Cover Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poincon de Genève

Meet the Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poincon de Genève, which teases the direction the French fashion house is taking with its fine watchmaking

The Tambour has been the main driver of Louis Vuitton's high watchmaking narrative since its debut in 2002. The distinctive round case resembling a drum has been home to everything from the groundbreaking Spin Time complication where all 12 hours are indicated by rotating cubes to the Tambour Horizon smartwatch. While this year's rendition, the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poincon de Genève, may not be its most complicated, the tweaks made to the design and material are significant enough to qualify it as a new chapter for the model. 

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Design

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Above Curves on the surface of the case

The 46mm round case is visibly more elongated than usual, with its surface featuring continuous curvy patterns. The lugs are set right inside the case for a coherent architecture that evokes pure masculinity. A domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal shields the dial.

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Material

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Above The lightweigth case is made of the proprietary CarboStratum

Adhering to the trend of lightweight watches, the choice of material is also used in aeronautics. The case, for instance, is crafted of a composite material exclusive to Louis Vuitton. Called CarboStratum, it is produced by layering over 100 assorted sheets of carbon at random, with the layers then compressed at a certain temperature. It is then machine-milled, at which point the curved motifs would appear. This rigid carbon is then set on a grade 5 titanium base.

See also: Understanding The Different Types Of Gold In Watchmaking

Movement

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Above LV 108 Calibre with a flying tourbillon

Produced at the Louis Vuitton-owned La Fabrique du Temps manufacture, the LV 108 Calibre features an openworked design with a skeletonised flying tourbillon. What make the movement unique are the way the brand's signature emblems have been incorporated: the monogram flower is crafted into the tourbillon carriage, which is visible on the dial side at 9 o'clock, while the distinctive 'LV' lettering appears as a bridge at the top of the dial. The automatic movement boasts 80 hours of power reserve.

Such is the superlative craftsmanship that the watch is even certified with the prestigious Geneva Seal or the Poincon de Genève, which is only given to timepieces that meet strict production criteria and produced in the Canton of Geneva. This quality seal is visible at 6 o'clock. 

See also: 4 Swiss Watch Brands With Their Own Quality Assurances

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