Louis Vuitton has been redefining its watch category thanks to Jean Arnault’s ascension to Watch Director of the Maison in 2022, followed by his brother Frédéricc’s recent appointment as CEO of watches. Last year, we saw the brand totally reimagine its beloved luxury sport watch, the Tambour. Now, we get the next step toward LV’s goal to elevate its watchmaking with a re-launch of another one of its signature watch collections: the Escale.
When you think of the Escale, you most likely recall complex models, inside and out. Take for instance the debut reference within the collection, the hand painted Worldtimer from 2014. This initial model fully embodied the travel-inspired name of the collection (roughly translating to “stopover” or “layover” in English), with direct ties to the brand’s spirit of jet setting and adventure that has long been synonymous with its famed trunks and luggage. However, over the past decade, we’ve seen the collection evolve while remaining multifaceted with editions like the Escale Cabinet of Wonders, a métiers d’art trilogy that launched earlier this year.
Today, LV has totally reconsidered the line and its place in the brand’s ever-growing watch catalog with three time-only models that feature more subdued and minimalist styling that nod to the Maison’s iconic trunks. Each variation features sweet spot 39 mm sizing and retains the signature lugs that resemble the brass brackets and corners of the trademark trunks. Flip the watches over, and you’ll find the caseback features a plate or (cartouche) engraved with the watch’s serial number—another detail borrowed from the brand’s bespoke trunks. However, the caseback also reveals the caliber LFT023, the same movement found in the Tambour.
The new Escale collection features three main editions that will remain staples of the permanent collection. This includes two in rose gold with either a silver or blue dial, each of which feature a gorgeous texture that evokes LV’s iconic monogram canvas and are priced at $27,500 (RM130,000). The third version is priced slightly higher at $37,000 (RM174,200) with a platinum and a very en vogue meteorite dial, similar to the one seen in the Escale Spin Time Meteorite from 2020 that notched the brand a GPHG nomination. In addition, there’s a high jewellery iteration in platinum with an onyx dial as well as two limited edition versions, each with pricing upon request. The rose gold LE, dubbed the “Tribute to Gaston-Louis Vuitton” is produced in just 100 pieces. Alternatively, the platinum LE showcases a stunning guilloche and grand feu enamel dial in a production run of just 50 pieces.
More photos of the new Louis Vuitton Escale Watch Collection
Previously published on Robb Report USA
Photography: Louis Vuitton
