Louis Vuitton’s $475,000 Watch Is A Stunning, Elaborate Work Of Art On The Wrist

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Image via LVMH Resembling something centuries-old pirates might have buried as hidden treasure, Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Carpe Diem is essentially a piece of wrist-worn art. Developed and produced in-house at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the timepiece has been unveiled as the luxury brand’s watch of the year. And it could be yours for a small chunk of change at US$475,000. The Tambour Carpe Diem looks nothing like other luxury wristwatches. It’s designed with eye-catching Calavera imagery, often associated with the Mexican Day of the Dead. The watch’s face immediately evokes an element of surprise, with a rose-gold skull grimacing right at you. “Our aim was to get off the beaten track,” said Michel Navas, Master Watchmaker at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. As one would expect for the price tag, the Tambour Carpe Diem comes with complex mechanisms that bring the watch face to life when you’re reading the time. According to Yanko Design, with a simple press of the snake at the two o’clock position, the watch whirrs to life as the skull reveals the words “Carpe Diem” written inside its mouth. The skull is accompanied by a hand-painted and enamelled golden snake by renowned artist Anita Porchet, which moves its head to reveal the hour while its tail points at the minutes. A “hidden” feature is the hourglass at the 10 o’clock position, which at first glance may not seem to be moving, but is actually counting down the minutes as the day progresses. The back of the watch is just as interesting as its face, revealing a black skull-shaped metal plate. Behind it lies the LV 525, a hand-wound movement made up of 426 components, with an impressive 100-hour power reserve. The wristwatch also comes in an 18k pink-gold case, adorned with sapphire crystal displays. With its exquisite design, intricate mechanics, and luxurious embellishments, it’s no surprise this watch costs nearly half a million dollars. View this post on Instagram

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[via Yanko Design and LVMH, cover image via LVMH]