LOUIS VUITTON | Own Workshop Completed in Geneva

LOUIS VUITTON | Louis Vuitton

The Atelier, Named the "Workshop of Time," is Complete

Louis Vuitton's roots lie in "travel," and "travel" and "time" are inextricably linked. Since 2002, Louis Vuitton has introduced numerous beautiful timepieces, including the "Tambour." In 2014, Louis Vuitton completed a new manufacturing facility in Geneva, Switzerland. Let us introduce the new workshop, "La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton."

Text by KAWADA Akinori

A Partner for Enjoying Sophisticated Travel

Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton gained popularity among traveling affluent individuals for its lightweight and durable canvas travel trunks. This success propelled the brand to become a luxury house known worldwide.

"Travel" has been a central theme for Louis Vuitton ever since. A watch that keeps precise time is an indispensable tool for travel, and it was a natural progression for Louis Vuitton to enter the new realm of "time" in 2002.

Beginning with the "Tambour" launched that year, Louis Vuitton has steadily increased its presence in the world of watchmaking. The brand produces high-level timepieces, ranging from simple models to classic complications such as GMT, chronographs, tourbillons, and minute repeaters, as well as unique mechanisms like Spin Time and Twin Time Chronograph. The Louis Vuitton watchmaking facility is now located in Switzerland and is named "La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton" (hereinafter referred to as LFTLV), meaning "Louis Vuitton's Workshop of Time." The new facility is the culmination of Louis Vuitton's watchmaking expertise and embodies exceptional savoir-faire. By establishing an atelier in Geneva, the brand brings together top specialists, fostering creative autonomy and uniting a diverse team, from artisans steeped in tradition to professionals skilled in cutting-edge technology, to drive innovation.

The independent spirit of a watchmaker merges with the energy of a premier maison, creating a harmonious blend of high-tech and historically rooted watchmaking.

LOUIS VUITTON | La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton

LFTLV spans a vast space of approximately 4,000 square meters, creating a comfortable atelier environment filled with natural light.

Experts in "time," including skilled watchmakers, engineers, and designers, share their creative energy, cherishing traditional sensibilities while crafting the finest masterpieces by hand.

Skilled watchmakers constantly pursue innovation, allowing their creative ideas to flow freely. These endeavors ultimately lead to new complication watches related to "travel."

Traditional craftsmanship and delicate handwork enhance the functionality, legibility, and usability of the watches, leading to the development of new dial designs, high-quality innovative models, and the pursuit of aesthetic appeal.

A vast space of approximately 4,000 square meters

Traditional craftsmanship is evident.

Complex mechanisms are meticulously finished.

LOUIS VUITTON | Louis Vuitton

Sophisticated Travel Time

The "Escale Worldtime," introduced in 2014, is another precious timepiece born from such a creative environment and skilled craftsmanship.

During the golden age of luxury liners in the 20th century, elegant passengers favored Louis Vuitton trunks. These trunks featured beautiful, hand-painted owner initials on their sides, used to identify the owner.

The "Escale Worldtime" is inspired by this world of vibrant colors and vivid, personal finishes. It embodies a unique, playful, and exclusive style.

The dial, adorned with 38 vibrant colors applied using miniature painting techniques, was born from Louis Vuitton's "travel" philosophy. The "Escale Worldtime" displays the time in 24 time zones without using any hands.

This is not only an avant-garde mechanism that indicates time through three rotating discs but also a work of art showcasing extreme handcraftsmanship, with each disc delicately colored by hand. It represents the pinnacle of LFTLV's high-level, comprehensive watchmaking technology.