In its second main collaboration with a grasp watchmaker, Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Kari Voutilainen to create the LVKV-02 GMR 6 – a timepiece that fuses haute horlogerie with meticulous artistry. The watch is housed in a 40.5 mm tantalum case, enhanced by platinum components together with the bezel, crown, lugs, caseback, and buckle. The mix creates a quiet distinction that underscores the depth of guide ending, from satin-brushed surfaces to mirror-polished particulars. The case design itself attracts inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s legacy of trunkmaking, with lugs evoking strengthened brass brackets and engraving that reads “Louis cruises with Kari,” a nod to the spirit of journey behind the mission.

The dial is a wealthy tapestry of shade, sample, and craftsmanship. Manufactured in 4 sections, its most hanging characteristic is the multicolored hour ring, which recollects the aesthetic of historical stained-glass home windows. Every of the twelve Roman numerals is utilized by hand onto this circle, which requires 28 colours, 32 hours of cautious portray, and eight hours of firing. The miniature portray was accomplished by Maryna Bossy at La Fabrique des Arts, and she or he additionally adorned the mainspring barrel with a multicolor motif that mirrors the dial’s visible language. On the middle, a finely detailed hand-guilloché sample – produced utilizing classic lathes at Voutilainen’s workshop – references Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier design. Additional artisanal touches embody hand engraving and enameling in the home’s recognizable saffron and blue tones, used for the solar and moon on the day-night indicator.

Powering the LVKV-02 GMR 6 is a manually wound motion constructed completely at Voutilainen’s atelier. With 254 elements, this three-quarter plate calibre options twin escapement wheels providing direct impulse, a big steadiness wheel, and a classy hairspring system that features a Phillips overcoil and Grossmann curve. The motion beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and presents a 65-hour energy reserve. A retrograde energy reserve indicator sits at 12 o’clock, whereas the 24-hour GMT disc with a day-night show is built-in throughout the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. For added practicality, the native time (displayed through the principle hour hand) will be jump-set in one-hour increments by urgent the crown – a departure from earlier Voutilainen GMT fashions the place the push-button superior the subdial as an alternative.

Strap choices embody a gray cloth strap with a brown leather-based lining and a extra formal anthracite alligator Exo strap with black lining, each tailor-made to swimsuit totally different preferences with out compromising on magnificence or consolation. Solely 5 items of the LVKV-02 GMR 6 shall be produced. Every is available in a customized Louis Vuitton trunk crafted within the historic Asnières workshop, that includes a hand-painted model of the dial, the watch’s version quantity, and signatures from each Voutilainen and Arnault. The latter’s presence raises eyebrows amongst some fans, as Arnault shouldn’t be concerned within the precise creation of the piece, however moderately represents the model’s dedication to excessive craftsmanship and exclusivity.

For collectors who admire the uncommon convergence of masterful method and vogue home aptitude, this collaboration presents extra than simply one other high-end timepiece. It embodies a gathering of worlds – a handcrafted, mechanical tribute to artistry, precision, and the continuing narrative between conventional watchmaking and luxurious vogue.