These three limited-edition timepieces are wearable art

Luxury and craftsmanship come together in Louis Vuitton’s latest Escale Cabinet of Wonders collection, an extraordinary trilogy of exquisite wristwatches.ThecollectionreflectstheFrench House’s dedication to push the boundaries of watchmaking. It draws inspiration from Gaston-Louis Vuitton, a descendant of the maison’s founding family who led the company from 1936 to 1970, and his collection of antique tsubas (decorated Japanese katana sword guards placed between the blade and the grip).

The first one in the triumphant trio of horological artistry is the Koi’s Garden wristwatch inspired by the tranquil beauty of koi (carp) ponds. Louis Vuitton’s artisans have transformed this serene motif into a captivating horological masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of nature’s elegance. The watch boasts a meticulously crafted dial with a stunning hand-painted depiction of koi fish gliding gracefully across a shimmering background that mimics the reflective surface of the pond.This garden of tranquility is a result. of 150 hours of precise hand work.The watch represents the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship,merging intricate artistry with a profound connection to nature.

Another opulent masterpiece in this collection is the Snake’s Jungle influenced by the mysterious allure and untamed beauty of the jungle’s most enigmatic inhabitant: the serpent. The snake, sculpted from lustrous 18-carat gold coiling, graces the dial. Its sinuous form is bought to life through intricate hand-engraving. The dial’s background features a lush, hand-painted jungle scene, where vibrant colours and delicate textures evoke the rich flora and fauna of the tropical wilderness. Snake’s Jungle is a breathtaking timepiece that celebrates both leisure and nature in perfect harmony.

The third horological piece from this collection is Dragon’s Cloud imbued with the essence of the mythical dragon—a symbol of power, wisdom, and celestial grandeur. Louis Vuitton’s craftsmen have transformed this legendary creature into a breathtaking timepiece that blends artistic splendour and sophisticated technology.The dragon
is sculpted from 18-carat white gold and winds its way across the awe- inspiring dial.Each scale,claw,and curve of the dragon is carefully detailed, capturing its ethereal beauty and dynamic presence.The Dragon’s Cloud stands as a testament to Louis Vuitton’s exceptional craftsmanship and artistic brilliance.

This limited edition has only 20 pieces each of these three watches, ensuring a rare and coveted treasure.The collection’s presentation is as exquisite as the timepieces themselves, with each watch arriving in a custom-made case that reflects the elegance of Louis Vuitton’s legendary travel trunks. This exclusivity adds an extra layer of prestige to an already remarkable collection.

With this collection, Louis Vuitton continues to preserve the legacy of Gaston-LouisVuitton.These three watches pay tribute to his work and love for artistry. Lionised names such as Eddy Jaquet (engraving), Fenny Queloz (damascening), Rose Saneuil (marquetry), and Vanessa Lecci (enamelling) collaborated with La Fabrique des Arts Louis Vuitton to craft these three wristwatches. Apart from the artistry, each timepiece in this exquisite collection pays homage to LouisVuitton’s illustrious heritage and unwavering dedication to advancing the art of horology. For those in search of more than a mere watch, the Cabinet of Wonders is an impeccable choice—a symbol of sophistication and elegance. 

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar India September 2024 print edition. 

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