THE TIME FACTORY
TO EXPRESS ITS QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ART OF WATCHMAKING, LOUIS VUITTON PRESENTS THE REGIONAL HIGH WATCH EVENT. RIGA RAMADHAN REPORTS FROM BANGKOK
t his year, Louis vuitton brought something special to bangkok, Thailand: the regional High watch event. That day, i had the opportunity to experience the art of Louis vuitton high watchmaking at The siam Hotel, an urban sanctuary amidst the bustling city, where exquisite art and sophisticated designs meet the chao phraya river. The renowned siam Hotel was transformed exclusively for Louis vuitton’s guests for this unique occasion, with spaces within completely dedicated to the
maison’s watch and jewelry universes.
An Exquisite Journey
The opening gala for this special occasion was hosted by none other than christopher kilaniotis, president of Louis vuitton south asia and michel navas, Louis vuitton’s watchmaker from La fabrique du temps Louis vuitton and one of the world’s most established specialists in watch complications. The journey began from the elegant entrance hall, moved to the vivacious water feature in the heart of the hotel, the dazzling array of high watches and high jewelry pieces, paving their way to the deco bar where the gala was held.
more importantly, however, was the selection of rare high watchmaking timepieces crafted by La fabrique du temps Louis vuitton—such as the mystérieuse flying tourbillon, escale spin time fully paved and tambour spin time galaxy—that was specially flown in and presented at the event. we were also delighted by previews of the maison’s finest level of savoir-faire
and excellence in craftsmanship and innovation. Louis vuitton stays true to its reputation yet again by defining the highest standards for the smallest components, whether they are visible or hidden deep inside the case.
for instance, one of the easiest ways to see the maison’s excellence in craftsmanship and innovation is to take a closer look at the aforementioned Louis vuitton mystérieuse flying tourbillon. following the escale worldtime, skeleton tourbillon poinçon de genève, the minute repeater and the spin time, the tambour moon mystérieuse flying tourbillon perfectly illustrates how Louis vuitton continues to explore the potential of various high-end complications.
in this watch, the famous mystery movement is combined with a flying tourbillon. so, not only the hands but the entire movement appears to be floating in the middle of the watch. from the co-axial double barrel, concealed beneath a well-known monogram flower at 12 o’clock, to the central gear train and the tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock, nothing seems to connect these pieces together. in particular, the way the double barrel and the crown appear disjointed along with the flying tourbillon intensifies the impression of floating and lightness.
“we used six layers of sapphire glass. two layers to hold the movement, one layer to wind the movement, one layer to set the time and of course the rest of the two layers will be the crystal front and the crystal back. in total, there are six layers. That’s why it’s very difficult,” explained navas. “The development was difficult and also the assembling part of the movement is very difficult. it’s a nightmare for a watchmaker, but a pleasure for the client.”
Memorable Celebration
as the gala went on well into the night, a spectacular aural performance by pop violinists kept the mood high. Then, to top off what was already a lovely evening, a fashion show unveiled showcasing Louis vuitton’s finest timepieces together with high jewelry pieces and—of course—the brand’s ready to wear attire.
overall, through the regional High watch event, Louis vuitton successfully opens the doors of high-end watchmaking to a much wider audience. it certainly keeps one wondering just what will Louis vuitton, through La fabrique du temps Louis vuitton, come up with next. time and again, the maison has brought forward new improvements in functionality, readability and user-friendliness, to say nothing of playfulness. in short, by exploring new, creative ideas that are always outside the normal box of haute horlogerie, La fabrique du temps Louis vuitton is making today the watches of tomorrow.
“It certainly keeps one wondering just what will Louis Vuitton, through La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, come up with next”