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Following the acclaimed Carpe Diem and Opera Automata, the third chapter from La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton collection brings the Bushido code to life – mechanically and artistically – by means of a hypnotic automaton efficiency. With the Tambour Bushido Automata, Louis Vuitton ventures into the world of historical Japan, remembering the self-discipline, honour, and artistry of the Samurai by means of one other considered one of its daring horological statements, showcasing correct artistry and uncommon, spectacular horological and ornamental methods.
The finely embellished case of the Tambour Bushido Automata is created from 18k pink gold and measures a daring 46.8mm in diameter and 14.4mm in thickness. The crown and automaton pusher are additionally rendered in hand-carved gold, with the pusher adorned by two rubies. A domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal covers the dial, whereas the exhibition caseback reveals the motion’s conventional ornamental finishes, together with perlage and Côtes de Genève, framing a lacquered pink yokai (spirit, a supernatural entity from Japanese folklore) that mirrors the one on the dial.
The dial is a masterclass in métiers d’artwork, combining cloisonné, paillonné, and miniature enamel methods – La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has created an inside atelier named La Fabrique des Arts, devoted to such uncommon crafts. The Samurai masks is created from white gold, sculpted with extraordinary realism by grasp engraver Dick Steenman, and coated in two layers of pink enamel – a notoriously tough hue to execute faithfully. Its eye combines cloisonné enamel with a central spotlight of gold-set paillonné, and a vivid flash of blue enamel lends depth and vitality. The shikoro, the Samurai’s neck armour, is enamelled in wealthy black and pink tones, detailed with Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Flowers. Engraved components – masks, helmet, katana, bow, and knot – are all handcrafted, accounting for 140 hours of engraving work throughout the dial, push-piece, and crown.
On the Tambour Bushido Automata’s dial is the face of a Samurai with a tranquil expression in opposition to a richly symbolic background. Nevertheless, with a press of the ruby-set pusher, a sculpted yokai rises and swings apart to disclose the leaping hour, etched onto the Samurai’s helmet. A katana blade arcs throughout the part of the dial in a retrograde movement to show the minutes. The Samurai’s face begins to rework: one eye, designed after Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Flower, shifts form, and the jaw opens to disclose the phrase “Bushido” in vivid pink Japanese characters, surrounded by sculpted mother-of-pearl enamel.
The dramatic act of Louis Vuitton Tambour Bushido Automata is delivered to life by the manually wound LV 525 calibre, a proprietary motion developed by grasp watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini. Comprising 426 elements, 50 jewels, and guarded by two patents, the motion drives 5 animations on the dial. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers 100 hours of energy reserve. It’s the similar base that powered the award-winning Tambour Carpe Diem and the Opera Automata we’ve explored intimately in a video, which is additional refined right here to convey the Bushido narrative.
The watch is worn on a pink calf leather-based strap, closed by an 18k pink gold double folding buckle. The value is EUR 835,000, and it’s a distinctive piece. For extra, please go to louisvuitton.com.
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