Louis Vuitton masters the art of time
BrandedUp in partnership with Louis Vuitton
Managing time is a vital aspect for industry professionals and entrepreneurs alike. And wearing a finely crafted timepiece—embodying understated elegance and refined luxury—not only reflects one’s personal style but also underscores the value they place on every moment. Few brands capture this philosophy as seamlessly as Louis Vuitton.
The evolution Of Louis Vuitton horlogerie
Since 2002, Louis Vuitton has quietly but confidently built its presence in the world of fine watchmaking. What was once seen as a fashion-forward brand is now earning respect from watch collectors, thanks to its technical innovation and in-house movements.
A pivotal moment came in 2011 with the acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps in Geneva, Switzerland—where master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, both veterans of the Gerald Genta era, have helped shape Louis Vuitton’s high-complication capabilities.
In 2021, Jean Arnault’s appointment as director of watchmaking marked a new chapter for Louis Vuitton. A passionate horologist, he spearheaded the relaunch of the Tambour—reimagined with a sleek integrated-bracelet design and powered by a chronometer-certified in-house movement—cementing the brand’s place in contemporary horlogerie.
The new Tambour
First introduced in 2002, the iconic Tambour marked Louis Vuitton’s entry into watchmaking. Two decades later, it returns redefined as a sleek integrated-bracelet sports watch—ushering in a bold new chapter.
Blending the original rounded case and engraved bezel with modern sophistication, the updated Tambour now includes three elegant variations: two-tone steel and rose gold with a gray dial, full rose gold with a brown dial, and yellow gold with a white dial. Each is powered by the chronometer-certified LFT023, Louis Vuitton’s first in-house automatic three-hand movement, featuring a 22-carat micro-rotor and a 50-hour power reserve.
With this evolution, Louis Vuitton firmly positions itself within the luxury sports watch segment, followed by bold innovations like the Tambour Ceramic, and other exclusive limited edition versions.
Mechanical artworks
Building on the Spin Time complication—a signature of Louis Vuitton watchmaking since 2009—the Maison introduces the Tambour Taiko Spin in 2025, a bold new collection of limited-edition timepieces designed from the ground up to usher the complication into its next chapter.
Inspired by airport flip boards, the patented Spin Time mechanism revolutionized time display with its three-dimensional jumping hours, marking Louis Vuitton’s entry into haute horlogerie. Created by master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, it laid the foundation for the La Fabrique du Temps manufacture in Geneva.
With the complication having established itself as an iconic pillar of Louis Vuitton watchmaking, the Maison now debuts the Tambour Taiko Spin Time.
Inspired by airport flip boards, the patended Spin Time mechanism revolutionized time display with its three-dimensional jumping hours.
Among the standout models is the Tambour Spin Time Air Tourbillon, marrying floating cubes with a mesmerizing flying tourbillon at its heart.
With the complication having established itself as an iconic pillar of Louis Vuitton watchmaking, the Maison now debuts the Tambour Taiko Spin Time.
Inspired by airport flip boards, the patended Spin Time mechanism revolutionized time display with its three-dimensional jumping hours.
Among the standout models is the Tambour Spin Time Air Tourbillon, marrying floating cubes with a mesmerizing flying tourbillon at its heart.
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Now, the Tambour Taiko Spin Time reimagines this innovation with drum-inspired cases, referencing Japanese ceremonial taiko drums. Crafted with materials like hawk’s eye quartz and powered by entirely new in-house calibres, these watches feature sculpted cushion-shaped hour cubes, a patented mechanism allowing time to be set forwards or backwards, and intricate finishes marrying tradition with modern style.
Escale: A tribute to Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks
A year on, the Escale is introduced embodying Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage and trunk-making legacy. Named after the French word for “stopover,” this 39mm timepiece—offered in rose gold or platinum—blends Swiss watchmaking precision with design elements inspired by Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas and trunk hardware.
A new vision of time
Having established the complication as a hallmark of its watchmaking, Louis Vuitton may not be able to turn back time—but through its innovative horlogerie creations, it is undoubtedly propelling us into the future of watchmaking.
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Explore Louis Vuitton’s watch collection at their boutique in Greenbelt 3, and The Shoppes at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
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