Louis Vuitton has revealed its second collaborative timepiece with renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. Known for his handcrafted, rare timepieces, Voutilainen has earned a respected position among collectors. This latest creation, the LVKV-02 GMR 6, combines Voutilainen’s artistry with the expertise of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, blending traditional craftsmanship and contemporary luxury.
Both Louis Vuitton and Voutilainen’s workshop began their journeys in the world of horology in 2002. While Louis Vuitton made its debut with the iconic Tambour watch, Voutilainen established his independent atelier in Saint-Sulpice, Switzerland. Their shared history is now immortalized in the LVKV-02 GMR 6, a travel-inspired timepiece rooted in Louis Vuitton’s legacy as a pioneer of luxury travel accessories.
Design and Craftsmanship
Drawing from the Escale collection unveiled in 2024, the LVKV-02 GMR 6 is housed in a 40.5mm case crafted from tantalum and platinum. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton oversaw the production, ensuring the watch’s aesthetic and functional balance. The lugs of the case pay homage to Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks, mirroring the reinforced corners and riveted exteriors synonymous with the brand.
The case is a testament to craftsmanship, featuring intricate lug polishing, satin-finishing, and fine cabronnage. Each lug requires an hour of detailed hand-finishing, while the tantalum case sides take four hours to achieve their satin texture. The result is a striking contrast of matte and polished surfaces that exemplify luxury.
The case back is engraved with “Louis cruises with Kari,” symbolizing the collaborative spirit and dedication to horological excellence. This detailed engraving demands twelve hours of meticulous craftsmanship, adding a unique and personal touch to each of the limited-edition pieces.
An Artistic Dial
The gold dial, produced in four meticulously crafted parts, showcases both maisons’ talents. The diamond-polished hour circle, adorned with a miniature painting by artisan Maryna Bossy, employs 28 colors and demands 32 hours of precision painting. Inspired by Voutilainen’s expertise, the dial’s center is hand-guilloché, featuring intricate patterns achieved through vintage machinery.
Further enriching the timepiece, a day-night indicator on the second time zone subdial displays a sun and moon motif in Louis Vuitton’s signature saffron and blue tones. The complexity of this element required extensive hand-engraving and decoration, symbolizing the watch’s connection to world travel.
A Movement for Global Explorers
Inside the LVKV-02 GMR 6 beats the manually wound GMR 6 movement, developed in Voutilainen’s workshop. Featuring a second time zone, a retrograde power reserve display, and a unique balance-spring system, the movement is designed for precision and longevity. The use of two escapement wheels enhances efficiency while minimizing energy consumption, ensuring reliable timekeeping across time zones.
Visible through the open case back, the movement’s intricate decoration includes “Côtes de Genève” and perlage patterns, alongside a multicolored miniature painting on the mainspring barrel cover by Maryna Bossy. Each of the five numbered timepieces is a testament to Voutilainen’s mechanical expertise and Louis Vuitton’s dedication to artistry.
A Presentation of Luxury
Each LVKV-02 GMR 6 is presented in a custom-made Louis Vuitton travel trunk. Handcrafted in the brand’s historic Asnières workshop, the trunk mirrors the intricate patterns of the watch’s dial and carries the engraving “Louis cruises with Kari.” The trunk’s craftsmanship represents the legacy and dedication to excellence shared by both collaborators.
By combining horological innovation with a celebration of travel and craftsmanship, the LVKV-02 GMR 6 stands as a masterpiece for collectors and enthusiasts. This limited edition not only captures the essence of both Louis Vuitton and Kari Voutilainen but also supports the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, underlining the brand’s commitment to nurturing independent watchmaking.
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