In our weekly TWIL series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: the Louis Vuitton Escale au Pont-Neuf is a pocket watch like no other, Cartier stuns with new En Équilibre High Jewellery collection, and more.
The Louis Vuitton Escale Au Pont-Neuf Showcases The Brand’s Best Watchmaking
The pièce unique Louis Vuitton Escale au Pont-Neuf pocket watch is a powerful statement of the in-house watchmaking capabilities that the maison has been nurturing—including movement, case, and dial production, along with the associated métiers d’art. Housed in a 50mm white gold case, which includes an engraved caseband and 60 coloured stones on the bezel, this timepiece is an ambitious one, featuring a jacquemart mechanism with seven animations and 13 moving elements, along with a minute repeater and tourbillon.
The scene on the dial depicts an autumn day on the river Seine; in the foreground, a barge transports several Louis Vuitton trunks—a nod to the waterway’s historical importance in transporting goods and materials. The background includes La Samaritaine, a landmark Parisian department store and an icon of luxury. The scene is rendered in immaculate detail through sculpting, engraving, and especially enamelling—it involved 30 different pigments, the same number of firings, and some 300 hours of work.
Activating the pusher at 6 o’clock sets the animation in motion: the compass at 12 o’clock spins, the barge moves, the trunks open, and the sparrows in the trees above come to life. The hour and minute hands are on the reverse side of the watch, which also showcases the exquisite finishing of the movement. Consisting of 561 components, the demands of its assembly and meticulous polishing are such that 500 hours of work were required.
Cartier’s En Équilibre High Jewellery Collection Spotlights Sculpted Motifs And Statement Stones
Cartier’s latest En Équilibre High Jewellery collection is a study in clean lines, balanced volumes, and a chromatic interplay of tone and contrast. Like a peacock unfurling its feathers, the Pavocelle necklace is structured around a 58.08-carat sapphire cabochon reminiscent of the majestic creature’s tail. The design reinterprets this symbolism by morphing the volume of the central stone into a train of openwork motifs that appear light and lace-like. A transformable piece, its centre stone can be converted into a collar brooch, while the clasp’s pear-shaped diamond can be worn as a pendant.
Also featured are the Shito necklace set with two 49.37-carat Zambian emerald drops; the rose gold Hyla necklace decked with a 5.71-carat oval-cut diamond and a pear-shaped diamond; the Panthère Orbitale necklace spotlighting Cartier’s sculpted panther poised atop a coral cabochon; the Panthère Dentelée necklace with onyx spots, diamonds, and intricate openwork; the Tsagaan necklace featuring interwoven geometric motifs; and the Traforato necklace framed by octagonal Colombian emeralds of varying sizes.
Christie’s To Auction Final Set Of Dictador’s 1989 Freedom Icon Collection
On 19 June 2025, the final set of Dictador’s 1989 Freedom Icon Collection will go under the hammer at Christie’s. A tribute to Lech Wałęsa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pivotal figure in Polish history and politics, the collection consists of 89 sets of 12 bottles, each containing a different 34-year-old expression of Dictador’s luxury Colombian rum and acting as a tribute to a month of significance in Wałęsa’s career. Each of these rums was first laid down in 1989, a year that marked the end of communism in Poland. All of these sets have been spoken for, save this last one numbered ‘0’. The winner of the auction will also be awarded a private dinner with Wałęsa himself.
Tod’s Unveils Its Full Summer 2025 Collection
Put on Italian sophistication, literally, with Tod’s new Full Summer 2025 pieces. Each design has been created with skilled craftsmanship from the House’s artisans and is imbued with effortless charm. First up is the Gommino Barca boat lace-up, available in semi-shiny Copert calfskin leather and suede and perfect for hopping on yachts. Next are the Rafia loafers with unique raffia detail encircling the seam between the sole and upper, which adds an effortless charm to any look. If sneakers are more your cup of tea, opt for the Tab sneakers that feature a bold box sole, clean side band with embossed Tod’s logo, and the iconic signature Gommino pebbles at the back of the heel (available in three colours).
Loewe Brings Back 19 Limited Re-Editions Of Its Favourite Puzzle Bags
In conjunction with the release of its Fall/Winter collection, Loewe is launching its Puzzle 10 collection to mark the anniversary of its most symbolic creation. The collection showcases a range of techniques, including appliqué, embroidery, cross-stitch, and its signature leather marquetry, some adorned with painted motifs or words of poetry. Each bag is finished with a commemorative metal plaque and two balloon charms. Alongside its 19 re-editions, the collection also features a new design—the Confetti bag—decorated with tiny leather and metal sequins. The Loewe Puzzle 10 collection is only available in selected stores worldwide.
Mandarin Oriental Debuts Its Second Property In Malaysia
Mandarin Oriental will launch in Desaru Coast, Johor, by January 2026 with the rebranding of a previous luxury resort. Set within a lush rainforest that opens onto a pristine beach overlooking the South China Sea, the resort is designed by the late Kerry Hill and his award-winning firm, Kerry Hill Architects. It houses 44 suites and villas, with future plans for an additional 40 branded residences. There will also be a selection of wellness offerings to indulge in, including a holistic spa, a beauty salon, a yoga pavilion, a fitness centre, tennis and padel courts, and access to the nearby Els Club Desaru Coast, which boasts two championship golf courses.
Four Seasons Hotel KL Presents A Summertime Afternoon Tea
This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur introduces its new 101 Days of Summer afternoon tea (RM242+ per person) inspired by Malaysian flavours. This initiative is part of Four Seasons’ 101 Days of Summer campaign that is celebrated across all its properties in Asia Pacific. Classic local flavours such as pandan, kaya, and trigona honey are combined with seasonal flavours such as pineapple, passion fruit, and lychee. Highlights include the Passion Fruit Savarin, Banana Cake Planifolia, Sustainable Snapper Hinava, and scones with honeycomb, bee pollen, and pandan kaya jam. The afternoon tea is only available from now to 9 September 2025.
For more information or reservations, contact +603 2382 8602 or email [email protected].
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
