For this 2021 edition, Louis Vuitton unveils a new version of the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon, the latest addition to the Tambour collection, in shades of warm and vivid orange. This timepiece pays tribute to the traditional and exceptional craftmanship of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Designed, developed and manufactured at Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking workshop, the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon features a case with a striking design, inspired by the Tambour watch launched in 2002. Its exceptionally finished dial, with its red-toyellow gradation and indexes set with orange baguette sapphires, reflect the unique expertise of the watchmakers and craftsmen at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton and echo the colours of this ninth Only Watch edition.
An invitation to Travel
Extrapolated from the Möbius strip, the 46 mm case middle of the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon made of shot-blasted Grade 5 titanium, with its horns, push-pieces and 18-carat pink gold crown, deconstructs the circle. Stretched and elongated, it catches the eye with the convex curve of its bezel and crystal. With this innovative view from both the front and the side, it propels the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon into the imagination, the tangible expression of a perpetual invitation to travel. This effective, intuitive watch redefines traditional watchmaking heritage. Designed to display a second time zone on the dial, it features two push-pieces on its right side. These are used to simplify the setting of the GMT, allowing the dedicated indicator, positioned within the open counter at 3 o’clock, to move forwards or backwards. These efficient push-pieces are positioned in the same way as the chronograph ones, intentionally creating visual confusion with this popular timepiece. But they also reinforce the symmetry of the case of the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon, allowing the observer to savour its perfect, soft proportions.
Highlighting the invisible
As the true face of this timepiece, the dial of the Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon has been given a refined contemporary look, down to the smallest detail. Openworked without being truly skeletonised, it is crafted in two separate parts in order to present a strong, minimalist architecture conducive to reading the time. The “V” Gaston Vuitton signature punctuates the dial on the flying tourbillon carriage at 9 o’clock. It can also be spotted between the counters where, through dovetailing and relief effects created with the sub-dial, it depicts the silhouette of an hourglass, a nostalgic nod to the passing of time. But of all the components visible beneath the sapphire crystal, the hour markers are certainly the most astounding. Suspended from the flange whose complex outline follows that of the case, these sparkling baguette sapphires have been individually machined to follow the curve of the dial. Committed to offering the very best, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has finely crafted the timepiece’s finishing touches. The push-pieces, which move in a supple manner under pressure from the finger, move the transparent disc with its LV signature forwards or backwards to indicate the time of the second time zone, displayed at 3 o’clock. As for the winding crown, in order to ensure a good grip when setting the time or winding the calibre, it incorporates slightly protruding rubber parts.
Practicality and pleasure
Since its founding, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has been creating original, exclusive, bold and competitive complications. Taking this idea to its natural conclusion, it has developed its own self-winding mechanical movement, the calibre LV82. Regulated by a flying tourbillon whose lightweight carriage presents the letter “V” introduced by Gaston Vuitton, its balance, vibrating to 4 Hertz, ensures that the timepiece functions with maximum precision. It also features the useful GMT, an example of subtle mechanical excellence dedicated to the Art of Travel. The large heart, 35 mm in diameter (15 lines) and 5.7 mm thick, adapts perfectly to its case. Blending tradition and modernity, an 18-carat pink gold oscillating weight and an entirely black contemporary finish combining circular satin brushing and shot blasting, can be seen through the transparent case-back. This timepiece comes with a mixed-media orange rubber and alligator strap, featuring a titanium double folding clasp. This year, a customised Monogram canvas trunk, hand-painted in the Only Watch colours, gives pride of place to this exceptional watch.
