Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence: A New Collection of Timepieces
Louis Vuitton has unveiled the Tambour Convergence, a new collection of timepieces that showcases the brand’s watchmaking expertise. These watches feature a unique guichet time display and a self-winding movement made in-house. The collection includes two models: one in rose gold and the other in platinum with diamond embellishments. Here’s a closer look at the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence and what it has to offer.
Case: A Slim and Elegant Design
The case of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence is available in two different materials depending on the model: in 18-carat rose gold and in platinum. Both cases have hand-polished lugs that are sandblasted on the inside, giving them a geometric profile that sets them apart from the regular Tambour collection. The satin-finished case sides make the watch appear slimmer than its 8mm thickness, despite the robust movement inside. With a diameter of 37mm, the case is versatile and discreet, fitting comfortably on various wrist sizes. The open case back of both models reveals the intricate mechanics of the movement, with a transparent back set with a saffron sapphire on the platinum model. The water resistance of the case is rated at 30 meters, which is standard but not exceptional for a luxury watch. Overall, the case of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Dial: A Contemporary Take on a Classic Design
The dial of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence is not a traditional dial but rather a unique time display that features two sculpted guichets (small, framed apertures on a watch dial through which time is displayed). These arched apertures display the hours and minutes, with the hours rotating clockwise through the upper guichet and the minutes occupying the lower arch. A lozenge-shaped marker positioned between the two indicates the time. The curved forms of the guichets are reminiscent of the interior details of the Louis Vuitton family home in Asnières, France, adding a personal touch to the watch. The hour and minute discs are hand-satin-brushed brass, with the rose gold model having a 4N galvanic treatment that gives them a warm hue. The numerals and indexes are printed by transfer, ensuring precision and clarity. The sapphire crystals that cover the guichets are slightly curved, providing structural integrity without distorting the numerals underneath. Even the style of the numerals reflects a contemporary tribute to classical timepieces from the turn of the century. Overall, the dial of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, showcasing the brand’s artistic vision.
Movement: A New In-House Movement
Inside the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence beats the new in-house automatic movement, the Calibre LFT MA01.01. This movement marks a significant milestone for La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, as it is the first movement produced entirely by the brand’s workshops. The movement consists of 201 components and features a self-winding mechanism with an 18-carat rose gold rotor. The regulator operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and is equipped with a free-sprung balance and high-precision inertia blocks, ensuring reliable timekeeping. The power reserve is rated at 45 hours. The movement also includes traditional watchmaking details such as the elegantly arched barrel click, which prevent the mainspring from unwinding. The bridges are sandblasted, while the rotor has a V-notched and polished periphery. One of the distinguishing features of this movement is the use of transparent sapphires instead of the usual red rubies. Hidden under the balance wheel is the maker’s mark, the poinçon LFT, representing La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Overall, the Calibre LFT MA01.01 is a robust and reliable movement that reflects the brand’s engineering expertise.
Strap: Complementing the Watch’s Aesthetic
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence comes with different straps depending on the model. The rose gold model is paired with a strap made of VVT camel calf leather and a beige calf leather lining, while the platinum model features a blue calf leather strap with a black calf leather lining. Both straps are of high quality and complement the watch’s aesthetic. The rose gold model has a pin buckle made of 18-carat rose gold with the Louis Vuitton engraved signature, while the platinum model has a platinum pin buckle with the same engraving.
Price and Availability of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence is now available at Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide. The price of the rose gold model is 37,00 euros, while the platinum model with diamonds is priced at 67,000 euros. These watches are produced in limited quantities, making them exclusive pieces for collectors and enthusiasts.e
Why not start the watchmaking year with a bang? This seems to have been the thinking at Vacheron Constantin, which launched the steel version of the Historiques 222 a good three years ago following the premiere of the yellow-gold 222, which already confirmed the desirability of this high-end sports watch with integrated bracelet once and…
Oris is introducing a new limited edition stainless steel watch – the Oris Roberto Clemente Limited Edition. The independent watchmaker often produces timepieces in the hope of bringing about positive change. This latest 'Change for the Better' piece is in commemoration of baseball player and humanitarian Roberto Clemente and is a result of Oris' partnership…
For the first time, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie offers a minute repeater in a full ceramic case. The two new 42 mm variants of the Royal Oak with Minute Repeater and Supersonnerie integrate the latest research results from a long-standing collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. With…
Blancpain is presenting a new model in the Bathyscaphe collection. The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna combines a blue dial and bezel with a Sedna gold case for the first time. It comes with a choice of a blue NATO textile strap or a blue canvas strap. The Bathyscaphe (pronounced: "Batiskaf", a type of…
The Chopard Manufacture presents with the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF a new addition to the Alpine Eagle collection. It appears for the first time in a titanium case. The highlight, however, is the mechanics inside. Chopard has installed a new fast oscillating calibre that operates at a frequency of 8 hertz. The new model is…
For the Porsche Cayman dedicated to the racetrack, Porsche Design is presenting the Chronograph 718 GT4 RS, the matching timepiece. However, it is also reserved for buyers of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The watch is based on the Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1, but has some specific details. One highlight is the winding…
The year 2002 heralded the birth of the Royal Oak Concept, when Audemars Piguet launched a limited edition of 150 pieces to mark the 30th anniversary of its Royal Oak. It drew its inspiration from the concept cars in the automotive industry. Its aesthetic was disruptive and revolutionary; the Concept project provided Audemars Piguet with…
Lucerne-based manufacture Carl F. Bucherer is introducing a new edition of its COSC-certified Patravi chronograph: the Patravi TravelTec Color Edition Four Seasons. Four brightly coloured versions are available – including a yellow (summer), orange (autumn), green (spring), and or blue (winter) watch. Notably, the Patravi watch has a large case diameter of 46.6 mm, and…
Watchmaker Oris is introducing a new timepiece: the Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition. The model is the third special edition to result from the collaboration between Oris and the Carl Brashear Foundation. This non-profit organization conveys the legacy of Carl Brashear – the first African-American diver in the US-Navy. Accordingly, the watch is inspired…
The Flieger Verus is Stowa's modern interpretation of the classic pilot's watch. Now, with the Stowa Flieger Verus 40 Baumuster B, a variant with an alternative dial featuring a central hour circle is coming to the market. The design harks back to the year 1942 when the Baumuster B-style dials were put into production. Case…
Due to its reliable design and anti-magnetic properties, the original OMEGA Railmaster of 1957 had an significant role in working-class life. Today, the updated collection is paying tribute to that industrial past with a new denim-inspired model. Although they are now a fashion item, denim jeans were once manufactured for the benefit of hard-working labourers…
Parmigiani Fleurier has introduced the Toric Tourbillon Slate. The watch was created in recognition of the Watches & Wonders' digital platform launch. It features a flying tourbillon automatic movement, which is visible through the sapphire caseback. It is housed in a 42.8 mm, 18-carat red gold case and is limited to only 25 pieces. The…
On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2024, TAG Heuer is presenting the Carrera Chronograph Panda. The Carrera has been around since 1963 and celebrated its 60th birthday last year. We are now seeing a new variant with a Panda dial inspired by the historic 7753 SN from the 1960s. "SN" stands for "silver noir"…