Next stop: Louis Vuitton
Since its creation, travel runs deep into Louis Vuitton’s veins. The rule applies for the new Escale collection as well which reveals for its 10th anniversary a series of four three-hand watches. Elegant and refined the models benefit from craft and watchmaking expertise of the luxury Maison while instilling many references of the iconic suitcases.
After distinguishing itself once again at the beginning of the year in arts and crafts with the fantastic trio of the Escale Cabinet of Wonders, Louis Vuitton comes back to fundamentals by presenting its three-hand timepieces. Without any complication, those new Escale shine by the beauty of their dials, their sophisticated finishes and the precision of their calibres.
The Escale collection, simple only in appearance
Accumulating mentions to Louis Vuitton’s origins and trunkmaking savoir-faire, the Escale strikes by its entirely redesigned dial protected by a domed sapphire crystal blending into the bezel.
Whilst marking the hour’s quarters, the riveted and angled indexes in polished gold hold together the central dial and the outer minute track. Subtly brushed and arched, this minute track is decorated with gold studs evoking the nails used to fix the lozine on the iconic trunks of the brand.
The details, which really are not in the end, infiltrate the seconds hand whose tip is shaped to follow the dial’s curve. The hand was manufactured in titanium to minimize energy consumption. Coated in rose gold or white gold PVD, the seconds hand match with the hours and minutes thin hands.
The dials’ texture deserves all the attention as well. Inspired by the iconic Monogram canvas, the surface – visible on both rose gold models – is finely grained. Technical prowess, the result is strikingly realistic and obtained thanks to the use of specifically developed stamps.
For the two platinum pieces, the dial dresses with precious and rare stones. The onyx enhances the 40.5 mm variation whose case band and bezel are set with a total of 161 baguette-cut diamonds.
Otherworldly, the timekeeper piece stands from now on as guardian for all eternity with its Gibeon (Namibia) meteorite dial. The platinum is in perfect harmony with the multiple reflects of the striae called Widmanstätten figures.
A calibre named perfection
The one that made the Tambour beat in 2023 (see our video “Les Nouvelles Tambour” and our article “This new Tambour will be a hit with watch lovers!”) is non-other than the three-hand self-winding movement LFT023.
Let’s recall it was the very first three-hand movement designed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in conjunction with Le Cercle des Horlogers.
Highly precise, the calibre is chronometer certified by the Geneva Observatory and provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve.
Visible through a crystal sapphire case back, the calibre unveils the intricate beauty of its cogs. The micro-rotor in 22-carat rose-gold is ornate with Louis Vuitton’s motif of proven efficiency. A pure marvel on both sides.
€29,000 – 39 mm – rose gold – silver dial – camel calf leather strap – W3PG11
€29,000 – 39 mm – rose gold – blue dial – blue calf leather strap – W3PG21
€39,000 – 39 mm – platinum – meteorite dial – W3PT11
€180,000 – 40.5 mm – platinum – onyx dial – diamond-set bezel – W3PT3Y
Click here to read the full Louis Vuitton Escale technical sheet.
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