quattro's detailed post introduces the Louis Vuitton x De Bethune âLVDB-03 Louis Varius Project,â a collaboration that pushes the boundaries of horological artistry. This article delves into the technical and aesthetic innovations of these modular timepieces, offering a closer look at how two distinct luxury houses merge their design philosophies and watchmaking expertise. Readers will gain insight into the intricate details of both the GMT wristwatch and its accompanying Sympathique clock, highlighting the unique features that make this project a significant talking point in independent watchmaking.
Louis Vuitton has embarked on a series of
exclusive timepieces with renowned
independent watchmakers.
After the
LVRR-01 Chronographe Ă Sonnerie crafted in collaboration with
Rexhep Rexhepi of Atelier Akrivia and the
LVKV-02 GMR 6 watch made in collaboration with the
Voutilainen workshop, here is the â
LVDB-03 Louis Varius Projectâ made with
Denis Flageollet, co-founder of
De Bethune workshops.
The body of work comprises two modular timepieces:
- The LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius.
- The LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius.
A/ The LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius
At the center of the dial, De Bethuneâs hallmark
Starry Sky features hand-applied white gold pins and gold leaf tracing
Louis Vuitton's logo as a
constellation.
The
DB2507LV movement features:
- GMT second time zone with a day/night indicator orb,
- a quick-jumping date indicator,
- and the sympathique connection system that works with the companion LVDB-03 Sympathique clock.
Louis Vuittonâs signature
Tambour case design is reinterpreted with De Bethuneâs signature use of
heat-blued titanium.
The movement is signed "
Louis cruises with Denis"
Two straps are supplied with the watch: the pictured
blue textile one as well as another one made of
cognac-colored alligator.
credit: @penny_watch_seoul & A Blog To Watch
B/ The LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius
Two bespoke Louis Vuitton
trunks were
crafted by the Maisonâs master artisans in Asnières:
- One is a dedicated titanium High Watchmaking trunk for the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius wristwatch
- The other is a monumental titanium Trophy Trunk designed to house the LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius clock
Anchored to a
titanium base adorned with a
marquetry of
polished flame-blued meteorite, the clock is secured in its fixed cradle by a tilt-lock system.
It can be set in
multiple orientations echoing the adjustable presentation of historical
marine chronometers and offering versatility in display.
The
docking interface â the key to the Sympathique function conceived to
automatically wind the watch when placed within its cradle â is discreetly concealed beneath a domed, engraved cover on the upper tier of the clock.
Drawing inspiration from early 19th-century dioramas, Belgian illustrator François Schuiten has created three landscapes which encircle the mechanism and rotate slowly.
Using a traditional burin and chisel, master engraver
Michèle Rothen sculpted François Schuiten's
drawings by hand.
Crafted in rose gold, the
dome is adorned with the
constellation of
Hercules, a reference to the astrological sign of Louis Vuitton.
credit: Louis Vuitton, De Bethune & A Blog To Watch
As always with Louis Vuitton I personally find the branding too intrusive, but I find it difficult to deny that Denis Flageollet and LV have created a rather extraordinary double piece.
What do you think?
Links:
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
