Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new generation of its Monterey watch, rekindling the brand's early forays into timepieces. The Monterey Ceramic draws inspiration from the 1988 LV II model, designed by Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti. This new interpretation retains the essence of the original while incorporating a contemporary mechanical movement developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
The new Louis Vuitton Monterey Ceramic features a distinctive pebble-shaped design, characteristic of the original collection. The watch boasts a 37mm diameter and 11mm thickness, crafted from high-tech ceramic material. Two versions are available: one in green ceramic with a matching dial and another in black ceramic with a contrasting white dial.
The ceramic material used in the Monterey Ceramic undergoes a complex manufacturing process. The material is obtained from a mixture of ceramic powder, zirconium oxide, and pigments, which are compressed and then machined to achieve the desired shape. After being fired at approximately 1,000°C, the case receives a manual finishing process and polishing to reveal its glossy surface.
The Monterey Ceramic's design pays homage to its heritage while embracing modernity. The watch features a minimalist aesthetic, with a crown positioned at 12 o'clock and a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment. The alligator leather strap complements the two color options, with a unique attachment system that preserves the visual continuity of the watch.
The dial of the Monterey Ceramic retains several design elements from the original LV II, while modernizing their execution. Both versions feature a lacquered dial protected by a matte varnish, with a focus on hours, minutes, and seconds. The green ceramic version boasts yellow hour and minute hands, a blue seconds hand, and a white minute track.
The Monterey Ceramic is powered by the LFT MA01.02 automatic movement, developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. This compact movement measures 23mm x 5.4mm and comprises 174 components, including 26 rubies. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 45-hour power reserve.
The new Louis Vuitton Monterey Ceramic watch is now part of the brand's permanent collection, priced at €23,000 for both the green and black ceramic versions. This re-release highlights Louis Vuitton's commitment to its horological heritage, bridging the gap between its early creations and current ambitions.
Key points
- Louis Vuitton has re-released the 1988 Monterey Ceramic watch with a modern twist.
- The watch features a high-tech ceramic case and a contemporary automatic movement.
- Two versions of the Monterey Ceramic are available, in green and black ceramic.
