Louis Vuitton has introduced new green and yellow colors for the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, the first watch in the Louis Vuitton sapphire case collection to be awarded the Poinçon de Genève.
This year, the watch crafted from a block of synthetic sapphire is available in green and yellow cases. This transparent creation, a testament to technical and artistic expertise, is the first in watchmaking history to be awarded the Poinçon de Genève. With the arrival of this model, which heralds the arrival of a new era, the secrets of its intricate openworked mechanical movement powered by a flying tourbillon are fully revealed.
The Colors of Travel
The Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, the first watch collection to feature a sapphire case and to be awarded the Hallmark of Geneva, is joining the family this year with two new models that epitomize the masterful craftsmanship of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The use of cases cut from blocks of synthetic colored sapphire still holds great potential.
This pure and precious mineral is obtained by heating aluminum oxide at temperatures of approximately 2000°C. Since its discovery in the early 20th century by French chemist Auguste-Victor-Louis Verneuil (1856–1913), the watch industry has used this process to produce rubies for mechanical movements. Rapid development in the 1980s led the industry to successfully produce sapphire crystals for sports watches for the first time, and cases a decade later.
Unlike pure gold or platinum, synthetic sapphire is as hard as diamond and is one of the most precious materials that will not deteriorate over time. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton recognized its potential early on and began using it to protect the Caliber LV 90 from external stresses. Only the gaze can penetrate the impenetrable barrier provided by synthetic sapphire. This ensures that, with regular care, the exceptional openwork movement controlled by the flying tourbillon will have a virtually unlimited lifespan. Since the launch of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, featuring clear, blue, and pink sapphires, the Manufacture's engineers have become experts in the application of synthetic sapphire. This year, these alchemists discovered the purest metal oxides, with the right combination and previously closely guarded proportions. The result: two new watches with bold translucent textures and hues, exuding an almost fluorescent glow. The first sapphire case is accented with an electric yellow finish, while the second features a warm green accent.
To achieve the exact same hue for the case middle, case back, and bridge bearing the LV logo on each watch, a 50mm diameter, 150mm long cylinder was carved from the center of a nearly 200kg block of sapphire, which was colored in Japan.
Each component is then cut from this sapphire crystal cylinder using diamond tools to achieve its final dimensions. Each component then undergoes a meticulous polishing process, revealing the exceptional clarity and richness of the two meticulously selected colors. The entire synthetic sapphire case of each watch requires 420 hours of complex work using digitally controlled machines with diamond tools. The 10mm-thick, one-piece component—case middle, bezel, and crystal—requires 100 hours of milling and 150 hours of polishing. The case back undergoes 50 hours of machining and 60 hours of hand and machine finishing before it is completely transparent and ready for assembly. Finally, the transparent bridge bearing the LV logo requires 20 hours of cutting and 40 hours of hand finishing to ensure perfect light transmission. Throughout the entire manufacturing process, meticulous attention to detail is always paid. The beautifully curved case middle of the Tambour Moon, introduced in 2017, is engraved with the 12 letters that define Louis Vuitton. Like the hour markers on the bezel flange, whose design gives the timepiece a very open look, the 12 letters are delicately lacquered in black.
The two horns, crafted from black PVD-coated titanium, are secured with screws. Finally, to protect the delicate movement from external stresses, the 9.9 mm thick, 42.5 mm diameter case is water resistant to 30 meters. This is achieved by a transparent gasket placed between the case middle and the screwed caseback.
Showcasing the Mechanism
The luminous case draws the eye across the spider-like architecture of the LV 90 manual-winding mechanical movement, boasting an 80-hour power reserve. To enhance the contrast and highlight the intricate finishing required to meet the standards of the Poinçon de Genève, the bridges and plates are composed of a series of matte black circles. This self-similar, fractal-like design, with its subtle twists and turns, draws the eye directly to the flying tourbillon, whose carriage features the iconic Monogram Flower motif meticulously openworked. The caliber's architecture transcends formal balance through a captivating chain of movements, sublimated by the exquisite shades of yellow or green in the case.
Every aspect of this timepiece's design has been carefully considered, right down to the appearance of the hands. Hollowed out in the middle, the light hands appear to emerge from the circle beneath them, floating in mid-air. Like previous versions of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, these two stunningly lightweight and transparent new watches are currently the only sapphire-cased models in the world to be awarded the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Due to their incredible complexity, these watches are produced in extremely limited numbers each year.
Introduced in 1886 by the Geneva Cantonal Council as a guarantee of exceptional quality, the Hallmark of Geneva is the industry's highest guarantee of origin, fine craftsmanship, and authenticity. Since 2012, this prestigious certification has meant that every component of a watch, from its case to its movement, has been produced and finished by hand in the canton of Geneva by skilled artisans in accordance with the industry's highest quality standards. Once assembled, each timepiece undergoes a series of tests and inspections to guarantee the quality of its workmanship, its water resistance, and the precision of its caliber. Once these tests are completed, only those that pass all tests are individually awarded this most prestigious certificate in watchmaking. Thanks to this unique seal, these exquisite customizable watches achieve the status of works of art and are individually accompanied by a certificate issued by the Geneva Hallmark Bureau.
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal Green
Price: Inquire
Movement
■Caliber LV 90: Manual-wound mechanical movement developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Geneva Seal on the central bridge below the green sapphire LV bridge and on the green sapphire caseback
■Flying tourbillon, hour and minute hands, Monogram Flower-shaped tourbillon cage that rotates once per minute
■Number of parts: 160
■Power reserve: 80 hours
■Voltage frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 17
Case
■Green sapphire case
■Titan crown and horns with black sandblasted PVD coating
■Case diameter: 42.5 mm
■Thickness: 9.90 mm
■Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
■Water resistance: 30 m
Strap
■Black alligator strap
Buckle
■Titanium ardillon buckle with black sandblasted PVD coating
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal Yellow
Price: Inquire
Movement
■Caliber LV 90: Manual-wound mechanical movement developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Geneva Seal on the central bridge below the yellow sapphire LV bridge and on the yellow sapphire caseback
■Flying tourbillon, hour and minute hands, Monogram Flower-shaped tourbillon cage completing one rotation per minute
■Number of parts: 160
■Power reserve: 80 hours
■Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 17
Case
■Yellow sapphire case
■Titan crown and horns with black sandblasted PVD coating
■Case diameter: 42.5mm
■Thickness: 9.90mm
■Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
■Water resistance: 30m
Strap
■Black alligator strap
Buckle
■Titan ardillon buckle with black sandblasted PVD coating
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has always offered unique designs that combine innovation and style, always at the highest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the "essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, and is creative, yet elegant and practical. It was boldness that 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 fragrance. These meticulously crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's commitment to craftsmanship.
For more information, visit the official Louis Vuitton website, louisvuitton.com.
This year, the watch crafted from a block of synthetic sapphire is available in green and yellow cases. This transparent creation, a testament to technical and artistic expertise, is the first in watchmaking history to be awarded the Poinçon de Genève. With the arrival of this model, which heralds the arrival of a new era, the secrets of its intricate openworked mechanical movement powered by a flying tourbillon are fully revealed.
The Colors of Travel
The Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, the first watch collection to feature a sapphire case and to be awarded the Hallmark of Geneva, is joining the family this year with two new models that epitomize the masterful craftsmanship of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The use of cases cut from blocks of synthetic colored sapphire still holds great potential.
This pure and precious mineral is obtained by heating aluminum oxide at temperatures of approximately 2000°C. Since its discovery in the early 20th century by French chemist Auguste-Victor-Louis Verneuil (1856–1913), the watch industry has used this process to produce rubies for mechanical movements. Rapid development in the 1980s led the industry to successfully produce sapphire crystals for sports watches for the first time, and cases a decade later.
Unlike pure gold or platinum, synthetic sapphire is as hard as diamond and is one of the most precious materials that will not deteriorate over time. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton recognized its potential early on and began using it to protect the Caliber LV 90 from external stresses. Only the gaze can penetrate the impenetrable barrier provided by synthetic sapphire. This ensures that, with regular care, the exceptional openwork movement controlled by the flying tourbillon will have a virtually unlimited lifespan. Since the launch of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, featuring clear, blue, and pink sapphires, the Manufacture's engineers have become experts in the application of synthetic sapphire. This year, these alchemists discovered the purest metal oxides, with the right combination and previously closely guarded proportions. The result: two new watches with bold translucent textures and hues, exuding an almost fluorescent glow. The first sapphire case is accented with an electric yellow finish, while the second features a warm green accent.
To achieve the exact same hue for the case middle, case back, and bridge bearing the LV logo on each watch, a 50mm diameter, 150mm long cylinder was carved from the center of a nearly 200kg block of sapphire, which was colored in Japan.
Each component is then cut from this sapphire crystal cylinder using diamond tools to achieve its final dimensions. Each component then undergoes a meticulous polishing process, revealing the exceptional clarity and richness of the two meticulously selected colors. The entire synthetic sapphire case of each watch requires 420 hours of complex work using digitally controlled machines with diamond tools. The 10mm-thick, one-piece component—case middle, bezel, and crystal—requires 100 hours of milling and 150 hours of polishing. The case back undergoes 50 hours of machining and 60 hours of hand and machine finishing before it is completely transparent and ready for assembly. Finally, the transparent bridge bearing the LV logo requires 20 hours of cutting and 40 hours of hand finishing to ensure perfect light transmission. Throughout the entire manufacturing process, meticulous attention to detail is always paid. The beautifully curved case middle of the Tambour Moon, introduced in 2017, is engraved with the 12 letters that define Louis Vuitton. Like the hour markers on the bezel flange, whose design gives the timepiece a very open look, the 12 letters are delicately lacquered in black.
The two horns, crafted from black PVD-coated titanium, are secured with screws. Finally, to protect the delicate movement from external stresses, the 9.9 mm thick, 42.5 mm diameter case is water resistant to 30 meters. This is achieved by a transparent gasket placed between the case middle and the screwed caseback.
Showcasing the Mechanism
The luminous case draws the eye across the spider-like architecture of the LV 90 manual-winding mechanical movement, boasting an 80-hour power reserve. To enhance the contrast and highlight the intricate finishing required to meet the standards of the Poinçon de Genève, the bridges and plates are composed of a series of matte black circles. This self-similar, fractal-like design, with its subtle twists and turns, draws the eye directly to the flying tourbillon, whose carriage features the iconic Monogram Flower motif meticulously openworked. The caliber's architecture transcends formal balance through a captivating chain of movements, sublimated by the exquisite shades of yellow or green in the case.
Every aspect of this timepiece's design has been carefully considered, right down to the appearance of the hands. Hollowed out in the middle, the light hands appear to emerge from the circle beneath them, floating in mid-air. Like previous versions of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal, these two stunningly lightweight and transparent new watches are currently the only sapphire-cased models in the world to be awarded the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Due to their incredible complexity, these watches are produced in extremely limited numbers each year.
Introduced in 1886 by the Geneva Cantonal Council as a guarantee of exceptional quality, the Hallmark of Geneva is the industry's highest guarantee of origin, fine craftsmanship, and authenticity. Since 2012, this prestigious certification has meant that every component of a watch, from its case to its movement, has been produced and finished by hand in the canton of Geneva by skilled artisans in accordance with the industry's highest quality standards. Once assembled, each timepiece undergoes a series of tests and inspections to guarantee the quality of its workmanship, its water resistance, and the precision of its caliber. Once these tests are completed, only those that pass all tests are individually awarded this most prestigious certificate in watchmaking. Thanks to this unique seal, these exquisite customizable watches achieve the status of works of art and are individually accompanied by a certificate issued by the Geneva Hallmark Bureau.
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal Green
Price: Inquire
Movement
■Caliber LV 90: Manual-wound mechanical movement developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Geneva Seal on the central bridge below the green sapphire LV bridge and on the green sapphire caseback
■Flying tourbillon, hour and minute hands, Monogram Flower-shaped tourbillon cage that rotates once per minute
■Number of parts: 160
■Power reserve: 80 hours
■Voltage frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 17
Case
■Green sapphire case
■Titan crown and horns with black sandblasted PVD coating
■Case diameter: 42.5 mm
■Thickness: 9.90 mm
■Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
■Water resistance: 30 m
Strap
■Black alligator strap
Buckle
■Titanium ardillon buckle with black sandblasted PVD coating
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Sapphire Crystal Yellow
Price: Inquire
Movement
■Caliber LV 90: Manual-wound mechanical movement developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Geneva Seal on the central bridge below the yellow sapphire LV bridge and on the yellow sapphire caseback
■Flying tourbillon, hour and minute hands, Monogram Flower-shaped tourbillon cage completing one rotation per minute
■Number of parts: 160
■Power reserve: 80 hours
■Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 17
Case
■Yellow sapphire case
■Titan crown and horns with black sandblasted PVD coating
■Case diameter: 42.5mm
■Thickness: 9.90mm
■Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
■Water resistance: 30m
Strap
■Black alligator strap
Buckle
■Titan ardillon buckle with black sandblasted PVD coating
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has always offered unique designs that combine innovation and style, always at the highest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the "essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, and is creative, yet elegant and practical. It was boldness that 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 fragrance. These meticulously crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's commitment to craftsmanship.
For more information, visit the official Louis Vuitton website, louisvuitton.com.
