Photo: Dior
Couture isn’t the only thing the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior do so well season after season. Here are some truly spectacular examples of how they are also fabulously haute when it comes to horology
Tatler Asia
The transparent dial of Tambour Moon Mystérieuse Flying Tourbillon (Photo: Louis Vuitton)
Above The transparent dial of Tambour Moon Mystérieuse Flying Tourbillon (Photo: Louis Vuitton)

Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Mystérieuse Flying Tourbillon

Seemingly floating inside the sapphire crystal dial, the new manual-winding LV 110 calibre is built based on the principle of the mysterious movement that made its first appearance in the 19th century.

Developed by La Fabrique du Temps, a complicated movements specialist in Geneva acquired by Louis Vuitton in 2012, the 198 components of the calibre are assembled in a straight vertical line, from the co-axial double barrel concealed beneath the monogram flower at ‘12’ to the flying tourbillon carriage at ‘6’. Note the absence of a connecting link between the crown and the double barrel, which lends the dial the optical illusion of complete transparency.

Craftsmanship is of the highest order here whether it is the eight-day power reserve enabled by the double barrel or the tourbillon carriage meticulously shaped to resemble the monogram flower, albeit an openworked version. One can also put his or her own stamp on the watch by adding custom initials at the back of the carriage.

Last but not least, the 45mm platinum Tambour Moon case is concaved for extra distinction.

(Related: 7 Things To Know About Chanel's Code Coco Watch)

Tatler Asia
White and yellow gold renditions of Grand Bal Pièce Unique Jardins Imaginaires (Photo: Dior)
Above White and yellow gold renditions of Grand Bal Pièce Unique Jardins Imaginaires (Photo: Dior)

Dior Grand Bal Pièce Unique Jardins Imaginaires

A striking feature of the Dior Grand Bal watch is the oscillating mass that is visible on the dial, providing the couture house the perfect opportunity to showcase its handcraftsmanship.

Since its debut in 2011, the Grand Bal has produced some of the most fanciful oscillating weights to be found in the industry – think decorative plumes of colourful feathers, delicate strings of gold, dazzling constellations of diamonds—and in a shape that recalls the famous Dior ball gown.

This year, the late designer Christian Dior’s love of lush gardens comes vividly to life on the dials of the Grand Bal Unique Jardins Imaginaires, a collection of 10 pieces in different styles, each style a unique piece.

Embellished with an array of precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, the dial also boasts scarab beetle elytra marquetry as well as butterfly wing to create mini Edens that Dior himself would certainly approve.

Powered by the Dior Inverse calibre, the 36mm case is crafted in either yellow or white gold, and snow-set with diamonds for maximum opulence.

(Related: 9 Of The Best World-Time Watches)

Tatler Asia
The modern functionality of Slim d'Hermes GMT (Photo: Hermes)
Above The modern functionality of Slim d'Hermes GMT (Photo: Hermes)

Hermes Slim d’Hermès GMT

Resolutely modern and functional, the watch boasts the ultra-slim Manufacture Hermès H1950 and integrated with an even slimmer GMT module developed exclusively for Hermès by Agenhor. The latter is a Geneva-based independent movement maker who has previously collaborated with Parmigiani, Van Cleef & Arpels and Fabergé.

The case is made of palladium, a silvery and light metal resembling platinum, with a broad slate grey dial featuring unique numerals designed by Philippe Apeloig, a French designer specialising in typography.

For better readability, the sub-dials feature their own design distinctions. The date counter at ‘6’ has a sunburst chapter ring with guilloché centre, while the GMT counter at ‘10’ is in silver with blued baton-shaped hands. Limited to 90 pieces.

This article first appeared on my.asiatatler.com.

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