Louis Vuitton to exhibit new automaton with Einstein's face at Only Watch 2023

Louis Vuitton unveiled its new timepiece, the Tambour Einstein Automata Only Watch 2023. This unique piece will be auctioned at the charity auction, Only Watch 2023, scheduled to be held in Geneva on November 5, 2023. The automaton, which features various mechanisms related to the Maison and Einstein, is noteworthy.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Einstein Automata Only Watch 2023

　"Only Watch" is a charity auction of watches founded in 2005 to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a designated incurable disease, and to raise funds for clinical research. Louis Vuitton, which has announced its participation in Only Watch 2023 for the 10th consecutive year, has announced that it will be auctioning off its new "Tambour Einstein Automata Only Watch 2023."

　This timepiece combines Einstein's motif with Louis Vuitton's iconic, exquisite automata, creating a timepiece that symbolizes the Maison's high watchmaking. The dial, its greatest feature, reinterprets Einstein's most famous photograph with the atelier's renowned craftsmanship to create a bold portrait of Einstein.

　The unique design on this dial includes both time displays and an automaton mechanism. Manipulating Einstein's lock of hair, which extends from the dial to the side of the case, changes the "T=?" symbol in the center of his forehead to indicate the time. At the same time, the atomic lattice at 7 o'clock displays the minutes and tells the time. The time display also activates an automaton, animating the blue lacquered Monogram Flower in Einstein's left eye and Einstein's tongue.

　The three-dimensional portrait is crafted from white gold and has been engraved and enameled by two master craftsmen from the watchmaking atelier La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Dick Steenman was in charge of the engraving. A micro-engraving technique that transcends the boundaries of craftsmanship, the portrait has been transformed from a flat photograph into a lifelike portrait.

　The enameling, on the other hand, required the skills of Nicolas Doubrel, who used the traditional technique of grisaille enamel, which creates a three-dimensional effect by using two colors of enamel to create light and dark tones. This is the first time this technique has been used on a timepiece in the Maison's history.

　Doubrel also created the scribbles next to the portrait, using a base of translucent black enamel and multiple layers of white enamel to recreate the look of chalk scribbles on a blackboard.

　The watch is equipped with the manual-winding Caliber LV525, manufactured by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Caliber LV525 is also used in the Tambour Carpe Diem, which won the Audacity Award at the GPHG in 2021. Made up of 426 parts, this movement features meticulously polished decoration and a long power reserve of approximately 100 hours.

　Commenting on the auction, Jean Arnault, Director of Watches at Louis Vuitton, said: "I can think of no better opportunity to present the pinnacle of Louis Vuitton high watchmaking. I am honored that this auction will help Only Watch achieve its purpose: to build a brighter world."