Frank Gehry x Louis Vuitton. Time of Architecture
In the realm where haute couture meets haute horlogerie, Louis Vuitton unveils a masterpiece born of collaboration between visionary architect Frank Gehry and the esteemed watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Behold the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon watch, a marvel of craftsmanship and innovation that transcends the boundaries of timekeeping.
This highly crafted gem, unveiled against the vibrant backdrop of Art Basel Miami in 2023, represents Gehry's inaugural foray into high watchmaking. Drawing inspiration from his iconic handbag collection with the French fashion house, Gehry's design ethos is brought to life through a symphony of rose gold, rhodium, and translucent sapphire crystal.
Unique Crystalline Watch Face Of The Tambour Moon
At the heart of this timepiece lies a flying tourbillon, its intricate gears and plates meticulously plated to perfection. However, what truly sets the Tambour Moon apart is its crystalline face, painstakingly crafted from a single 200-kilo block of sapphire - the second hardest material known to man after diamond. It took 250 hours of laborious handwork to sculpt this delicate dial, each stroke a tribute to Gehry's signature asymmetric forms and curved swirls.
The result? A true masterpiece of horological artistry, limited to just five exclusive editions. Each watch, certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, bears witness to the fusion of Gehry's architectural genius and Louis Vuitton's unparalleled savoir-faire.
As Louis Vuitton comments, "It took 250 hours to manufacture the dial alone - one of the most difficult ever made by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton and a true miniature sculpture, no thicker than a sheet of paper." Indeed, every facet of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon watch is a testament to the boundless creativity and precision craftsmanship that define both Gehry's legacy and Louis Vuitton's enduring commitment to excellence.
Project / Brand: Louis Vuitton
Photography: Louis Vuitton