Baselworld 2014 : The theory of eVolution

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 Baselworld 2014 : The theory of eVolution - Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is developing its eVolution concept. Two new Tambours now benefit from this technical and stylistic approach, first introduced in 2013.

The Louis Vuitton approach of having one model with two variations is relatively rare in watchmaking. To begin with, the public were unprepared for it. As a general rule, most watch-lovers keep a high-class watch for daily use, putting it back in the safe to make room for another model, or even another brand, when it’s time for sports or leisure activities. With eVolution, Louis Vuitton offers a way of having the same watch for all these different moments, with two different alternatives available.

The first Tambours

In a confident move, Louis Vuitton chose its iconic Tambour model for this approach. As a result, the GMT and Chrono GMT got a ground-breaking new style, an extra dose of oomph and the full high-tech treatment.
Fundamentally speaking, the Tambour kept its original DNA: a round case and a timeless, traditional aesthetic appearance powered by a manufacture movement.
The eVolution treatment has given it a new look, though: a more dynamic style, sharper lines and a “V” for Vuitton replacing the universal “Louis Vuitton”. But what’s really changed the game is the advent of ceramic aluminium.
Dubbed “Black MMC” (for Metal Matrix Composite) this material is not originally from the world of watchmaking at all, but from aerospace research. Its advent is anything but a mere marketing fad. Its scientific uses are the epitome of precision and cutting-edge technology: because they are highly friction-resistant, MMCs protect the outer surfaces of spacecraft as they enter and leave the earth’s atmosphere. What is more, Louis Vuitton is working with a technical partner whose core business is not watchmaking but Formula 1 – where MMCs are widely used in the manufacture of engines.

 

Louis Vuitton Tambour eVolution Chrono GMT acier

 

The Origin of Timepieces

At this year’s Baselworld the eVolution range is, um, evolving. Following on from the Tambour GMT and the Chrono GMT in steel or gold, there are now two new references in the family. The first is the Spin Time GMT. The iconic manufacture movement with dual time band now joins the eVolution line – and gets the Black MMC treatment in its turn. The twelve rotating aluminium cubes echo the tight, fluid lines of the case, which combines pink gold with Black MMC. In its 45 mm Tambour case, the Tambour eVolution Spin Time GMT comes across as both distinguished and technical; its construction involves no fewer than seven perfectly assembled gold and Black MMC parts.

 

Louis Vuitton Spin Time GMT Tambour eVolution

 

The second reference is the Tourbillon Volant. This is a historic watch for the firm: the first flying tourbillon automatic caliber to be developed and assembled in Louis Vuitton’s ‘La Fabrique du Temps’ Manufacture.

Once again, the eVolution version puts the Black MMC treatment centre stage. Its deep black dial features three tones: guilloché black, gold hands and appliqué hour markers, and a polished grey “V” on the tourbillon cage. The flying construction is all of a piece with this, too: the tourbillon is held in place by its lower side, so there’s nothing blocking the view of the Vuitton “V”; as a result, it moves freely at 6 o’clock, as though levitating.

 

Louis Vuitton Tambour eVolution Tourbillon Volant

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