Louis Vuitton's First Pocket Watch - The Escale à Asnières Makes An Appearance

Over the past year, Louis Vuitton has introduced an impressive array of timepieces that showcase their mastery in both technical innovation and artistic craftsmanship, featuring everything from tourbillons and jumping hours to automata and métiers d’art creations. 

Today the Maison's art of automata finds a new canvas in the form of a pocket watch. Accompanied by a minute repeater and a Jacquemart mechanism, these exquisite creations offer the highest level of craftsmanship, showcasing the timeless elegance and masterful artistry of Louis Vuitton- the watchmaker. 

The Escale à Asnières pocket watch pays a tribute to the savoir-faire and storied history of the Maison, this unique pocket watch seamlessly intertwines the legacy of the Asnières Family home with the mastery of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, standing as a testament to the pinnacle of artisanal Métiers d’arts. At its heart, intricate gold engravings grace the dial and caseback, entirely sculpted by master engraver Dick Steenman. The dial emerges as a true masterpiece, adorned with a rich tapestry of colors and depths, brought to life by master enameller Anita Porchet.

Powering the new Escale à Asnières pocket watch is the LFTAU14.01 caliber, a marvel of sophisticated engineering. This manual-winding mechanical movement features an on-demand minute repeater and an intricate Jacquemart mechanism, bringing the dial to life with seven enchanting animations and has a 100 hour power reserve.

On the dial one can witness a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship unfolding as the horse’s hooves create a rhythmic clopping sound while pulling the carriage, adding a dynamic and lifelike touch. As the carriage wheels turn, the miniature coachman, intricately designed, comes to life, springing into action with his arms raised as if guiding the horse. Adding to the charm, a stack of Louis Vuitton trunks, iconic symbols of the brand, suddenly pop open to reveal tiny monogram flowers hidden inside, showcasing the brand's signature detail.

Above this lively scene, at the twelve o’clock position on the watch, a rotating sun adds a celestial element to the display. This sun is adorned with a unique LV Monogram Star cut diamond, which is not only a beautiful centerpiece but also holds the distinction of being the smallest LV-cut stone ever crafted by the maison. The entire composition reflects Louis Vuitton's commitment to combining storytelling with fine watchmaking, resulting in a timepiece that is both a work of art and a tribute to the brand's heritage.

This extraordinary timepiece is encased in luxurious 18-carat pink gold, a material that exudes warmth and sophistication. The 50 mm case is a statement in itself, its substantial size commanding attention while retaining elegance. Surrounding the dial is a bezel meticulously set with shimmering diamonds, each stone precisely placed to enhance the brilliance of the pink gold. The crown, crafted from the same precious metal, complements the overall design, while the 18-carat pink gold suspension ring, also adorned with diamonds, adds a touch of refined opulence.

The case back is a work of art in its own right, featuring intricate engravings by the master engraver Dick Steenman, whose craftsmanship brings a unique character to the watch. Measuring 16.7 mm in thickness, this timepiece balances its bold presence with a comfortable fit on the wrist. The domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensures that the beauty of the dial remains unobstructed, offering a clear view from every angle. Designed to withstand the elements, the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, providing a blend of luxury and practicality that suits both formal occasions and everyday wear.

The dial of this exquisite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring the intricate enamel and miniature enamel techniques of master enameller Anita Porchet. Her artistry brings the dial to life with vibrant colors and delicate details, showcasing the exceptional skill involved in its creation. Enhancing the dial's elegance are 18-carat yellow gold hand engravings, meticulously crafted by the renowned master engraver Dick Steenman, adding depth and texture to the design. The dial is further adorned with a stunning LV Monogram Star cut diamond, a signature element that reflects the brand's identity.

In addition to its artistic features, the dial is lavishly gem-set, with 60 baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.85 carats and 20 round diamonds adding an additional 0.27 carats of sparkle. 

The 'Escale à Asnières' pocket watch is perfectly complemented by its own custom-made, masterpiece trunk. Crafted in Asnières, this exquisite trunk is covered in luxurious exotic green leather that echoes the design of the watch's dial. Inside, hidden drawers elegantly store the watch's accessories, including an 18k pink gold pocket watch chain, a travel pouch, a magnifying loupe, and dedicated compartments for the certificate and a book that chronicles the journey of this exceptional timepiece.