In 2002, Louis Vuitton (Instagram) first introduced the Tambour watch, a masterpiece featuring a drum-shaped case, offering a bold and captivating perspective on timekeeping. Fast forward 21 years, and the Tambour has undergone a graceful transformation, emerging with a slimmer silhouette that exudes refinement, effortless charm, and a sculptural, fluid allure.
“In the wake of two decades marked by audacious horological design centred around the iconic Tambour silhouette, and guided by an unwavering commitment to modernity, grace, and utility – qualities that define the Maison’s rich legacy of 160 years – Louis Vuitton raises the bar on watchmaking excellence, exhibiting an unparalleled level of sophistication in every facet of this new timepiece,” says Jean Arnault, Watch Director at Louis Vuitton.
The new Tambour collection is marked by two exquisite steel renditions, effectively emphasizing the collection’s dedication to daily wear. Choose between a harmonious tone-on-tone variant featuring a silver-grey dial, or opt for the mesmerizing allure of a deep blue dial with captivating contrast.
With these two choices, the Maison unveils its reimagined emblematic collection, introducing two groundbreaking firsts for Louis Vuitton aficionados – an integrated bracelet seamlessly melded with the watch and an exclusive, meticulously crafted automatic movement conceived by none other than La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
The all-new LFT023 movement stands as Louis Vuitton’s inaugural proprietary automatic three-hand movement, a stunning collaboration with the masterful horologists of Le Cercle des Horlogers, perfectly encapsulating the visual essence of the Maison.
So, what truly defines a Tambour watch? It’s the circular case adorned with gracefully curved sides, emblazoned with 12 letters that spell LOUIS VUITTON, an embodiment of certain volume and almost architectural precision in dimension and proportion. All these defining elements are not only retained but elevated through the intricacies of the latest Tambour iteration. Every line of the new Tambour pulsates with an air of design that transcends mere aesthetics, delving into purpose and intention. The result is a modern morphology boasting a truly unisex 40mm diameter and a svelte 8.3mm thick case, embracing the contours of any wrist with a harmonious dance. As for the novel integrated bracelet, a debut for Louis Vuitton, it seamlessly combines strength and fluidity, the delicate curvature of its slim links ensuring a snug and ergonomic fit comparable to the softest of leather straps.
The new Tambour is an ode to design, where every facet bears significance and purpose. The exterior, each surface that caresses the skin, is meticulously shaped to harmonize with the body’s natural contours. The caseback doesn’t merely lay flat; it gracefully arcs towards the case middle, mirroring the gentle sweep of the forearm as it leads to the wrist. Due to the way it flows with the body, the Tambour appears even sleeker than its 8.3mm thickness. The bracelet links, elegantly convex on their upper side and softy curved beneath, create a rounded profile, maintaining a continuous tactile connection with the entire wrist.
The bracelet merges seamlessly with the case, a seamless construction that distinguishes the new Tambour as the only truly circular watch boasting an integrated bracelet. A discreet closure completes the bracelet’s streamlined elegance, materializing through a triple-blade folding clasp, its placement a subtle mystery unraveled only through delicate cues: the engraved LOUIS VUITTON on the terminal link and the absence of the polished central link, which typically separates brushed links. Brushed finishes reign supreme, punctuated occasionally by polished elements such as the bracelet’s chamfers and central links or the crown itself – akin to the drum-shaped case, albeit fluted with delicately defined grooves, transforming winding and setting the watch into a tactile indulgence.
The sandblasted bezel, adorned with polished edges, proudly carries the Maison’s illustrious name composed of twelve letters, a hallmark of Tambour’s legacy. However, this time, the letters ascend and gleam, each minutely sculpted character aligning with an hour marker. Upon the wrist, a sensation of equilibrium and cohesion ensues, while to the discerning gaze, the new Louis Vuitton Tambour projects an aura of absolute clarity and unerring precision.
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