Louis Vuitton is introducing a simple three-hand style time-only model for the first time in its Escale collection, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. Following the surprise release of the Métiers d’art watch trilogy earlier this year (>> Click here for related Time Forum news), we are giving a long-awaited boost to the Escale collection.
Escale, which means ‘port call’ or ‘landing’ in French, carries the DNA of travel that is inseparable from Louis Vuitton. The new Escal Time Only series is presented in a total of 4 variations in two materials: rose gold and platinum. The platinum version is set with a total of 161 baguette-cut diamonds (approximately 5.65 carats) and rose-cut diamonds (approximately 0.15 carats, crown), showing off even more luxury. Except for the gemset version, the case diameter of the remaining three cases is 39mm in common and a thickness of 10.34mm including the domed sapphire crystal. The Platinum model, which is the only gemset version, has a different version with a diameter of 40.5mm and a thickness of 12.74mm including the domed sapphire crystal. The size is slightly larger. All models support water resistance up to 50m.
Above all, the border that runs from both ends of the middle case to the lugs has details reminiscent of the Maison’s iconic trunk decoration – angled corners, brass brackets and rivets – which sets it apart from other commonly available round cases. The overall brand identity can be seen through the harmony of simple yet meticulous details.
Distinctive decorative elements can also be seen on the dial. The 18K gold appliqué type at the 12-3-6-9 o’clock position connecting the central part of the dial with a grain finish to give a rough texture and the minute ring on the outside – rose gold for the rose gold version, white gold for the platinum version – bracket and The same material was used for the rivets and the rest of the indexes. On the other hand, only the second hand is made of titanium with PVD coating in the same color as the case and index. For reference, the minute track’s stud decoration is inspired by the so-called rosine nails that secure the canvas to the outside of Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunk.
The rose gold case comes with a silver and blue dial, while the platinum case comes with a silver Meteorite (meteorite) or black onyx dial set with 16 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.03 carats). All four versions have ‘PARIS’ under the Louis Vuitton brand logo at the top of the dial, and ‘FAB’, meaning ‘Made in Switzerland’, at the bottom. ‘EN SUISSE’ was printed. Although the brand’s roots are in Paris, France, the dial clearly emphasizes that watchmaking is based in Switzerland. The direction of the brand, which was rapidly organized under the management of Louis Vuitton fake watches director Jean Arnault, can be seen even in these small details.
The new Escal series, which started as the Escal World Time in 2014 and is being introduced as a three-hand time-only model for the first time in the Escal collection, is powered by the next-generation manufacture automatic caliber LFT023 of the micro-rotor type. As you may remember, the Geneva-based La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton workshop was created through technical collaboration with movement specialist Le Cercle des Horlogers (CHSA) of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It is built on the engine of the New Tambour Watch, which was produced by and debuted in 2023. However, unlike the existing version in the small second form, it was changed to a center second form. Variations are made without changing the diameter (30.6mm) and thickness (4.2mm) of the caliber, the balance vibrates 28,800 times per hour (4 Hertz), and the power reserve is guaranteed to be about 50 hours.
The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the exclusive Manufacture automatic caliber, tastefully machined and finished throughout, including a 22K rose gold micro-rotor engraved with the LV monogram pattern. Like the previous Tambour Small Seconds version, the LFT023 caliber was fully assembled at Louis Vuitton La Fabrique du Ten and then tightly adjusted to a daily tolerance range of -4 seconds to +6 seconds, and was supervised by the TIMELAB Foundation. Under the Geneva Chronometric Observatory, it underwent rigorous accuracy testing in accordance with ISO 3159 standards for timekeeping and was certified as a chronometer. Meanwhile, on one side of the case back, a rose gold or white gold nameplate is added depending on the case material, and the LV logo and unique serial number are engraved.
The strap is a camel, blue, and black calf leather strap inspired by the natural leather Nomad first introduced in 1999, and is fastened with a pin buckle made of the same material as the case (rose gold or platinum). However, only the gem-set version features a platinum folding buckle decorated with 11 baguette-cut diamonds (0.58 carats) at the top of the clasp.
The Escal Time Only series is presented as a regular model rather than a limited edition, and the domestic launch price is 42.2 million won for the two rose gold versions, 56.7 million won for the platinum case and meteorite dial version, and 2 won for the platinum case and diamond setting version. Each was set at 70 million won. If you are interested, please contact the Louis Vuitton Client Service Center (Tel. 02-3432-1854).