Louis Vuitton has unveiled the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope, a Japan-exclusive edition. This new watch combines the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional cloisonné enamel with an artistic reinterpretation of the Monogram Flower. To realize this bold kaleidoscope, Louis Vuitton has employed a unique flying tourbillon movement entirely crafted at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
©LOUIS VUITTON
When Louis Vuitton designed a new case to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Tambour watch in 2017, the Maison was careful to adhere to the aesthetic codes that made the model a success. The Tambour Moon's rounded, reverse curves give the timepiece a new crescent profile. When worn, the case creates an exquisite light show that perfectly matches the design of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope. The main inspiration was the Monogram Flower, first introduced by Louis Vuitton in 1896.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Michel Navas, Master Watchmaker at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, explains:
This timepiece will be available exclusively in Japan, a country dear to both the Maison and watch collectors.
©LOUIS VUITTON
©LOUIS VUITTON
A Painting-Evoking Dial
The Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope is a modern homage to the ancient technique of cloisonné enamel. The watchmaker creates a pattern with gold thread, creating intricate divisions, and then pours the enamel. Louis Vuitton chose not to include any markings on the dial canvas, allowing the cloisonné enamel details to shine. Therefore, the entire dial is dedicated to Anita Porcher's enamelwork. Purple is one of the most challenging colors to achieve through enameling. Perfecting the hue for this model required weeks of research. Along with variations in blue, Louis Vuitton sought multiple vibrant purple hues to create gradations and enhance the dial's kaleidoscope effect. This extremely delicate process requires a perfect balance between the enamel's constituent components (silica powder and metal oxides). It's a technical feat that can only be accomplished by skilled hands with the expertise and precision of Anita Porcher. The dial decoration alone takes nearly two weeks of work to complete.
Once the dial is finished, the captivating aesthetic of the watch face is further enhanced by the strength and delicacy of its blue and purple hues. This effect is further enhanced by the masterful brushwork of the infinitely repeated Monogram Flower pattern. Rendered in cloisonné enamel, its central motif, like an exceptional mandala, seems to extend beyond the boundaries of the dial.
©LOUIS VUITTON
A Movement of Excellence
To match the dynamic nature of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon's kaleidoscopic face, Louis Vuitton has equipped it with one of the most beautiful automatic movements: the Flying Tourbillon Caliber LV 81 movement, designed, developed, and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The refined design of the iconic regulator, located at 6 o'clock, allows the Gaston-Louis Vuitton "V" to take center stage in the center of the flying tourbillon carriage. The case back also offers a view of the micro-rotor and watch mechanism through sapphire crystal. This delicate decoration is reminiscent of the striped Trianon canvas produced in 1858.
©LOUIS VUITTON
With the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope, Louis Vuitton has successfully reimagined one of the most extraordinary horological complications, while maintaining an aesthetic that is both traditional and innovative.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope
Price: Upon request
Movement
■Caliber LV 81: Automatic mechanical movement developed and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Flying tourbillon, hours, minutes
Number of components: 146
■Power reserve: 40 hours
■Voltage frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 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 case back
Dial
■Cloisonné enamel by Anita Porcher
Strap
■Blue alligator strap
Buckle
■18K rose gold ardillon buckle
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has continued to offer distinctive designs that combine innovation and style, always at the finest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, which is creative, elegant, and practical. The story of Louis Vuitton was shaped by boldness. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and fragrances. These meticulously crafted products are testament to Louis Vuitton's dedication to craftsmanship.
©LOUIS VUITTONWhen Louis Vuitton designed a new case to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Tambour watch in 2017, the Maison was careful to adhere to the aesthetic codes that made the model a success. The Tambour Moon's rounded, reverse curves give the timepiece a new crescent profile. When worn, the case creates an exquisite light show that perfectly matches the design of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope. The main inspiration was the Monogram Flower, first introduced by Louis Vuitton in 1896.
©LOUIS VUITTONMichel Navas, Master Watchmaker at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, explains:
"I wanted to create a contemporary version of this watch by transforming it into a kaleidoscope. It's also a subtle homage to Japanese culture, where repetition of a single motif is common, particularly in origami."
This timepiece will be available exclusively in Japan, a country dear to both the Maison and watch collectors.
©LOUIS VUITTON©LOUIS VUITTONA Painting-Evoking Dial
The Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope is a modern homage to the ancient technique of cloisonné enamel. The watchmaker creates a pattern with gold thread, creating intricate divisions, and then pours the enamel. Louis Vuitton chose not to include any markings on the dial canvas, allowing the cloisonné enamel details to shine. Therefore, the entire dial is dedicated to Anita Porcher's enamelwork. Purple is one of the most challenging colors to achieve through enameling. Perfecting the hue for this model required weeks of research. Along with variations in blue, Louis Vuitton sought multiple vibrant purple hues to create gradations and enhance the dial's kaleidoscope effect. This extremely delicate process requires a perfect balance between the enamel's constituent components (silica powder and metal oxides). It's a technical feat that can only be accomplished by skilled hands with the expertise and precision of Anita Porcher. The dial decoration alone takes nearly two weeks of work to complete.
Once the dial is finished, the captivating aesthetic of the watch face is further enhanced by the strength and delicacy of its blue and purple hues. This effect is further enhanced by the masterful brushwork of the infinitely repeated Monogram Flower pattern. Rendered in cloisonné enamel, its central motif, like an exceptional mandala, seems to extend beyond the boundaries of the dial.
©LOUIS VUITTONA Movement of Excellence
To match the dynamic nature of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon's kaleidoscopic face, Louis Vuitton has equipped it with one of the most beautiful automatic movements: the Flying Tourbillon Caliber LV 81 movement, designed, developed, and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The refined design of the iconic regulator, located at 6 o'clock, allows the Gaston-Louis Vuitton "V" to take center stage in the center of the flying tourbillon carriage. The case back also offers a view of the micro-rotor and watch mechanism through sapphire crystal. This delicate decoration is reminiscent of the striped Trianon canvas produced in 1858.
©LOUIS VUITTONWith the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope, Louis Vuitton has successfully reimagined one of the most extraordinary horological complications, while maintaining an aesthetic that is both traditional and innovative.
©LOUIS VUITTONTambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Kaleidoscope
Price: Upon request
Movement
■Caliber LV 81: Automatic mechanical movement developed and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
■Flying tourbillon, hours, minutes
Number of components: 146
■Power reserve: 40 hours
■Voltage frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
■Jewels: 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 case back
Dial
■Cloisonné enamel by Anita Porcher
Strap
■Blue alligator strap
Buckle
■18K rose gold ardillon buckle
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has continued to offer distinctive designs that combine innovation and style, always at the finest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, which is creative, elegant, and practical. The story of Louis Vuitton was shaped by boldness. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and fragrances. These meticulously crafted products are testament to Louis Vuitton's dedication to craftsmanship.
