Worlds Collide

Delve into the world of horological fusions where artistic sensibilities and nuances intertwine with the gears of design.

- Asaph Low

Horological Marvel 

Louis Vuitton charts a new course, embarking on a series of collaborative timepieces with renowned independent watchmakers following the inauguration of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives early this year. The maiden voyage begins with Atelier Akrivia, helmed by wunderkind watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi and headlined by the horological marvel LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie.

Capturing the very spirit of both esteemed Houses, the LVRR-01 — housed in a reimagined platinum Louis Vuitton Tambour case crafted by Jean-Pierre Hagmann Atelier Akrivia master case maker — emerges as a double-sided chiming chronograph. The groundbreaking achievement features a two-sided display beautifully representing the collaborative spirit. A contemporary tinted sapphire crystal dial is contrasted by a traditional white grand feu enamel reverse dial by Nicolas Doublel, the in-house enameller at La Fabrique du Temps.

Time is read from the former, while the latter houses the chronograph. Actuating the chronograph sets an aural rendition in motion as the watch chimes (the chiming action is visible through the sapphire crystal dial), an acoustic reminder for every elapsed 60 seconds recorded on the chronograph. Beyond that, a tourbillon regulator anchors the watch’s precision — completing one revolution every five minutes as a nod to historical chronometers.