Previously decade, the watch division of Louis Vuitton has been steadily increasing its foothold in haute horlogerie, a journey that commenced with buying motion specialist La Fabrique de Temps (LFT) about ten years in the past. La Fabrique des Arts, one other esteemed LV atelier inside the LFT devoted to curating metiers d’artwork, offered experience and know-how for the most recent Vuitton horological providing. It’s inside this collaborative effort that the distinctive plique-à-jour enamel dial for the most recent version of the Louis Vuitton Voyager Flying Tourbillon was meticulously crafted.
With regards to Louis Vuitton watches, the Tambour assortment instantly involves thoughts. Streamlined drastically with many of the previous references eliminated, this signature design is now principally exemplified by the model’s tackle the luxurious sports activities watch with built-in bracelet idea, the brand new Tambour. Nevertheless, there’s extra to LV watches. A lot, far more certainly. Particularly on the subject of haute horlogerie.
Navigating by way of the model’s web site, you’ll discover a conspicuous absence: the beautiful tourbillon-regulated watches encased inside the fascinating Voyager case. Initially launched as a number for a no-frills GMT mannequin, the Voyager case has since advanced right into a sanctuary completely reserved for top-of-the-line issues produced in restricted portions, so the absence is justified. Recall the 2016 Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève,” adopted by the 2019 Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon. Extra just lately, the Voyager Skeleton version emerged, seamlessly integrating Louis Vuitton’s distinctive design language into an unexpectedly minimalist framework. The most recent addition is the Voyager Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève”, distinguished by the plique-à-jour enamel dial, which deserves particular reward, and we’re blissful to introduce the mannequin.
The 41mm platinum Voyager case is the best canvas for this distinctive creation. With an avant-garde silhouette marked by sleek curves and a masterful mix of finishes, it harmonizes seamlessly with the dial, accentuating its magnificence and propelling the timepiece to sophistication. This sophistication is underlined by impeccable craftsmanship, because the chosen plique-à-jour enamel approach is famend for its problem to not point out excessive manufacturing prices.
Plique-à-jour, loosely translated as “letting within the daylight,” refers to clear enamel devoid of backing. The design resembles a stained glass window, that includes a metallic define (body) full of numerous clear, glass-like enamels of a number of colors. Like cloisonné, plique-à-jour consists of metallic partitions or cells with a brief backing, often eliminated by way of an acid tub. Nevertheless, the artisans at La Fabrique des Arts opted for a capillary motion fill with none assist. This method entails depositing materials into open cells by way of fast and light-weight actions, making certain even spreading of the enamel with out air pockets.
The white gold body of the brand new Louis Vuitton Voyager Flying Tourbillon Plique-à-jour dial is fabricated from subtly intertwined V shapes and spherical openings at 12 and 6 o’clock. It undergoes 5 to 6 layers of enamel and an equal variety of kiln firings. The method calls for round 100 hours of meticulous work to provide only one dial, and the result’s really astonishing. Plique-à-jour imparts a pure translucency paying homage to that present in nature, making a mesmerizing play of color as gentle passes by way of the enamel in numerous shades of blue and gray.
Beneath the metiers d’artwork dial, shielded by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective therapy, the manually wound LV 104 motion emerges. Its open-worked design reveals the flying tourbillon’s distinctive V-shaped cage, finishing a full rotation each minute, prominently showcased at 6 o’clock. The blue time dial with signature fingers is positioned at 12; the Poinçon de Genève hallmark is at 9, and the LV emblem is reverse. This association mirrors the groundbreaking timepiece launched in 2016, which debuted the Calibre LV 104 developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps.
Comprising 168 elements, the LV 104 motion was conceived as a skeleton calibre fairly than a modified current motion. Working at 21,600 vibrations/hour, it has a formidable energy reserve of 80 hours. The celebrated Poinçon de Genève seal certifies that the motion meets rigorous standards for ornamental ending – all yours to find by way of the clear caseback – and demonstrates exemplary timekeeping.
The New Louis Vuitton Voyager Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève” Plique-à-Jour is worn on a navy blue leather-based strap, closed with a platinum folding buckle. The worth is upon request; count on effectively over EUR 200,000. For extra particulars, please go to louisvuitton.com.
