In the world of luxury, few maisons can boast such a rich heritage and an ever-present ability to reinvent themselves like Louis Vuitton. The unveiling of the Escale à Asnières pocket watch stands as the latest expression of this tradition. A unique piece that transcends time, it merges two of the Maison’s most iconic creative epicenters: the family home in Asnières and the watchmaking atelier La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
This 50mm timepiece is not only a feat of haute horlogerie but a masterpiece of art in motion. Its design pays homage to the exceptional craftsmanship that has defined Louis Vuitton since its founding in 1854. Inspired by the brand’s heritage, the pocket watch captures the artisanal spirit of Asnières, where it all began, and the technical innovation of La Fabrique du Temps, where high-end watchmaking continues to evolve.
The journey of this creation begins in Asnières, a small village along the banks of the Seine, where Louis Vuitton established his first workshop in 1859. Here, materials necessary for crafting the Maison’s iconic trunks could be easily transported via the river, allowing Louis Vuitton to flourish. Today, Asnières is much more than a workshop; it is the soul of the Maison, where bespoke pieces and special orders are crafted, and where the Vuitton family lived until the late 1980s.
The Escale à Asnières pocket watch beautifully encapsulates this history. Its dial features a scene evoking the life of the workshop in the late 19th century: a horse-drawn carriage loaded with Louis Vuitton trunks moves gracefully while the wheels turn and the horses trot. This scene is not merely static; thanks to an intricate automaton mechanism, the tableau springs to life when the minute repeater is activated, paying tribute to the Maison’s technical mastery.
At the heart of this creation is the calibre LFT AU14.01, a manual-winding movement consisting of 480 components, each assembled with extraordinary precision. The minute repeater, one of the most coveted complications in haute horlogerie, sounds the hours and minutes with a cathedral gong, producing a deep, resonant tone. This movement, developed by master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, demonstrates how technique and poetry converge in the world of fine watchmaking.
But what truly sets the Escale à Asnières apart is the artistry of its decoration. The gold and enamel work on the dial is the result of a collaboration between two esteemed artisans: master engraver Dick Steenman and renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet. Together, they have sculpted gold and applied enamel with such detail that the horse, carriage, and Asnières house come to life on the dial with breathtaking precision, a testament to their years of experience and dedication.
The gold engraving begins with a labor-intensive bas-relief technique, carving a single block of gold to create a three-dimensional scene that moves on the dial. Meanwhile, the enamel work, with 35 different hues applied layer by layer, creates a stunning play of light and shadow, accentuating every detail from the house’s architecture to the dynamic movement of the carriage. This meticulous process, which includes multiple high-temperature firings, showcases the mastery of both Porchet and Steenman, creating a work of art that transcends time.
To complement this extraordinary piece, Louis Vuitton has designed a custom trunk, made at the same Asnières atelier where bespoke creations have been crafted for generations. Wrapped in exotic green leather, the trunk houses the pocket watch along with its rose gold chain and other accessories, reflecting the Maison’s rich tradition in the art of travel.
The Escale à Asnières pocket watch is not merely a technical triumph, but a tribute to the heritage and innovative spirit of Louis Vuitton. In an age where time moves at a frenetic pace, this piece invites us to pause, admire the artistry, and remember that true beauty lies in the details and the stories each object tells.
Photos: courtesy.
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