Simplicity that conveys complexity is rare. When it comes to the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition, it is so rare that there are only a mere 150 pieces in existence. With its streamlined shapes, navy blue details and use of the precious metal platinum, this new limited piece from La Fabrique du Temps unites function and aesthetics as one. Featuring a skeletonised dial, the transparency of this timepiece gives way to the complexity of the LV60 movement and draws all the attention to it.
Louis Vuitton first introduced the Voyager case design in 2016 in the form of the highly advanced Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève, also featuring a platinum case. Ever since that moment, the Voyager case has been reserved for special pieces. Likewise, the latest Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition also features a platinum case, showcasing satin-finishing on the sides and a polished look around the dial. In terms of diameter, the case spans 41 mm, while the thickness is 9 mm.
The sapphire crystal protecting the front and the back of this timepiece offers two varying views into its inner workings. As a solid dial is missing on this skeletonised model, a blue snailed outer minute ring provides some orientation to the wearer. Further emphasising the uniqueness of this limited edition’s design, the caseback bears the engraving ‘limited edition’ and ‘Pt 950’ to indicate the 95 percent purity of the platinum used. In addition, this model is water-resistant up to 50 m.
Skeletonized watches were first conceived by the French king’s watchmaker André-Charles Caron in 1760. Later on, they were established as a counter-movement to mass market watches during the Quartz Crisis in the 1970s. Now, skeletonised watches have become statement pieces that reflect the finest horological craftsmanship. As everything is kept to a functional minimum, there is less space for decorations with a skeleton watch. However, this does not mean that intricate designs are not possible.
Thus, the Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited displays the brand’s name in various ways: the chamfered and linear-grained bridges are shaped in the brand’s initials, the rotor bridge carries the LV monogram, and the barrel ratchet wheel features an open-worked spelling of the words ‘Louis Vuitton’. In addition, the 29 jewels and partially skeletonised blue hands accentuate the dial’s linear design.
With the Voyager Skeleton Limited Edition, the self-winding skeletonised movement indicating hours and minutes takes centre stage. Reminiscent of the brand’s core value of combining beauty with purpose, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton designed and developed the LV60 calibre as its first automatic time-only skeleton movement. The manufacturing was a joint project with the workshop Le Cercle des Horlogers based in Neuchâtel.
Rhodium-plated components constitute the movement. They are visible through the off-centre position of the Tungsten micro-rotor, which is embellished with a white gold rhodium-gilded plate. While the owner may admire directional brushing and chamfering on the front side of the watch, the caseback provides a view of several sandblasted components, creating an industrial-chic aesthetic. Another transparent feature enabled by this skeletonised model is the open barrel. It indicates the 48-hour power reserve through the visibility of the mainspring (5 o’clock). Last but not least, the calibre has a frequency of 4 Hz.
Finally, the Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited comes with two straps. The wearer can choose between a navy-blue alligator leather strap and a taurillon leather strap with a platinum ardillon buckle. The price of the timepiece is 48,000 euros.
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