In a groundbreaking collaboration, Louis Vuitton partners with Rexhep Rexhepi of Atelier Akrivia to unveil the LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie. Stemming from the 2023 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, this pioneering venture underscores the brand's revitalized commitment to sophisticated watch craftsmanship, collaborating with esteemed independent watchmakers.
Crafting Synergy
The LVRR-01 is an embodiment of the rich heritage of both Louis Vuitton and Atelier Akrivia. Housed in Louis Vuitton's reimagined Tambour case, the watch features a double-faced chronograph with an innovative chiming mechanism, powered by a fresh tourbillon movement masterminded by Atelier Akrivia and Rexhep Rexhepi.
Adding intrigue to the piece, the emblem on its sapphire dial reveals a meticulously merged logo – a harmonious blend of “LV” within “AKRIVIA”, marking the first instance of Louis Vuitton intertwining its iconic logo with another brand.
Historical Overlap
Louis Vuitton, established in 1854, became a benchmark in trunk-making and luxurious accessories. Centuries later, Rexhep Rexhepi's journey mirrors that of Vuitton's. From his beginnings in Kosovo, Rexhepi moved to Geneva and, at 14, embarked on an apprenticeship in haute horlogerie. By 2012, he had inaugurated Atelier Akrivia, championing the age-old traditions of fine watchmaking. This shared passion paved the way for the LVRR-01's inception.
Technological Marvel
Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the LVRR-01 introduces a sophisticated mingling of mechanisms. The watch functions as a precision chronometer, an elapsed time tracker, and boasts a pioneering sonnerie mechanism – all neatly showcased in a dual-sided display, juxtaposing modernity with tradition.
The design intricacies don’t stop here. Within lies a completely new calibre curated by Rexhep Rexhepi. The movement is a nod to traditionalism, boasting hand-finished components, all visible through the sapphire dial. Further, its unique five-minute rotating tourbillon and the never-before-seen integration of chronograph with a sonnerie mechanism make the LVRR-01 a paragon of watchmaking innovation.
Artistry Incarnate
The watch's platinum case is a testament to the meeting of Louis Vuitton’s hallmark Tambour design and Rexhep Rexhepi's elegant touches. Every detail, from the chamfered crown and pusher to the hand-hammered decoration, sings praises of the collaborative spirit. The case is handcrafted under the meticulous supervision of master casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann, ensuring flawless execution.
Duality of Design
Both dials of the LVRR-01 are distinct, yet they seamlessly represent the design languages of Rexhep Rexhepi and Louis Vuitton. The front, a reflection of modernity, contrasts beautifully with the traditional white grand feu enamel on the reverse, evoking memories of 19th-century chronograph pocket watches.
A Keepsake Trunk
Each LVRR-01 is accompanied by a bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk, intricately hand-painted, paying homage to the watch's unique design and the masterminds behind it – Rexhep Rexhepi, Jean-Pierre Hagmann, and Nicolas Doublel.
Specifications
- Movement: LVRR-01 calibre by Atelier Akrivia, manual winding.
- Features: Central hours/minutes, 5-minute tourbillon; Chronograph à sonnerie.
- Case: Modified Tambour design, platinum, 39.9 mm diameter.
- Dials: Front - smoked translucent sapphire; Back - traditional grand feu enamel.
- Strap: Natural calfskin leather with a platinum buckle.
- Presentation: Specialty trunk with hand-painted Monogram canvas.
To discover more about the rich legacy of Louis Vuitton and Atelier Akrivia's haute horlogerie, visit their respective official websites.