Introducing The New Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Galactique

Louis Vuitton may be the world’s most recognized luxury brand when it comes to leather goods or fashion in general, but in watchmaking, it has begun to carve a serious path in an attempt to perhaps dominate the world of horology as well. With its Geneva-based manufacture, La Fabrique du Temps, and initiatives like the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, the maison has steadily carved out a place in the world of horology. The latest chapter in its iconic Tambour collection is the Tambour Taiko Galactique, a one-off creation featuring a minute repeater and dial-side automata that illustrate an astronaut’s solitude on the Moon.

The watch is housed in an 18K white gold case, measuring a bold 46.7 mm in diameter and 14.6 mm in thickness. The signature sloping bezel features the brand’s name, while the hollowed, frosted lugs add visual lightness. Positioned at 12 o’clock is a crown inspired by pocket watches, and the minute repeater slide is set with six baguette-cut sapphires and two baguette-cut topazes. Flip the watch over, and a sapphire crystal caseback offers a full view of the movement, with water resistance rated at 30 metres.

The dial is both engraved and enamelled, a process that took over 300 hours to complete. It depicts a Louis Vuitton-themed astronaut gazing at Earth from the Moon, featuring paillonné enamel to portray a radiant miniature Sun. Gold foil layered with translucent enamel produces a shimmering solar effect, while diamond-shaped stars and hand-sculpted elements bring the scene to life. These details are not merely decorative: the astronaut waves a flag, the Sun rotates, and a satellite subtly moves, all activated by the minute repeater mechanism.

Powering the watch is the manual-winding LFT AU14.02 calibre. It features cathedral gongs and hammers, along with Geneva stripes, and arched bridges. The calibre beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and delivers a power reserve of 100 hours. On demand, it chimes the time, hours, quarters, and minutes, while animating the dial figures in a beautifully choreographed sequence.

The watch is paired with a blue rubber strap and an 18K white gold double folding buckle. The Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Galactique is a unique piece, available at a price of €1 million, approximately AED 4,200,000.

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