Louis Vuitton has introduced a one-of-a-kind creation—the ‘Escale à Asnières’ pocket watch—a tribute to the brand’s rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. This unique timepiece brings together the legendary Asnières family house, the historic trunk-making atelier, and La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the brand’s watchmaking hub, to create a true work of art. Measuring 50mm in diameter, this extraordinary piece showcases both mechanical and artistic excellence.
A Celebration of Louis Vuitton’s Legacy
The ‘Escale à Asnières’ pocket watch merges two pillars of Louis Vuitton’s history: the Asnières workshop and the watchmaking expertise of La Fabrique du Temps. The dial features a miniature recreation of Vuitton’s family home in Asnières, complete with a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage brimming with Louis Vuitton trunks. The scene, inspired by an 1887 advertisement and a family portrait from 1888, brings the brand’s history to life in a beautifully detailed display.
Complex Mechanics and Artistic Animations
Powering this exceptional timepiece is the Calibre LFT AU14.01, a manual-winding mechanical movement with a minute repeater and automata mechanism. The pocket watch features seven animated scenes, brought to life with a push of a trigger at six o’clock. The automata mechanism animates the horse and carriage, while a miniature coachman springs into action, trunks pop open to reveal Monogram Flowers, and a rotating sun at 12 o’clock, set with the smallest LV-cut diamond ever created, completes the captivating scene.
Masterful Craftsmanship
The ‘Escale à Asnières’ also highlights the incredible artistry of Louis Vuitton’s Métiers d’Art atelier. Master engraver Dick Steenman sculpted the dial and caseback elements, while Anita Porchet meticulously applied the vibrant colors using an enameling process that required around 20 firings. The final touch is a layer of translucent enamel that gives the dial its radiant finish.
A Custom-Made Trunk for a Unique Masterpiece
The ‘Escale à Asnières’ comes with its own bespoke trunk, crafted at the Asnières workshop. Wrapped in exotic green leather to match the watch dial, the trunk houses the timepiece along with an 18k pink gold pocket watch chain, a travel pouch, a magnifying loupe, and compartments for its certificate and accompanying book.
Conclusion
The ‘Escale à Asnières’ pocket watch is a testament to Louis Vuitton’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry. This extraordinary piece not only honors the brand’s legacy but also showcases the future of high watchmaking.
For more information, visit louisvuitton.com.
