©Ulysse Frechelin
Long a Louis Vuitton timekeeping icon, the Spin Time reimagined the traditional jumping hour complication when it was launched in 2009, elevating the traditional way of displaying time into a three-dimensional dance.

While retaining the three-dimensional movement of the Spin Time, the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum further evolves and transforms the watch by fundamentally rethinking the art of high watchmaking. The hour cube illuminates on demand, adding a fourth dimension to this highly original complication – this mysterious light, which appears to emanate from within the cube, pays homage to the unparalleled creativity and high watchmaking that are the hallmarks of Louis Vuitton watchmaking.


The Paradoxes of the Quantum World
In physics, a quantum is the smallest physical quantity. A photon, for example, is a quantum of light: a massless, subatomic particle that travels at immeasurable speeds. Quantum physics studies it.

The intriguing paradoxes and revelatory insights of quantum physics subtly, yet unmistakably, echo the philosophy behind the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum. By adding a layer of microelectronics to an extremely complex movement, creating a unit that both ticks and emits light, this watch boldly redefines the conventions of high watchmaking.

©Ulysse Frechelin

Redefining High Watchmaking
"After 12 years of refining our patented Spin Time, we decided to dare to pursue an unprecedented technical challenge," explains Jean Arnault, Marketing and Product Development Director for Louis Vuitton Watches. "The Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum is not only an incredible feat in the world of watchmaking, but a unique, extraordinary and extremely complex hybrid timepiece that brings together the best of both the mechanical and electronic worlds, combining legibility and design."

The culmination of a bold challenge two years in the making, the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum brings groundbreaking innovation to the world of high watchmaking. Inspired by the bioluminescence of deep-sea creatures, the watch seamlessly blends the artistry of watchmaking with the science of microelectronics, utilizing 12 tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the "Spin Time" display from within.

This artistic fusion of the two disciplines is unique in the world of high watchmaking, while the resulting piece is a true Louis Vuitton masterpiece in terms of intricacy and ingenuity. While leveraging technology to further improve time display, careful physical separation (modularity) between electronic and mechanical components ensures ease of use and hassle-free maintenance.

The Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum's cutting-edge nature is reflected in its bold aesthetic, which sets it apart from mechanical Spin Time watches. The watch features a matte black case with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, contrasting with the vibrant green and yellow of Super-LumiNova's distinctive luminescent paint. The sapphire case back features a unique metallized Louis Vuitton emblem resembling a circuit board, creating a unified look from every angle.

©LOUIS VUITTON

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
At the heart of the watch is the Caliber LV 68, developed exclusively by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the Geneva watchmaking atelier specializing in complex movements. Appearing to float within the watch case, the Caliber LV 68 is a mechanical movement, just like the movements found in the previous Spin Time Air models, and performs the exact same functions.

However, when the pusher integrated into the crown is pressed, the hour cubes light up. This is the result of a small LED placed directly within the flange on the top surface of each cube. The LEDs cast a small but powerful beam of light within each cube, making it appear as if the cube is lit from within.

A stunning and spectacular luminosity in high watchmaking, this illumination evokes anything the imagination can imagine: extraterrestrial brilliance, the paranormal, or electronic dance music?

Crucially, the illumination is both bright and sustained. The cube remains lit as long as the pusher is pressed. It also remains illuminated for three seconds after the pusher is released.

The continuous illumination makes this microelectronic complication a key partner in traditional watchmaking and a philosophical counterpoint to convention. Because mechanical movements rely on springs, the actions and sequences produced by such mechanisms are necessarily short-lived. The Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum's continuous illumination, a rare find in watchmaking, evokes its radical concept. Indeed, this concept is radical not only in terms of technology but also in its visible physical characteristics. While the traditional Tambour Spin Time Air cube is made of rolled aluminum, the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum uses fused silica (quartz glass), a glass made of almost pure silicon dioxide. The elimination of impurities and additives requires extremely high temperatures, making the manufacturing process more laborious and time-consuming. Yet, it is precisely this exceptional transparency that makes quartz glass the material of choice for precision applications such as optical lenses, semiconductors, and this watch's hour cube, which transmits LED light.

©LOUIS VUITTON

Intelligent Engineering
Cleverly hidden beneath the flange of the dial is a ring housing 12 LEDs (one for each hour cube), along with an integrated circuit and two batteries for power.

The ingenuity of the compact illumination system is also evident in the fact that the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum has the same dimensions as the standard Tambour Spin Time Air: 42.5 mm in diameter and 12.3 mm thick. Thanks to the use of highly efficient LEDs, the illumination system can operate 6-7 times daily for up to three years before the battery needs to be changed.

Designed to be completely invisible to the wearer, power and maintenance were key considerations in the development of the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum, with the goal being to make wearing it a hassle-free pleasure for the wearer. After much trial and error, the LEDs are powered by two batteries secured by special rings hidden under the flange, allowing them to be changed without damaging the movement's electronic or mechanical components.

A discreet illuminated ring at the base of the crown serves as a battery level indicator, flashing when the battery finally needs to be changed.


Rooted in Tradition
The illumination module's advanced microelectronics contrasts sharply with the automatic LV 68 movement, hand-assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Geneva. While the LV 68 displays the hours in an original and contemporary way, the principles behind this ingenious display are thoroughly traditional.

Directly beneath each cube is a Maltese cross mechanism. Also known as the Genève mechanism after its birthplace, the Maltese cross mechanism—reputedly invented by Genevan watchmakers in the 17th century—is a classic solution for cyclical movements in movements.

Specifically, each of the Spin Time's cubes rotates a quarter-turn twice a day, a feat that requires the watchmaker to delicately and individually adjust each cube's mechanism to ensure instantaneous time jumps. However, the Spin Time display is three-dimensional, placing the Maltese cross mechanism at a right angle to the movement, a unique twist on a centuries-old invention.

Paying homage to traditional watchmaking, the dial of the Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum is adorned with a technique synonymous with traditional high watchmaking. The center is adorned with parallel stripes called Côtes de Genève, while the lower part of the dial is circular-grained.

But like all Tambour Spin Time Air Quantum watches, the decoration also has a twist on tradition. The Côtes de Genève blends old and new: the dial was patterned, then coated with DLC and overlaid with the Louis Vuitton monogram printed in yellow Super-LumiNova. The lower part of the dial is also coated with DLC, creating a subtle sparkle when light strikes it at the right angle.

Traditional decorative techniques are not limited to the dial and movement. In keeping with the highest standards of high watchmaking, all components, both internally and externally, are decorated to the utmost.

Surrounding the "Spin Time" display is a matte flange set with 12 hour indexes, each meticulously engraved with a diamond-tipped tool. Despite their recessed position, the indexes have a mirror-polished surface, giving them the appearance of appliqués from certain angles.

The art of high watchmaking is also evident on the outside of the DLC-coated case. The titanium case has a delicate matte finish, accented by the edges of the bezel and lugs with mirror-polished chamfers (also known as angleage), a finish shared with high-end movements.

Meanwhile, continuing the contemporary style that underlies the dial, the case is also coated with DLC, giving it a charcoal finish that accentuates the contrast between the matte surface and the light-reflecting glossy anglage. Light has always been the key to enhancing the beauty of time.


Tambour Spin™ Time Air Quantum
Recommended price including tax: 10.75 million yen (as of March 23, 2022)

Movement
・Caliber LV 68: Self-winding mechanical movement developed and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
・Functions: Hours and minutes with spin time display
・Laser-cut quartz glass cube with a transferred surface and frosted edges for optimal light diffusion
・Number of parts: 95
・Power reserve: 35 hours
・Frequency: 28,800 vph
・Number of jewels: 26
・On-demand illumination device (number of parts: 103)
-The electronics board is powered by two high-drain batteries located within the case
-12 LEDs whose light is focused by 12 high-quality optical glass lenses that illuminate the cube
-Illumination is achieved by pressing the push button on the crown
-Illumination duration: approximately 3 seconds
-Sapphire crystal battery level indicator located at the base of the crown

CASE
・Titanium case with black DLC coating
・Case diameter: 42.5mm
・Thickness: 12.3mm
・Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
・Water resistance: 50m

DIAL
・Dial and minute hand treated with Super-LumiNova

STRAP
・Black DLC-coated stainless steel ardillon buckle

BOX
・High Watchmaking trunk

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【About Louis Vuitton】
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has combined innovation and style in distinctive designs, consistently offering the finest quality. Today, Louis Vuitton remains faithful to the spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products that are creative, elegant, and practical. Boldness is what shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, expanding into a wide range of fields, including fashion items and fine jewelry. These meticulously crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's dedication to craftsmanship.

[Contact Information]
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