Introduction to the Escale Au Pont-Neuf
Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new watch that pays homage to its Parisian roots. The second model in the Escales Autour du Monde Pocket Watch collection, the timepiece is decorated with iconic Parisian landmarks and symbols that are closely tied to the French fashion house.
The Watch’s Design and Features
The Métiers d’Art Pocket Watch, also known as the Escale au Pont-Nee, features a tableau of the French capital on its dial. The historic Pont-Neuf bridge, Louis Vuitton’s headquarters, and the Samaritaine department store are all depicted under the dome of a sapphire crystal. The scene also shows a load barge carrying Louis Vuitton’s famous trunks, which actually moves from right to left as the trunks open to reveal golden LV monogram flowers.
Animations and Mechanical Movement
The Escale Au Pont-Neuf is driven by the internal LFT AU14.03 Caliber, the most complex mechanical movement ever created by Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps Watch Manufacture. The watch has seven animations and 13 moving elements, including a gold compass that turns clockwise at 12 o’clock and an LV flag that waves at 1 o’clock.
Engraving and Enameling Techniques
All the elements on the watch were carved into thin layers of gold using the bas-relief engraving technique, giving them a slightly raised appearance. The details were added by hand, providing further depth and dimension. The dial features three types of champlevé enameling in 30 different colors, which took 300 hours or two months to complete.
The Watch’s Bezel and Housing
The white gold bezel is set with 60 precious and colored stones, including sapphires, tsavorites, topazes, and diamonds, creating a vibrant and eye-catching effect. The 50mm housing, crown, and chain are all made of shiny 18-carat white gold, adding to the watch’s luxurious appearance.
Sound and Movement
The 561-component manual movement, which took 500 hours to complete, features a tiny repeater that chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes. The two hands are placed on the back of the watch rather than on the face, allowing the intricate scene to take center stage.
Creation and Price
The Escale Au Pont-Neuf took two and a half years and 1,000 hours to create. It comes with a doctor-style bag inspired by an archive design from 1906 and a tailor-made trunk. The price of the watch is available upon request.
Louis Vuitton’s Watch Collection
The Escale Au Pont-Neuf is part of Louis Vuitton’s Escales Autour du Monde collection, which was launched as part of the brand’s strategic plan to expand its watch category. The first model in the collection, the Escales de l’Amazone, was unveiled during the Watch Week in Miami earlier this year. With the Amazon and France already featured, it will be exciting to see which destination Louis Vuitton tackles next.
