Louis Vuitton and Kari Voutilainen Team Up to Create a Limited Edition Timepiece

Louis Vuitton has unveiled a stunning new timepiece in its ongoing series of collaborations with prestigious independent watchmakers.

This latest creation, the LVKV-02 GMR 6, was born from a partnership with Finnish master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, known for his meticulous, handcrafted timepieces.

Combining both houses' expertise, the result is an exceptional 40.5mm travel-inspired watch that pushes the boundaries of horology and craftsmanship.

The LVKV-02 GMR 6 is rooted in Louis Vuitton’s rich history of travel, with its name "Escale", meaning "stopover", a perfect tribute to the brand's legacy as a leader in trunkmaking.

The lugs of the watch evoke the iconic shapes and riveted corners of Louis Vuitton’s classic trunks, while the case is made of tantalum, polished and combined with platinum for a truly luxurious finish.

The craftsmanship behind each lug is extraordinary, requiring up to an hour of detailed work for each one, with the tantalum side of the case taking nearly four hours to perfect by hand.

The dial itself is a masterpiece of artistry and precision. The gold dial is crafted in four parts, with an hour circle that’s hand-painted by Maryna Bossy, requiring 32 hours and 28 different colours to achieve its dazzling, diamond-polished finish.

At the heart of the dial, Voutilainen’s signature hand guilloché engraving technique adds depth and texture, creating beautiful, intricate patterns that pay homage to Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier motif. A day/night disc, hand-engraved with sun and moon imagery, further highlights the watch’s connection to the world of travel, with motifs inspired by Louis Vuitton’s Monogram flower.

The LVKV-02 GMR 6 is powered by a sophisticated movement designed and crafted by the Voutilainen workshop, featuring a unique GMT function. The watch allows for easy adjustment to local time with a simple press of the crown, making it the perfect companion for the seasoned traveller.

A retrograde power reserve display at 12 o’clock and the beautifully decorated movement visible through the case back further showcase the impeccable skill that has gone into creating this timepiece.

Each of the five limited-edition LVKV-02 GMR 6 watches will be delivered in a bespoke Louis Vuitton travel trunk, crafted with traditional methods at the brand’s historic Asnières workshops. The trunk is hand-painted with a design that mirrors the dial’s intricate detailing, making each set a unique work of art.

This collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Kari Voutilainen marks the perfect fusion of two worlds of excellence. The LVKV-02 GMR 6 is a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and a shared passion for adventure.