Are Louis Vuitton Watches The Next Big Thing?
4 min read
Technical innovation, creativity and artistry are some of the hallmarks of Louis Vuitton watches. The brand has always been committed to watches and has released a number of collections that showcase its unique take on timekeeping.
The French Maison might not be a seasoned watchmaker, but over two decades, it has climbed the ranks to become a sought-after horology brand. Primarily a luxury luggage brand, Louis Vuitton entered the watchmaking industry in 2002 with the launch of its Tambour collection. The watches, which were inspired by traditional drum-shaped cases used to store and transport cigars, featured a novel “monogram” design on their dials and were an instant hit with consumers.
Rest assured, the connoisseur could not misconstrue a Louis Vuitton timepiece to strictly be all beauty and no brawn. The brand meant business when venturing into the watchmaking space. In keeping with that, each Tambour watch is equipped with an in-house movement. The Maison offered couture customisations and distinctive designs that celebrate LV's legacy without compromising on technique. Crafted in a Swiss factory, each timepiece bore the intertwined LV logo, thus furthering the brand's allure and desirability.
The Tambour watches were not the only ones to fly off the shelves; subsequent collections such as the Escale, Dior VIII, and the like also garnered a following. In 2013, LV even released an all-gold timepiece that was encrusted with diamonds and sapphires, aptly named the Tambour Spin Time Regatta.
So, what is it about Louis Vuitton watches that make them so coveted?
Well, for starters, each timepiece is a wearable work of art. The attention to detail and the high level of craftsmanship that goes into every piece are evident in the final product. The brand's use of luxurious materials, such as gold and diamonds, only adds to the allure.
Additionally, that Louis Vuitton brought on the finest watchmakers to help realise its ambitions proves that the brand is in it for the long haul. The Tambour Spin Time collection is proof of that. The timepiece employs 12 cubes that spell out Louis Vuitton and turn over every 60 minutes to display the time. Moreover, In 2011, the Maison acquired La Fabrique du Temps. This gave LV direct control over movement production, ensuring that each timepiece is of the highest quality.
For instance, in 2017, the Maison launched a smartwatch, The Horizon, a nod to their globetrotting legacy. The watch enables users to view flight timings, gate numbers and possible delays. The Curve Flying Tourbillon, bearing the Geneva hallmark, offers a high-tech and exclusive Carbostratum and titanium case, and the latest 2022 Spin Time Air Quantum glow-in-the-dark timepiece features a jumping hour display with a dozen LED lights to display the time.
Last but not least, Louis Vuitton watches are not just for show; they are also functional pieces. The brand’s calibres are designed to be robust and withstand everyday wear and tear.
Fast forward to the present and Louis Vuitton is still going strong as a watchmaker. The brand has since released a number of collections, each with its own unique take on timekeeping.
Balancing technical innovation with creativity
Besides giving due attention to their technical ability, the Maison has always kept art and design at its forefront. This is evident in timepieces, such as the Tambour Carpe Diem which took two years to create. The Jacquemart watch, based on the concept of afterlife, features a skull and a serpent. These elements work in harmony to reveal the time and a laughing skeleton that urges the wearer to seize the day. The dial is adorned with opals, diamonds and mother-of-pearl. The brand understands that it is just as important to be technically sound as it is to be innovative and artistic. These characteristics have always led Louis Vuitton and will continue to do so, which makes us believe that Louis Vuitton could indeed be the next big thing in watches.It is evident that Louis Vuitton takes a lot of pride in its watches. Not only are they technically proficient, but they also have a unique design language that is unmistakably LV. From constantly innovating the Tourbillon and Tambour to releasing smartwatches, the brand is constantly proving that it is more than a renowned fashion brand. So, if you are looking for a high-end timepiece that is both beautiful and functional, a Louis Vuitton watch is a perfect choice.
