Louis Vuitton Men’s Watches

If you keep looking past Louis Vuitton Men’s watches, don’t. I will cover all the reasons why you should give this brand a chance.

French maison Louis Vuitton ranks as one of the world’s most valuable luxury goods brands.

Collectors in all four corners of the globe proudly enjoy the brand’s leather trunks, handbags, perfumes, and fragrances. The name is synonymous with affluence, opulence, and lavishness.

There is one notch to the brand’s belt that we’re forgetting, though. Luxury timepieces. I hold my hands up. I rarely think of Louis Vuitton as an innovator in the horological sphere. But I so should!

The brand’s watches didn’t emerge until the late 1980s. Everyone was already associating the company with luxury bags and luggage accessories by then. After all, the company has been going since 1854!

Today, Louis Vuitton watches for men are still a symbol of class because they move with the times. But they fly under the radar. 

Why don’t we show more appreciation for the brand’s commitment to quintessential watchmaking? It does everything right. In fact, it’s doing more “real watchmaking” than many newcomers to the scene.

These watches change the status quo, with famous designs like the Tambour, the Escale, and the Voyager. If you haven’t heard of some of these watches, this article will change that. 

I’m going to highlight two key watch designs and where they came from.  

What Does Louis Vuitton Know About Watchmaking?

That’s a good question, and I’m happy to answer it. If you’re already doubting the brand, let me stop you there. 

I mentioned that the company had been around since 1854, didn’t I? Well, its first watch didn’t come to fruition until 1988.

Even so, when it did arrive, it was incredibly offbeat and decidedly sophisticated. Its alarm and moon phase display, combined with a world time function, were impressive, to say the least.

In 2002, the company developed a dedicated watchmaking facility — Louis Vuitton High Watchmaking — and things really took off. 

The Tambour, with its drum-shaped case, arrived, shaking up horological design language as we knew it. 

The company acquired La Fabrique Du Temps and a reputable dial maker in 2011. This was all part of the brand’s strategy to move towards vertical integration. 

Here, the brand makes all its high-complication watches, including minute repeaters and tourbillons. In fact, it’s not just a watchmaking factory; it’s a studio and laboratory, too. 

Michel Navas and his partner hatch out some great inventions here. But now, let’s look at two game-changing designs from the brand’s past. 

The Louis Vuitton Tambour Watch 

The Tambour watch, French for “drum,” arrived in 2002 with an ergonomic case featuring short lugs for extra comfort. Its sunburst brown dial was unusual and eye-catching. 

Although the Tambour watch is the brand’s most famous design, it wasn’t the first. The Louis Vuitton Monterey came before it. 

The Tambour came as a time-only model or a chronograph fitted with Zenith’s legendary El Primero movement. Later, the brand launched a version with a regatta timer that could count down to the start of a race.

After that, the Tambour developed aquatic aspirations. Equipped with 300-meter water resistance and a rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time, it was natural underwater.

Fans could now appreciate the original models’ elegance compared with the modern iterations’ robust tool-like capabilities. 

Louis Vuitton Tambour watches continue the iconic collection’s story with high complications like the Monogram Tourbillon. This watch even comes with customizable options for devoted fans of the brand. 

Today, collectors enjoy a range of dials and materials in the Tambour design, along with its sporty integrated bracelet. These designs showcase the sector dial, a firm favorite with Longines and Patek Philippe fans. 

Louis Vuitton Monterey Watch

As mentioned earlier, the Louis Vuitton Monterey watch was the first of the brand’s innovations. Architect Gae Aulenti designed it, and it hit the jackpot. 

Its standout feature was a pair of lugs running underneath the strap rather than above it. In a way, it resembles the profiles of vintage pocket watches, mainly because of its 12 o’clock crown. 

Although it had a quartz movement, it was a particularly complicated watch. Among its features was a world time function with a rotating external disc that displayed the various world cities. 

Louis Vuitton also fitted it with striking red skeleton syringe hands. There’s also an alarm function that you could operate via the crown. 

Later, the Monterey came along with a ceramic case and a simplified specification. Its white dial with red features offered an alarm, date, and central hours, minutes, and seconds functions. 

Today, Louis Vuitton watches look very different from the brand’s modern offerings. Still, the company’s savoir-faire and traditional complications are just some of the reasons they’re worth investing in. 

Louis Vuitton Watch Bands 

Just as Louis Vuitton’s watches come in an array of styles, so do its straps.

One of the advantages of shopping for Louis Vuitton watch bands is that many are interchangeable. Swapping different styles of straps onto your favorite timepiece can drastically change its look. 

Glancing at the manufacturer’s website will show you a wide range of strap colors and material finishes. Most retail for around $300-450 on the company’s website.

You can choose from Epi leather straps and alligator-effect bands from the range. The company also offers leather straps that the maison adorns with the iconic Louis Vuitton print. 

In addition to those options, the company offers a range of vibrant rubber straps that look incredibly sporty and bold. If you’re looking for something dressier, you can always opt for a watch on an integrated steel or gold bracelet. 

Louis Vuitton Watch Cases

Louis Vuitton watch cases are a must if you want to expand your watch collection. Watch cases, boxes, and stands protect your luxury timepieces and showcase them beautifully.

The company’s range spans from the “3 Watch Case” storage solution to the “8 Watch Case” design for more seasoned collectors. These canvas cases come in brown and black options with cowhide leather trimmings. 

Alternatively, you could opt for a watch roll, especially if you travel often. Check out some watch box ideas compiled here at The Slender Wrist for inspiration. 

The Louis Vuitton Watch Box 

As with every luxury timepiece, the condition of the watch, paperwork, and box holds value. If you ever want to sell your Louis Vuitton watch, these items will preserve its value.

The Louis Vuitton watch box is unmistakable and carries the same iconic monogram that adorns the brand’s luxury product range. The emblematic print takes inspiration from Gien’s Majolica earthenware tiles and features repeated Louis Vuitton initials. 

Interestingly, Louis Vuitton reimagined the monogram several times, yet its coveted signature is still instantly recognizable. 

FAQs 

Louis Vuitton watches deserve a lot more attention than they get. If you’re debating buying one of these timepieces, check out these FAQs first.

How can you tell if a Louis Vuitton watch is real?

Fake Louis Vuitton watches are easy to identify once you become familiar with the brand’s level of quality.

An authentic timepiece demonstrates superior craftsmanship. Fake models may be cheaper or lightweight, with a blurred monogram, and will feel poorly made. 

Who makes Louis Vuitton watches?

Artisans craft all genuine Louis Vuitton watches at the company’s La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Geneva. The maison also develops leather goods and other luxury products at its workshops in France, Spain, Italy, and London. 

How much are Louis Vuitton watches?

The average price of a Louis Vuitton Tambour watch is around $20,000. Although these watches are premium, they’re still reasonably relative to the competition.

The company’s smartwatches are much cheaper, retailing at around $3,500. However, a world-time watch in gold costs a staggering $67,000!

The Verdict on Louis Vuitton Men’s Watches

The fact that Louis Vuitton specializes in a whole stratosphere of luxury goods often means we overlook them. It’s a shame because the caliber of craftsmanship at the Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton facilities is beyond fascinating. 

Each timepiece is a work of art, boasting meticulous attention to detail.

The house has been making watches at its ateliers since 2011, producing some absolute sensations. One example is the Tambour Spin Time, which spells out the company name via cubes that rotate every 60 seconds.

It’s clear that Louis Vuitton is serious about watchmaking. What I want to see is more enthusiasts taking the brand seriously. 

We always mention industry pillars like AP, Patek, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin. But Louis Vuitton is an underdog that flies under the radar despite its horological masterpieces.

Even its smartwatches should not take anything away from its horological merit. 

So, I urge you to try a timepiece from this list of the best Louis Vuitton men’s watches. And if you happen to own a favorite watch by this brand, share it with us in the comments below. 

Don’t forget to read more watch style guides like this; sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today!