Introducing Louis Vuitton Revives Its First Watch, The Monterey

Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking story stretches back much further than most realize. Long before the Tambour, the brand ventured into horology in 1988 with two wristwatches, the LV 1 and LV 2, created in collaboration with Italian architect Gae Aulenti. The result was a pair of unconventional creations that reflected Louis Vuitton’s fascination with travel, form, and innovation, watches that would later be affectionately known as the Monterey.

This year, the Monterey makes its return with a refined mechanical movement that replaces its quartz predecessor. Conceived at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the new model honors the distinctive shape and spirit of the originals while reinterpreting them through the lens of modern craftsmanship.

The watch features a case made of 18-carat yellow gold with a fully polished finish that accentuates its smooth, pebble-like silhouette. It measures 39 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm in thickness. True to the original design, the crown sits at 12 o’clock, now enlarged and detailed with a Clous de Paris texture. The lug-less construction remains a defining element, ensuring seamless comfort as the black leather strap integrates neatly beneath the case. The Monterey’s curved profile sits naturally on the wrist, echoing the pocket-watch inspiration that once defined Aulenti’s creation.

The white Grand Feu enamel dial is produced using traditional hand-firing techniques. Multiple layers of enamel powder are applied on a white-gold plate and fired at high temperatures to achieve exceptional depth and luminosity. The railway-style minute track and Arabic numerals are rendered in red and blue, each color individually fired to preserve precision. The hour and minute hands, shaped in the signature syringe style, are finished in red lacquer, while a blued steel seconds hand completes the composition.

Powering the watch is the automatic calibre LFT MA01.02, developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps. The movement beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and delivers a 45-hour power reserve. It represents a symbolic evolution from the quartz engines of the 1988 models to a fully mechanical, in-house creation.

The black calf leather strap is secured beneath the case and fastens with an 18-carat yellow-gold pin buckle. The watch is released as a limited edition of 188 pieces, priced at EUR 56,000 (approximately AED 240,000).

For more information, visit Louis Vuitton’s official website.