Cover Louis Vuitton revamps the Escale collection a decade after its introduction
Louis Vuitton revamps the Escale collection a decade after its introduction
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Louis Vuitton’s Escale line undergoes a transformation, emerging as a sleek and elegant dress watch that pays homage to the brand’s history
Louis Vuitton’s’ horological renaissance continues without a hitch after the successful Tambour collection revamp, which transformed it from a casual line into the brand’s first true sports watch. The Maison now turns its attention to the Escale line, which began a decade ago.
The redesigned Escale, while maintaining a casual elegance, introduces a simpler, classic three-hand timepiece that showcases the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship.
Above The Louis Vuitton Escale in rose gold and silvery dial
Above The Louis Vuitton Escale in rose gold and blue dial
The Louis Vuitton Escale in rose gold and silvery dial
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Above The Louis Vuitton Escale in platinum and meteorite dial
The Louis Vuitton Escale in platinum and meteorite dial
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At first glance, the new Escale’s 39mm case—available in rose gold and platinum—hints at Louis Vuitton’s heritage. The watch’s lugs continuously allude to the Maison’s iconic trunks, resembling the angled form and riveted exterior of the brass brackets and corners that reinforce the trunks.
This attention to detail extends to the hand-applied markers at each quarter, which are also angled and riveted, and the gold studs punctuating the minutes, further recalling the nails of the lozine that runs along the exterior of a Louis Vuitton trunk.
See also: Louis Vuitton journeys into haute horlogerie with the Voyager Skeleton
Above The Louis Vuitton Escale in platinum and set with baguette-cut diamonds
The Louis Vuitton Escale in platinum and set with baguette-cut diamonds
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The rose gold models showcase a new dial texture that directly references the finely grained surface of the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, available in silver or blue. For the platinum versions, one features a carefully selected meteorite dial, while the other juxtaposes an onyx central dial with a diamond-set bezel.
The hour and minute hands are fashioned from gold, while the titanium PVD-coated seconds hand, elegantly curved to align with the dial’s shape, complements the other hands in colour, ensuring precise timekeeping.
Above The revamped Escale collection is an apt follow up to Louis Vuitton’s update to the Tambour collection last year
The revamped Escale collection is an apt follow up to Louis Vuitton’s update to the Tambour collection last year
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Above The lugs pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s heritage
The lugs pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s heritage
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At the core of the Escale is Louis Vuitton’s inaugural three-hand movement, the 147-part, 32-jewel Calibre LFT023, created in partnership with La Fabrique du Temps and Le Cercle des Horlogers. First seen in the 2023 Tambour models, this movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a 50-hour power reserve. Its chronometer certification by the Geneva Observatory guarantees both precision and dependability.
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Above Decorative rivets on the dial are a another reference to the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk
Above The new Louis Vuitton Escale features the Calibre LFT023 movement
Decorative rivets on the dial are a another reference to the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk
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In essence, the Escale’s redesign is a thoughtful continuation of Louis Vuitton’s journey into serious watchmaking. As a refined follow-up to the Tambour’s sporty introduction, the Escale embodies a blend of tradition and modernity. From the octagonal crown, topped with the Louis Vuitton Monogram, to the engraved serial number on a slim cartouche, to the calf leather strap inspired by Louis Vuitton’s Nomade leather, this collection seamlessly weaves the Maison’s heritage into a timepiece that is both classic and contemporary, appealing to the modern watch enthusiast.
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
