Fifteen years ago, luxury French design brand Louis Vuitton launched the legendary Tambour mechanical timepiece. Baroque Access finds out all about the latest revamp of this famous watch
There have been numerous changes to the original Tambour watch designed by Louis Vuitton 15 years ago, in 2002. But the latest iteration, created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the watch, is the most exciting yet. In Louis Vuitton stores from July, the Tambour Moon is created with a bespoke tourbillon. The newest line of Tambour timepieces is called Tambour Moon because of its exceptional new case design.
The name ‘tambour’ means ‘drum’ in French, a name chosen because of the drum-like shape of the watch’s case. Although the newest Tambour case still resembles a drum, it is wider and slimmer, and also features unusual concave sides., whereas the sides of the original sloped upwards. The case also boasts an inward curve inspired by the moon, hence its new name Tambour Moon. These concave sides, incidentally, also offer a quick-release system for easy changing of straps.
The flagship of the brand new line is the Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon ‘Poincon de Geneve’ watch, which features a skeletonized tourbillon movement that is certified with the prestigious ‘Poincon de Geneve’. In addition, the flying tourbillon features a delicate carriage that gives the impression that the watch is very light. The 42.55mm watch case is platinum, and just 9.65mm thick. The watch, which is equipped with an in-house, manual wind movement, comes with a black alligator strap and platinum buckle. This watch, like the others, is bespoke and there are numerous ways to personalize it, most notably with a bride in the form of the owner’s initials. This is screwed onto the front of the movement.
All of the models of the Tambour Moon watch are developed by Fabrique du Temps, Louis Vuitton’s subsidiary in Geneva. The entire range of Tambour Moon watches is made to order, and thus pricing is only on request.
Of course, the flagship timepiece is the most expensive, while there are more inexpensive, affordable models such as the Tambour Moon GMT, which is available either in steel, two-tone steel and rose gold. The watch, which is 41.5mm in diameter, is powered by an automatic ETA movement and features a second time zone function.
The largest model is the Tambour Moon Chronograph, which is 44m in diameter. Also powered by a self-winding ETA movement, this steel timepiece features a chronograph module on top. There is also a selection of ladies’ watches in the Tambour Moon range, in various sizes, from the 28mm Tambour Moon Star Second to the 39.5mm ladies’ chronograph.