LVKV-02 GMR 6

Louis Vuitton is delighted to announce the second creation in its ongoing journey of collaborations with renowned independent watchmakers – a spectacular, travel-inspired piece designed and made in partnership with Master Watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. The LVKV-02 GMR 6 represents a unique and special blend of the Voutilainen workshop’s talents and those of the master craftspeople at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.

With Kari Voutilainen’s participation in the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives as a member of the committee of experts, the proceeds of this exclusive collaboration will also contribute to supporting independent watchmaking and the Prize initiative itself – the cause that originally inspired the ’Louis cruises with….’ series.

Based on the latest Escale design revealed in 2024, the 40.5mm LVKV-02 GMR 6 features a case crafted from pure tantalum in a process overseen by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, with the bezel, back, lugs, crown, and strap buckle all adorned in platinum. The watch’s name, “Escale,“ meaning “stopover“ in English, reflects Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage in the art of travel and unparalleled savoir-faire in trunkmaking. The tantalum and platinum case of the LVKV-02 GMR 6 boasts beautiful proportions, making it not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The lug polishing and satin finishing operations are performed entirely by hand, reflecting the highest craftsmanship that is the hallmark of Louis Vuitton. The combination of matte and highly polished finishes further accentuates the sophisticated aesthetics of the watch. This perfect balance ensures that the watch is both a practical travel companion and a piece of art.

The dial of the LVKV-02 GMR 6 is a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of this artistic collaboration. Every element of the gold dial, which is manufactured in four parts, has been meticulously designed and crafted to reflect the unique heritage and expertise of both Maisons. The diamond-polished hour circle is a masterpiece of miniature painting, hand-decorated by Maryna Bossy, a skilled artisan at La Fabrique des Arts. This intricate work involves the use of 28 different colours and requires 32 hours of meticulous painting as well as a total of eight hours of firing. The Voutilainen workshop was responsible for the spectacular sun and moon imagery that serves as a day and night indicator on the second time zone subdial. The center of the gold dial is exquisitely decorated in Voutilainen’s workshop with exceptional hand guilloché, an engraving technique an engraving technique consisting of removing material and creating an intricate pattern of curved or straight lines. This process, a nod to Louis Vuitton’s famous “Damier“ motif, is entirely carried out using vintage machinery that dates back to the 18th century.

The GMR 6 calibre, was designed, hand-crafted, finished, and assembled within the Voutilainen workshop. The use of ’GMR 6’ in the watch’s name is a tribute to the second time zone function, a nod to Louis Vuitton’s travel historic legacy. The ’R’ signifies the power reserve display, while the ’6’ denotes the location of the second time zone subdial. The GMT disc rotates in 24 hours and is designed to be set to ’home’ time, allowing the central hour hand to be easily adjusted to local time in the country being visited with a simple press of the crown. In addition, the watch features a retrograde power reserve display at 12 o’clock. Comprising 254 components, the LVOUTILAINEN movement features a very large balance wheel crafted in-house, allowing for perfect regulation of the watch within strict tolerances. To equip such a timepiece, a rare and unique balance-spring system has been employed. The movement is further enhanced with traditional finishes such as artisanal “Côtes de Genève“ and perlage, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship that both Louis Vuitton and the Voutilainen workshop are celebrated for.

Each movement is a unique work of art, adorned with a kaleidoscopic pattern of multi-colored miniature painting on the mainspring barrel cover, visible through the open case back. In every detail, from the intricate hand-painted decorations to the masterful mechanical engineering, the LVKV 02 GMR 6 embodies the perfect fusion of horological expertise and the spirit of global adventure.

Each watch will be delivered in a bespoke Louis Vuitton travel trunk, meticulously crafted using traditional methods at the historic Louis Vuitton workshops in Asnières and hand-paint with a design that mirrors the intricate decoration and architecture of the watch dial, ensuring a harmonious and breathtaking presentation. The trunk also features the signature “Louis cruises with Kari,“ reinforcing the uniqueness of this collaboration. This exquisite trunk, a masterpiece in its own right, not only cradles the timepiece but also serves as a symbol of the timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship that define Louis Vuitton and the Voutilainen workshop.