Vuitton will soon undergo a significant evolution into a "manufacture" capable of integrated production of timepieces, including their core movements. The unprecedented number of new models unveiled is a testament to this decision and its execution.
Focus on a Minute Repeater Themed Around "Travel"
From complex timepieceschronographs, divers' watches, and ladies' models, a total of 17 new watches were presented. Among the complex timepieces, particular attention should be paid to the "Tambour Minute Repeater," a model equipped with a minute repeater mechanism, considered one of the most difficult to develop, manufacture, and adjust. True to the brand's consistent creation theme of "travel," this timepiece not only chimes the time with exquisite sounds but also features a practical travel time (GMT) function, making it a significant and appealing characteristic.
Tambour Minute Repeater
Equipped with a Minute Repeater Mechanism and Travel Time Function!
This ultra-complicated model, a coveted piece for watch enthusiasts, features the most complex mechanical mechanism among the mechanical models Louis Vuitton has released over the past nine years. First, a slide switch on the side of the case activates two hammers that strike two sets of gongs simultaneously within the case, producing sound – the minute repeater mechanism. Furthermore, it incorporates a travel time (GMT) function that displays the current local time and the time at one's home base, making it a highly unique and attractive minute repeater model. Designed for daily use, it boasts 30-meter water resistance despite the mechanism's sensitivity to water, and a long power reserve of 100 hours. Customers can choose from white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold for the case material, and there's also the sophisticated option of personalizing it with initials or crests.
Manual winding, 44mm diameter white gold case, alligator strap, sapphire crystal case back, 28 million yen (estimated price). Made to order. Orders will begin at Louis Vuitton's dedicated watch and fine jewelry boutique opening in Place Vendôme, Paris, in November, followed by staggered order acceptance in other countries.
Tambour Automatic Chronograph Voyage
A Mechanical Chronograph Model for Drivers Who Love Travel and Sports
This new automatic chronograph from the Tambour collection has been developed for drivers who enjoy travel (voyage). The three subdials on the dial, inspired by car dashboards, indicate the small seconds at 3 o'clock, a 60-minute chronograph counter coaxial with the central hour and minute hands at 6 o'clock, and a 24-hour time display at 9 o'clock. The 'V' in the center signifies both Louis Vuitton's 'V' and 'Voyage,' and it is surrounded by two dots representing a car's wheels. Additionally, the dial features a tachymeter scale on the outer rim for measuring average speed, and a calendar at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is the LV172 automatic caliber, developed exclusively for Louis Vuitton by Dubois Dépraz, a renowned specialist in chronograph movements.
Automatic winding, 44mm diameter stainless steel case, black carbon strap, 100m water resistance, 724,500 yen. Scheduled for release in June (pink gold case scheduled for September).
Louis Vuitton Customer Service Center
Tel. 03-3478-2100