In an exciting fusion of luxury and horological excellence, Louis Vuitton has partnered with independent watchmaker De Bethune to launch the exclusive "LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project." This collaboration introduces a stunning limited-edition titanium travel watch alongside a pair of extraordinary Sympathique clocks, designed to harmoniously interact with the timepieces. The collection, unveiled at a special event in Tokyo, Japan, represents a unique blend of Louis Vuitton's iconic aesthetics with De Bethune's celestial-inspired craftsmanship, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius watch, a limited edition of 12 pieces, two of which are offered in a set with a companion Sympathique clock. Crafted from blued titanium, a signature of De Bethune, and featuring platinum lugs and crown, the 45 x 14.05 mm timepiece showcases a sophisticated design. Its dial, made from blued titanium, is adorned with white gold elements, an 18k rose gold sun, and a constellation of white gold stars forming the "LV" logo. Powered by the manually wound De Bethune DB2507LV movement, it offers a five-day power reserve and incorporates advanced features like a titanium balance wheel and triple shock-absorbing system. This movement is specifically adapted to connect with the Sympathique clock, allowing for automatic winding and time adjustment. Each watch is accompanied by two exquisite straps—a blue fabric and a cognac alligator leather—and housed in a titanium Louis Vuitton Monogram trunk, a rare application of this lightweight metal in their travel luggage.
Elevating the project to an otherworldly level, De Bethune has also created two LVDB-003 Sympathique Louis Varius clocks. These marine-style desk clocks, weighing approximately 10 kg, are meticulously crafted from titanium with meteorite marquetry. Beyond their function as time-telling devices, these clocks serve as a sophisticated support system for the LVDB-03 GMT watches. The clock's display features triangular floating hands over a 5N rose gold dome, which is hand-engraved with an image of Hercules, a subtle homage to Louis Vuitton's founder. A watch placed on the clock's platform is automatically wound and set through a mechanical interface, a remarkable feat of horological engineering. The clock itself is a masterpiece, boasting over 760 components, including a constant-force mechanism, and ticks at 2.5 Hz with an 11-day power reserve. The dial's edge features a breathtaking diorama-like landscape, engraved by Michèle Rothen from illustrations by François Schuiten, with rotating rings that change the panoramic view throughout the day, showcasing various landscapes from steam trains to mountain peaks. This intricate craftsmanship reflects over three and a half years of dedicated collaboration between the two esteemed brands.
This innovative partnership between Louis Vuitton and De Bethune transcends traditional watchmaking, embodying a spirit of exploration and artistic excellence. The LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project highlights a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries and embracing daring design. These exceptional timepieces and clocks are not merely instruments for measuring time but are profound expressions of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and a visionary outlook, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the artistry and intricate mechanics that define haute horology.