Two decades ago, luxury French fashion house Louis Vuitton had no horological leanings. The introduction of the Louis Vuitton Tambour in 2002 changed that. Named for its drum-like appearance, the round case of the 39.5mm chronograph was inspired by Japanese taiko drums. To mark the 20th anniversary of the Tambour, Louis Vuitton has released a limited-edition piece; the Tambour Twenty.
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Limited to just 200 pieces, the Tambour Twenty takes on slightly larger proportions than its pioneer. The 41.5mm stainless steel case features the letters comprising ‘Louis Vuitton’ wrapped around it, in line with the numerals on the dial. The brown brushed sunburst dial plays host to black subdials and contrasting yellow hands for the central chronograph seconds, 30-minute, and 12-minute counters. A brown leather strap contributes to the classically refined aesthetic.
Most notable about the Louis Vuitton Tambour Twenty is the movement that powers it. The timepiece is kept beating by a high-frequency LV277 movement with a 50-hour power reserve, a modified version of the El Primero. Produced by Swiss watchmaker Zenith in 1969, the El Primero was the first automatic chronograph. Both Zenith and Louis Vuitton sit within the LVMH stable, making it natural for the latter to borrow from the former. Louis Vuitton puts its one touch on the movement with the inclusion of a monogrammed 22k gold rotor.
The use of the modified El Primero movement works to interdict the Tambour Twenty from the derisive whispers of being a mere ‘fashion watch’ that many timepieces produced by luxury fashion houses are subject to.
“Watch enthusiasts will recognise all the features that made the Tambour’s design so unique. While this limited edition is a true concentrate of everything that made this watch stand out, it also boasts brand new features that will set it apart for collectors,” said Jean Arnault, marketing and development director at Louis Vuitton watches. “To me, as well as celebrating our anniversary, this watch also paves the way for many future decades of fine watchmaking, staying true to Louis Vuitton’s values of creativity, craftsmanship and excellence.”
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Twenty is priced at approx. $21,700AUD and is presented in a mini Louis Vuitton trunk, swathed in the luxury French fashion house’s signature monogram canvas.
Words by John Deckard
