The third piece in the series from Louis Vuitton's watchmaking atelier, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, is the Tambour Bushido Automata, themed around Japanese Bushido. The helmet decoration moves with the push of a button, and the jumping hours visible in the background and the retrograde movement of the sword indicate the minutes. The samurai's gaze and facial expression change simultaneously, making this a must-see piece.
Manual-winding (Cal. LV 525). 50 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 100 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 46.8mm, thickness 14.4mm). Water resistant to 30m. Price upon request.
New Bushido-themed automaton watch
Louis Vuitton has announced the Tambour Bushido Automata, the third piece in the series produced by its watchmaking atelier, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The theme of this piece is Japan, particularly Bushido, a code of conduct deeply connected to Japanese spirituality. The dial features a samurai wearing a mask and helmet, flanked by a Mount Fuji decoration and a sword motif.
Other motifs that incorporate samurai culture include the side of the case featuring designs of metal fittings used in sword scabbards and sheaths, and the strap with a finish reminiscent of leather used in armor.
The helmet's decoration and face move to display the time.
This piece features an automaton mechanism, and the time is displayed by pressing a button. When the button is pressed, a decorative ornament called a tatemono attached to the forehead of the helmet shifts to the side, revealing a jumping hour display hidden behind it. The minutes are indicated by a retrograde display featuring a sword motif.
Normally, his right eye is expressionless and confident, but when the automaton is activated, his gaze turns stern and determined, and the Monogram Flower on his left eye transforms into a Monogram Starflower. Another highlight is that the chin on his mask drops and his mouth widens, revealing a brave expression.
The texture of the armor is expressed through the skill of artisans
In addition to its role as protective gear, the samurai helmet also expressed identity and symbolized status. The depiction of the helmet holds great significance in capturing the spirit of Bushido in this work, and a variety of techniques are used to reflect this.
What is noteworthy is the contrast between the helmet's black texture and its brilliance with gold. After shaping the helmet with rose gold engraving, it is fired at high temperatures using the calamine technique to form a thin layer of carbide. This gives it a finish that combines the hard texture of metal with a burnt matte finish. From there, the edges are scraped away to reveal the gold base, adding a touch of brilliance.
