Louis Vuitton Stops Over in Paris
Combining the magic of an automaton and a minute repeater, the Escale au Pont Neuf pocket watch embodies the very essence of fine watchmaking according to Louis Vuitton. A true mechanical and aesthetic feat, this unique piece celebrates not only the artisanal tradition of the Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, but also the founding history of the Maison, intimately linked to the French capital and its heritage.
Tribute to the City of Lights
The Louis Vuitton manufacture continues its watchmaking journey with a stopover at the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the capital and also, and above all, the historic headquarters of the Maison. Indeed, it was on the Right Bank that Louis Vuitton established itself at the time, a location both symbolic and strategic, facing the Samaritaine, a pillar of Parisian luxury at the end of the 19th century.
A unique piece, this pocket watch condenses these numerous historical references into the heart of an exceptionally decorated dial. In the background, the Louis Vuitton building and the Samaritaine overlook the Seine, while a barge loaded with trunks sails peacefully along it. It is yet another nod to the history of the House, as the river was once used to transport the wood used to make the trunks, which have now become emblematic. The raised dial comes to life thanks to seven animations activated by a side cursor, revealing a miniature scene where thirteen moving parts come to life.
Escale au Pont-Neuf Pocket Watch
And the magic happens…
Observed by two sparrows perched on a tree adorned with autumn colors, the barge appears to be sailing, gliding from left to right, while its cargo opens to reveal the gold Monogram Flowers. Louis Vuitton’s emblem, this motif takes the form of a compass rose at noon. True to the trunk maker’s travel culture, it swirls against a blue sky adorned with the iconic print. A rotating orange flag can also be seen, indicating the exact location of Louis Vuitton’s headquarters.
A high-flying caliber
This captivating and hypnotic spectacle is made possible only by the action of the hand-wound manufacture movement, one of the most complex ever designed by the Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Comprised of 561 elements and an automaton module, the caliber is assembled by the hands of a single watchmaker. The attention to detail, dear to the manufacture, also extends to the finishing. The edges, bridges, wheel teeth, and angles of more than 630 components have undergone the chamfering technique, requiring around ten hours of work.
This movement is also equipped with a minute repeater that chimes the hours, quarter hours and minutes, as well as a tourbillon, in reference to the pocket watches of yesteryear, to improve its precision. Visible on the back, the mechanism is magnificently decorated: snailed barrel, Côtes de Genève engraving of the bridges, mirror-polished screws, monobloc hammers and the tourbillon cage and ratchet. The discreet hands are traditionally flame-blued.
A precious setting
Crafted in the workshops of the Fabrique des Boîtes, the 18-carat white gold case is meticulously engraved and chiseled on the case with art nouveau-style arabesque motifs; decorations that echo those found inside the Samaritaine.
The case is enhanced by a bezel set with colored sapphires, topazes, tsavorites, tourmalines and diamonds, the shades of which echo those of the dial.
Let’s focus on the dial to appreciate its exquisite workmanship. Delicately engraved, it is then enhanced by miniature enamel and champlevé, a work of art executed with precision. After careful observation of Parisian architecture and the surrounding nature, the master enameller succeeded in capturing every last detail of the buildings and the bridge. This ranges from the reconstruction of the gargoyles and macarons adorning the bridge to the glass facade of the department store, which features the same number of windows and trees as in reality.
A finely chiseled decor
The Louis Vuitton flag, birds, barge, and compass are engraved in layers of gold using the bas-relief technique, a process that involves sculpting directly into the solid. To add volume and depth, each leaf is crisscrossed with a multitude of veins. Strikingly realistic, the sparrows are hand-engraved, as are parts of the deck and the barge in white gold, accompanied by the smallest gold trunks ever made by Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton creates more than just a watch: it creates a moving work of art, combining heritage, innovation, and poetry. Every detail, every finish, every animation tells a story—one of exceptional craftsmanship, rooted in the past yet focused on the future. A vibrant tribute to the City of Lights, and a new demonstration of the Maison’s creative genius.
Price on request – Unique piece
Consult the technical sheet for the Escale au Pont-Neuf watch.
Technical details:
Movement
LFT AU14.03 caliber: mechanical movement with manual winding developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton
561 components
8 days of power reserve
21 600 vibrations per hour (3Hz)
68 jewels
Case
18K white gold case, engraved on the side with motifs echoing the story of the dial
Dial
Hand engravings (sparrows, leaves, flags, compass swings, barge and trunks)
Gemsetting
60 baguette-cut precious stones and colored stones for 3.85 carats (colored sapphires, tsavorites, topazes, diamonds and tourmalines)
Bag and trunk
High watchmaking special bag and trunk crafted in Asnières workshop with a unique exotic leather
Chain
18K white gold
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