Louis Vuitton Presents Its New Tambour Twenty Watch: A Journey Through Time

In just two decades of watchmaking, Louis Vuitton has proven its deep passion for watchmaking, and has made quite a name for itself within the industry. In 2002, the Maison unveiled a watch like none other: the Tambour. Bold and innovative, it was recognisable at a glance with its unprecedented shape, its round case sculpted from a block of metal, and its signature applied horns. There was a new watch in town... This launch opened up the doors to the closed world of watchmaking for Louis Vuitton.

Pushing the boundaries

Having become a symbol of Louis Vuitton’s watch collection over the years, the Tambour has seen different expressions over time, all the while staying true to the Maison’s DNA: a devotion to the Art of Travel and bold creativity that combines technological innovation with exceptional craftsmanship. With the Tambour Spin Time in 2009, it even reinvented how time is displayed, with rotating cubes instead of clock hands and indexes. In 2011, La Fabrique du Temps in Geneva and its master watchmakers, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, joined Louis Vuitton’s adventure to create some truly exceptional timepieces.

Launched in 2014, the Tambour Evolution bore strong, masculine lines with its 45 mm diameter case, whereas the 2016 Tambour Slim, in a Tourbillon version, appeared sleek and discrete on the wrist. With the Tambour Moon model launched in 2017, the Tambour kept its signature round case while reversing its caseband’s curve. Then, in 2020, the Tambour Curve quite literally pushed the boundaries of timekeeping, with its titanium and Carbostratum® case; its surprisingly elongated convex curve, and its phenomenal flying tourbillon calibre, stamped with the prestigious Geneva Seal (Poinçon de Genève) – a perfect match between high-complication movement and bold creativity.

In 2021, the Tambour Carpe Diem received the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, while the Tambour Street won the Diver’s Watch Prize.

Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking has also been closely linked to the connected watch. With this technology, the future is now. In 2022, the Maison has already unveiled the 3^rd generation of its Tambour Horizon Light Up model. This connected watch is simply revolutionary. Not only is it bright, travel-friendly and playful, but it is also entirely customisable, thus staying true to the Maison’s DNA.

A Twenty for twenty years

In just two decades, Louis Vuitton has proven its legitimacy on the watchmaking scene. Over the years, the Tambour’s timeless and iconic stylistic signature has combined with all kinds of watches, from the more classic types to the most complex movements. Depending on the wearer’s wishes, it has been masculine, feminine, GMT, diver-friendly, and has even equipped itself with a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater, bearing witness to the high-end watchmaking expertise of Louis Vuitton's artisans. To celebrate the watch that
made all of this possible – the iconic Tambour –, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has created an exclusive anniversary model: the Tambour Twenty. The limited edition of 200 pieces pays tribute to the original Tambour by reprising the iconic codes that made it an icon of watchmaking design.

“Watch enthusiasts will recognise all the features that made the Tambour’s design so unique. While this limited edition is a true concentrate of everything that made this watch stand out, it also boasts brand new features that will set it apart for collectors,” says Jean Arnault, Marketing and Development Director for Louis Vuitton watches. “To me, as well as celebrating our anniversary, this watch also paves the way for many future decades of fine watchmaking, staying true to Louis Vuitton’s values of creativity, craftsmanship and excellence.”

The Tambour Twenty boasts the same unique and instantly recognisable case, a nod to the watch's tambour component which, in English, is known as the “drum”. The timepiece stands out with its deep, flared shape, which gives it a robust and reliable feel. On its iconic 41.5 mm diameter case are the twelve letters that make up the name “Louis Vuitton” across the numbers and indexes, just like on the 2002 version. This collector’s edition also features a brown sun-brushed dial, along which the chronograph’s long yellow hand glides - a nod to the thread historically used in leatherwork. The two elegant sub-dials also make a comeback.

The Tambour Twenty, which is water-resistant to 100 metres, keeps time with a LV277 high-frequency movement based on the iconic Zenith El Primero, the first automatic chronograph ever. This movement with 22-carat gold rotor and 50 hours of power reserve is exact to the tenth of a second. A true collector’s item produced in only 200 models – as specified by its engraved caseback – the Tambour Twenty is also available with another iconic Louis Vuitton staple: a miniature trunk in Monogram canvas. A tribute to Louis Vuitton’s travel legacy, clients can continue to protect their most precious belongings in cases that will stand the test of time… Said time, however, is not likely to have passed before Louis Vuitton’s legitimacy as a watchmaker is well and truly established...

About Louis Vuitton

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality and preserving biodiversity. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical.

Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewellery, and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship.

Photographers:

Still life visuals: Laziz Hamani
Savoir-faire visuals: Piotr Stoklosa