To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maison's Tambour watch, Louis Vuitton has unveiled the limited edition Tambour Twenty.
The Tambour, which has become the symbol of the Louis Vuitton watch collection, has evolved over time into a variety of variations since its launch in 2002. Each model has faithfully reflected the Maison's DNA, a dedication to the "essence of travel," and a creativity that combines technological innovation and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Like the first model, the Tambour Twenty features a unique, instantly recognizable case and is powered by the Caliber LV277, a high-frequency movement based on the iconic Zenith El Primero, known as the world's first automatic chronograph movement.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Twenty
A Journey Through Time
In the 20 years since the launch of its watch division, Louis Vuitton has demonstrated its deep passion for watchmaking and established itself as a leading name in the watch industry. In 2002, the Maison launched the groundbreaking Tambour watch – a bold, innovative timepiece, instantly recognizable for its unprecedented shape, rounded case carved from a solid block of metal, and signature horns. It was the birth of an entirely new watch... This launch opened the doors for Louis Vuitton to the world of watchmaking, a world that was difficult for newcomers to enter.
Pushing the Boundaries
The Tambour, a symbol of the Louis Vuitton watch collection, has evolved over time into numerous variations, each faithfully reflecting the Maison's DNA: a dedication to the essence of travel, a creativity that combines technological innovation and unparalleled craftsmanship. Launched in 2009, the Tambour Spin Time revolutionized the way time was displayed by replacing the hands and indexes with a rotating cube. In 2011, the Genevan watchmaking atelier La Fabrique du Temps and its master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini joined Louis Vuitton in its quest to create exceptional timepieces.
The Tambour Evolution, launched in 2014, features a 45mm case and a powerful, masculine design, while the tourbillon version, the Tambour Slim, debuted in 2016, offers a clean, understated silhouette that fits comfortably on the wrist. Meanwhile, the Tambour Moon, launched in 2017, retained the Tambour's signature round case but with reversed inward curves on the case sides. Then, in 2020, the Tambour Curve, featuring a titanium and Carbostratum® case, literally pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with its astonishing slender, gently convex shape and astonishing flying tourbillon caliber bearing the Poinçon de Genève, the hallmark of Swiss fine watchmaking, achieving a perfect harmony between ultra-complexity and bold creativity.
In 2021, the Tambour Carpe Diem won the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, and the Tambour Street Diver won the Diver's Watch Award. Louis Vuitton's watchmaking remains closely linked to connected watches, incorporating the latest digital technology to bring the future into the present. Shortly after the start of 2022, the Maison unveiled the third-generation Tambour Horizon Light Up. This connected watch is truly revolutionary: vibrantly colorful, packed with travel-friendly features, playful, and highly customizable. It's cutting-edge yet true to the Maison's DNA.
A 20-Year History
In just 20 years, Louis Vuitton has proven its legitimacy on the watchmaking scene. In that time, the Tambour's timeless, iconic, and stylish signature has been paired with all manner of watches, from more classic styles to the most complex complications. To cater to a variety of tastes, there are masculine and feminine versions, GMT and diver models, and even versions with flying tourbillons and minute repeaters, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship in Louis Vuitton's high-end watchmaking. To celebrate the original Tambour that made all of this possible, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has created an exclusive anniversary model, the Tambour Twenty. This limited-edition model, limited to 200 pieces, features all of the iconic codes that helped make the Tambour an icon of watchmaking design. "Avid watch enthusiasts will recognize all the features that make the Tambour unique. This limited edition epitomizes all of the elements that make the Tambour distinctive, while incorporating innovative features that will catch the eye of collectors," said Jean Arnault, Marketing and Product Development Director of Louis Vuitton Watches. "I see this watch not only as a celebration of our 20th anniversary, but also as a cornerstone for the long future of fine watchmaking that respects Louis Vuitton's values of creativity, craftsmanship and excellence," he said.
Like the first model, the Tambour Twenty features a unique and instantly recognizable case, the plump thickness of which is also evocative of the name of the watch part
(meaning "drum" in English). Its thick, flared shape is its most distinctive feature, giving it a sense of solidity and reliability. Like the 2002 version, the iconic 41.5 mm case features 12 "LOUIS VUITTON" letters engraved on the side, one for each numeral and index. This collector's edition also features a sunray-brushed brown dial over which the long chronograph hand glides. Its yellow color pays homage to the stitching historically used in the Maison's leather goods. Two elegant subdials also make a comeback.
Water resistant to 100 meters, the Tambour Twenty is powered by the Caliber LV277, a high-frequency movement based on the iconic Zenith El Primero – the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Powered by a 22K pink gold rotor, it boasts a 50-hour power reserve and is accurate to within 1/10th of a second. As the number engraved on the caseback indicates, this collector's item is limited to 200 pieces and comes presented in another iconic Louis Vuitton staple: a miniature Monogram canvas trunk. It pays homage to Louis Vuitton's legacy of travel, allowing customers to continue to protect their most treasured possessions by storing them in mini trunks that will stand the test of time.Who would have thought that in just 20 years, Louis Vuitton would truly establish itself as a watchmaker?
Tambour Twenty
¥2,332,000 (tax included)
*Limited production of 200 pieces
• Polished stainless steel case
• Case diameter: 41.5mm
• Case thickness: 13.20mm
• LV277 mechanical movement by La Fabrique du Temps with a 22K pink gold rotor
• Functions: High-frequency chronograph (5Hz), date, hours, minutes
• Power reserve: 50 hours Number of Jewels: 31
Frequency: 36,000 vph
Dial: Brown sunray dial with black snail-finish counters
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Strap: Dark brown alligator strap
Water resistance: 100m
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has consistently offered distinctive designs that combine innovation and style, always with the finest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and more, the brand remains true to the "essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, and is creative, elegant, and practical. Boldness is what shaped the Louis Vuitton story. Respecting tradition, throughout its history, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and fragrances. These carefully crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's commitment to craftsmanship.
