By ASHOK SOMAN
Even as Patek Philippe announced that they would use their
own standard of quality (replacing the Poincon de Geneve) and other companies
seek out the security of the Fleurier standard, there is a major shift underway
in haute horlogerie that is taking brands out into uncharted territory.
As
reported previously, Louis Vuitton is also making bold moves towards the peak
of haute horlogerie and they’re doing it – in part – with a tourbillon (movement
produced by La Joux Perret exclusively for Louis Vuitton).
But the Tambour
Monogram Tourbillon, which debuted in 2004, is no run-of-the-mill tourbillon.
A ‘made-to-order’ proposition, the Tambour Tourbillon offers
personalization opportunities right down to the third wheel bridge (seen here
with the LV initials).
Being that this bridge is part of the base movement,
each time an order comes along to change it, the watchmakers will have to work
from the ground up again.
This means that personalization here is not merely
cosmetic, as offered by some brands, and lives up to the ethos of the Louis
Vuitton brand.
Of course, it is certainly possible to add precious stones and
the like. What is perhaps most interesting is that Louis Vuitton says most of
the customization options will not affect the price, which is set at 165,000
euros.
www.louisvuitton.com
via Watch Tribune