Louis Vuitton x De Bethune
Louis Vuitton continues its journey into independent watchmaking with the “LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project”, a highly exclusive collaboration with Master Watchmaker Denis Flageollet, co-founder of De Bethune workshops. The singular body of work comprises two modular timepieces: the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius and the LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius.
A Singular Expression of Two Houses
Born of the perfect fusion between two Houses, the emblematic Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko case debuts a first-ever finish in De Bethune's signature blue. An open case back reveals a remarkable caliber that exalts the finest level of horological savoir-faire, signed 'Louis Cruises with Denis'.
Manufactured and finished at La Fabrique des Boîtiers, the Tambour Taiko case combines a sculptural silhouette and blued construction achieved through De Bethune's proprietary thermal oxidation process. A bezel engraved with the twelve Louis Vuitton letters, platinum lugs, and a detailed crown enrich the extraordinary display of virtuoso craftsmanship.
Calibrated to the Art of Travel
Meticulously assembled at the De Bethune workshops, the DB2507LV caliber reflects Louis Vuitton’s Art of Travel through a GMT complication. The integration of an ingenious Sympathique function enables seamless interaction between wristwatch and clock, accented by intricate traditional decorations.
Cosmos and Craft
Inspired by nature and the cosmos, Denis Flageollet’s creative universe resonates with Louis Vuitton’s Art of Travel, giving form to a dial shaped by mutual pursuit of perfection and an exacting attention to detail.
The LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius asserts the bold codes of the Tambour, characterized by its iconic numerals and indexes. At its center, De Bethune’s hallmark Starry Sky is infused with Louis Vuitton's spirit, realized through hand-applied white gold pins and gold leaf tracing the House's constellation.
An Exclusive Titanium Trunk Dedicated to the Art of Travel
A one-of-a-kind titanium trunk presents the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius in its most refined expression, commemorating this horological collaboration. Crafted and assembled in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières trunkmaking workshop, it is set apart by hand-polished blued titanium corners that echo the Tambour Taiko case, establishing a dialogue between time and travel.
A Singular Interpretation of an Icon
Rooted in the legacy of marine chronometers and the tradition of sympathetic clocks, the LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius emerges as a unique reinterpretation. Informed by exceptional savoir-faire and close collaboration among master watchmakers, engravers, and designers, the Horloge Sympathique is conceived to automatically wind the watch when placed within its cradle. More information coming soon.
