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Louis Vuitton is pleased to announce the Japan limited edition Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope. This new watch combines the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional croisonnay enamel with an artistic reinterpretation of monogram flowers. To achieve this bold kaleidoscope, Louis Vuitton has adopted a unique flying tourbillon movement, entirely produced in La Fabrice du Temps Louis Vuitton.
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In 2017, when Louis Vuitton designed a new case to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Tambour watch, the Maison took care to adhere to the aesthetic code in order to make the model a success. The rounded and inverted curves of the Tambour Moon bring a new crescent moon profile to this timepiece. When worn, the case creates an exquisite light show that perfectly matches the design of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope. The main source of inspiration is the monogrammed flower, which Louis Vuitton first introduced in 1896. Michel Navas, master watchmaker of La Fabrice du Temps Louis Vuitton, explains: “By transforming this watch into a kaleidoscope, we wanted to create a modern version of it. This is also a subtle tribute to Japan culture, where the repetition of a single motif is often seen, especially origami.” The timepiece will be available exclusively in Japan, a country that is important to both the Maison and watch collectors.
©LOUIS VUITTON
©LOUIS VUITTON
A dial reminiscent of a painting
The Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope is a modern homage to the ancient technique of cloisonné enamel. A watchmaker draws a pattern with gold thread to create a fine partition, after which the enamel is poured.
Louis Vuitton chose to make the details of the croisonnais enamel shine by not putting symbols on the canvas of the dial. The dial is therefore entirely made of Anita Porsche enamelry. Purple is the hardest color to produce when enameled. Perfecting the hues in this model required weeks of research. Louis Vuitton sought multiple vibrant purple tones to create gradations and enhance the kaleidoscope effect of the dial, along with the blue variation. This extremely delicate process requires a perfect balance between the components that make up the enamel: silica powder and metal oxides. It’s a technical break that can only be accomplished by a professional, precise and skilled hand like Anita Porsche. The decoration of the dial alone takes nearly two weeks to complete.
Once the dial is finished, the seductive aesthetic of the watch face is further enhanced by the power and delicacy of the blue and purple hues. This effect is further enhanced by the stunning brushwork of the endless repeating monogrammed flower pattern. The central motif, painted in cloisoné enamel, seems to repeat itself beyond the frame of the dial, even though it is like an exceptional mandala.
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A movement that aspires high
To match the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon with the dynamism of its kaleidoscopic face, Louis Vuitton has decided to equip the watch with one of the most beautiful automatic movements. It is the flying tourbillon calibre LV 81 movement designed, developed and assembled by La Fabric du Temps Louis Vuitton. The iconic regulator with its sleek design sits at 6 o’clock, so the “V” named after Gaston-Louis Vuitton can occupy center stage in the heart of the flying tourbillon carriage. On the caseback, you can also see the microrotor and watch mechanism through the sapphire crystal. This delicate decoration is reminiscent of the striped Trianon canvas made in 1858.
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With the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope, Louis Vuitton has succeeded in reconstructing the most extraordinary complications watch, while maintaining a traditional yet innovative aesthetic.
©LOUIS VUITTON
“Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope”
Price: Contact us
Movement
■ LV 81 calibre: a self-winding mechanical movement developed and assembled by La Fabrice du Temps Louis Vuitton
Flying tourbillon, hours, min: 146
■Power reserve: 40 hours
■Frequency: 28,800 times/hour
■Number of stones: 28
case
■Case material: 18K rose gold
Case diameter: 42.0 mm
■Thickness:11.5 mm
■Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
■Water resistance: 50 m
■JAPAN LIMITED EDITION engraved on the back cover
dial
Croisonnay enamel by Anita Porsche
strap
Blue-collar alligator strap
buckle
18K rose gold Ardillon buckle
【About Louis Vuitton】
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has always offered unique designs that combine innovation and style with the highest quality. Today, through products such as travel luggage, bags and accessories, we continue to faithfully inherit the spirit of “the essence of travel” created by founder Louis Vuitton, which is creative, elegant and practical. It was “audacity” that created the story of Louis Vuitton. Embracing tradition, it has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches & fine jewellery and fragrances. These carefully crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to craftsmanship.
For more information, visit the Louis Vuitton official website https://www.louisvuitton.com
