Louis Vuitton
Paris, France · Est. 1854
Founded by Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton entered watchmaking in 2002 with the acquisition of Geneva manufacture La Fabrique du Temps, which it uses to develop in-house movements for its Tambour collection. Positioned at the intersection of fashion luxury and serious horology, LV's watch ambitions have grown significantly under the LVMH umbrella.
- Founded
- 1854
- Headquarters
- Paris, France
- Group
- LVMH
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Tambour — Louis Vuitton's signature watch collection since 2002, featuring the distinctive drum-shaped case (tambour means 'drum' in French) in a wide range of complications and materials.
- Escale — A world-time and travel-inspired collection, reflecting Louis Vuitton's heritage as a maker of luxury trunks for globe-trotters, with multi-timezone complications and vivid dials.
- LV One Click — A contemporary, jewellery-forward collection featuring a distinctive one-click interchangeable strap system, aimed at a fashion-conscious female audience.
- Tambour Street Diver — A sportif interpretation of the iconic Tambour, combining urban aesthetics with dive-watch specifications and a rubber strap for an active lifestyle.
Timeline
- 1854 — Louis Vuitton founds his Maison in Paris, specialising in luxury trunks and luggage — laying the foundation for one of the world's most recognisable luxury houses.
- 2002 — Louis Vuitton enters the world of watchmaking with the acquisition of Geneva manufacture La Fabrique du Temps and the launch of the Tambour collection.
- 2011 — Louis Vuitton introduces in-house movements, elevating its watchmaking credentials beyond purely fashion-oriented timepieces.
- 2019 — The Tambour Horizon smartwatch is launched, demonstrating Louis Vuitton's ambition to lead connected-watch design in the luxury segment.
- 2023 — Louis Vuitton debuts at Watches & Wonders Geneva, signalling its serious ambitions within the global fine watchmaking calendar.
- 2025 — Unveils the Tambour Forty Five in new ceramic-and-titanium iterations and a Tambour Carpe Diem mechanical table clock. Expands La Fabrique du Temps Geneva manufacture output under creative director Hamdi Chatti.
- 2026 — Unveils nine novelties at LVMH Watch Week 2026 including the $239,000 Escale Worldtime Tourbillon. Collaborates with De Bethune on a GMT limited to 12 pieces. Awards the second Louis Vuitton Watch Prize to Hazemann & Monnin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Louis Vuitton
- When did Louis Vuitton start making watches?
- Louis Vuitton entered watchmaking formally in 2002, launching the Tambour collection alongside the acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps, a Geneva-based manufacture.
- Does Louis Vuitton make its own watch movements?
- Yes. Louis Vuitton develops in-house calibres at La Fabrique du Temps in Geneva, where a team of watchmakers produces movements exclusively for the Maison.