A combination of exceptional chromatics and watchmaking techniques headlines the Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Tourbillon Volant Poinçon de Genève. The Maison’s prodigious La Fabrique du Temps watchmaking division is the brains behind the first watch collection with a sapphire case to bear the Geneva (Poinçon de Genève) Seal.
After releasing a clear, pink and blue variant of the timepiece, two new shades join the collection — electric yellow (seen here) and warm green. With a secret proportion of aluminium oxide and other pure metal oxides, Louis Vuitton harnessed an intense electric yellow shade that borders on fluorescence. To maintain an identical colour shade throughout the watches, each watch is crafted from a single 200kg cylindrical block of sapphire measuring 15cm long and 5cm wide.
The case middle, a case-back and the LV logo bridge are then milled and polished to perfection with specialised diamond tools — the entire process takes 420 hours to complete. A play on transparency and lightness draws attention to the Monogram Flower motif flying tourbillon of the LV90 calibre. The hypnotic kinetic play should not distract the immaculate finishings to the matte black bridges and plates required to meet the strict criteria of the Geneva seal.
Louis Vuitton’s other novelty, the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton, builds on the Maison’s expertise in skeletonisation. Governed by the architecture of Louis Vuitton’s flagship stores and the Fondation Louis Vuitton designed by Frank Gehry, the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton captures the dynamism of the Maison through a miniaturised work of art on the wrist.
A series of purposeful omissions are imparted to the LV60 calibre as the watch bridges are rendered into artfully trimmed shapes of the LV monogram and a barrel ratchet wheel open-worked to spell “Louis Vuitton”. The minimalist execution is strengthened by the geometric shapes and their linearity, aesthetics that are prized in skeletonised watches. Given the near-monochromatic look created by the rhodium-plated movement components, the watch hands and minute track are coloured deep blue for maximum legibility.
The 150-piece limited edition Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton is presented in a platinum case crafted from a monocoque construction where the case middle and bezel are one. A series of mirror-polished and matte brushed planes offer a play on light that is unrivalled thanks to platinum’s unique lustre and bright hue.
Once you’re done with this story about Louis Vuitton High Watchmaking Artistry, click here to catch up with the rest of our April 2023 issue.
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