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Min. ReadLouis Vuitton has elevated its watchmaking ambitions, crafting pieces that command attention in the realm of haute horlogerie. One of its latest creations, the Louis Vuitton Escale Platinum Guilloché and Grand Feu Enamel Dial, is a testament to this commitment, blending classic aesthetics with exceptional métiers d’art craftsmanship. Inspired by the brand’s rich heritage in luxury travel, this limited-edition watch encapsulates the spirit of nautical adventure.
At 39mm in diameter and just 10mm thick, the Escale Platinum is a versatile, unisex timepiece. Its platinum case, with polished finishes and a circular satin-brushed middle, exudes elegance. The design pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s iconic steamer trunks with trunk-style lugs that resemble riveted brass brackets. This theme extends to the hour markers on the dial, reinforcing the brand’s historical narrative.
The dial is a centerpiece of traditional craftsmanship, showcasing guilloché engraving, champlevé, and flinqué Grand Feu enamel techniques. A gold base serves as the canvas, with a raised edge to hold the enamel. Using a rose engine, artisans engrave a radial guilloché pattern into the recessed center, creating a hypnotic effect. Enamel pigments are then carefully applied into the cavities using the champlevé method. Both sides of the dial are enameled to prevent warping during the firing process. After multiple firings in an 800-degree kiln, the translucent enamel enhances the intricate guilloché details. Finally, the surface is polished to a mirror-like finish with diamond paste.
Precision craftsmanship continues with the addition of riveted white gold hour markers, fitted into tiny burned holes on the enamel surface. A circular-brushed minute track frames the dial, with blue studs marking the hours, reminiscent of the details found on Louis Vuitton trunks. Time is displayed with faceted white gold dauphine hands and a central titanium seconds hand, ensuring both functionality and style.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the inner workings of the calibre LFT023, a finely engineered automatic movement. Developed by Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps and produced by Le Cercle des Horlogers, the movement features an off-centered 22k gold micro-rotor engraved with the LV monogram. Certified by the Geneva Observatory for its precision, the movement operates at 4Hz, offers a 50-hour power reserve, and features beautifully finished sandblasted bridges, diamond-polished bevels, and a monogram flower-shaped barrel. A rose gold plaque confirms the watch’s exclusivity as one of only 50 pieces.
Completing the timepiece is a blue calfskin leather strap with a platinum pin buckle, matching the nautical and refined aesthetic of the watch.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the Louis Vuitton Escale Platinum Guilloché and Grand Feu Enamel Dial is a remarkable fusion of artistic tradition and modern watchmaking sophistication, capturing the adventurous spirit of luxury travel.
