Paris, France – In a stunning display of innovation and luxury, Louis Vuitton recently unveiled its latest Tambour collection in the historic Musée d’Orsay in Paris. The luxury fashion powerhouse’s watch director, Jean Arnault, not only showcased elegant and minimalist steel grey and blue Tambour watches but also introduced a groundbreaking strategy for the brand’s future in horology.
The Tambour collection has long been synonymous with Louis Vuitton’s foray into the world of high-end timepieces. Still, it’s the latest strategic shift that’s making waves in the industry. Louis Vuitton is set to bid adieu to 80% of its entry-level watches, a move aimed at repositioning the brand squarely within the realm of high watchmaking. With prices starting at €19,000 (approximately RM94,000), this luxury transition is set to captivate discerning collectors.
“Louis Vuitton has 21 years of history in watchmaking now,” noted Jean Arnault during the launch event. “The Tambour is probably one of the only icons that were created in the 21st century.” This shift towards the upper echelons of luxury watchmaking also comes with a dramatic transformation of the Tambour’s design. Its thickness, which had steadily increased over the years, has now been trimmed from 13mm to a svelte 8mm, resulting in a more wearable and comfortable timepiece for all genders.
The Tambour’s striking design features a first-ever integrated bracelet, seamlessly blending sturdiness and fluidity, offering a comfortable fit. The watch’s dial options boast a monochromatic finish with subtle polished surfaces that catch the light, adding to its visual allure. Powering these exceptional timepieces is the Calibre LFT023, Louis Vuitton’s first proprietary automatic three-hand movement. This movement has received the coveted chronometer certification from the Geneva Observatory, marking a significant milestone for the brand.
“We believe this new product actually reflects a lot more the ethos at the watchmaking atelier and what we’ve built over the last 10 over years of our high watchmaking segment,” explained Arnault. “We are going to evolve completely and make sure that all of our collections are on the same plane, on the same level, and have the same level of attention to detail and craftsmanship.”
These remarkable Tambour watches are now available for pre-order, with sales set to commence in September. The Tambour’s journey is a testament to Louis Vuitton’s ability to seamlessly blend its iconic design with Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship, securing its place among the top echelons of luxury horology.
The evening’s grandeur extended beyond the watch launch as Louis Vuitton hosted a cocktail party at the Impressionist Gallery, followed by a lavish gala dinner. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, Francesca Amfitheatrof, artistic director for watches and jewellery at Louis Vuitton, and Louis Vuitton’s first dedicated watch ambassador, Bradley Cooper, were among the notable attendees who celebrated this new chapter in the brand’s watchmaking legacy.
Louis Vuitton’s bold strategy and exquisite Tambour collection are poised to reshape the luxury watch industry, reaffirming the brand’s position as a trailblazer in the world of haute horlogerie.
