For decades, sapphire crystal was mainly used to cover the front, and in many cases also the back, of watches. Its high scratch resistance made it the perfect material for that. While not too difficult to process into small discs to protect the dial, crafting an entire watch case and more out of it, it an entirely different ball game. There the advantages that the material offers become a challenge. However, this hasn't stopped a few brands from going for full transparency and create breathtaking sapphire sensations.

Louis Vuitton is known as a brand that doesn't accept any compromises. This is what made it propel itself to the top of the luxury world, becoming the benchmark to which all others are measured. The brand has the same dedication in its timepiece collection. Here timeless style and refined movements go hand in hand with wearing comfort and user-friendliness. The Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon is the perfect example of this, by housing within the smooth lines of the iconic Tambour model, a most exquisite movement.

Louis Vuitton's 'La Fabrique du Temps' houses not only a tremendous amount of expertise but also a great deal of passion. In the past, we have already seen that the two combined can result in tantalizing creations that redefy watchmaking. With the new Tambour Carpe Diem, Louis Vuitton succeeds in that again by bringing to life a skull and snake that not only tells the time but also serves as a constant reminder to savor it.

The Tambour is one of the most important watch designs for Louis Vuitton. Launched in 2002, it was the watch that put the brand on the map in the world of the Haute Horlogerie. Over the years, it amassed a loyal group of admirers, not in the least because Louis Vuitton was always able to introduce innovating new varieties of this model while keeping it instantly recognizable as a Tambour. Inspired by the shape of a drum, the Tambour is one of the very few watches that is larger at the base than at the bezel. This gives the watch an undeniable enchanting character, in which it expresses its pedigree further by having the twelve letters of 'Louis Vuitton' engraved in the case-band. It also adds a timeless appeal to the watch, as even today the Tambour looks as contemporary as it did back in 2002.

With their 'Factory of time,' or la Fabrique du Temps, does Louis Vuitton possess a manufacture capable of making even the most complicated watches in-house. This can be innovative complications, like the Spin Time, but also more classic creations such as the Voyager Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève. While it pays tribute to the ancient art of watchmaking, wouldn't this be a true Louis Vuitton if they didn't make it entirely their own.

Despite the pandemic, many brands did not hold back when it came to releasing new models. What usually would be launched at one of the fairs or during a special event was now presented by Zoom- and Skype-meetings. Fortunately, this doesn't make the watches any less impressive, as the following five prove;

The Damier pattern is synonymous with Louis Vuitton. It was the man himself who designed this checkered pattern, which already decorated the trunks and suitcases the company made in the late 1800s. It most certainly stood the test of time, as it is today not only still in production but also in high demand as one of Louis Vuitton's signature patterns. It is also the source of inspiration for two new Tambour watches that come with a sportive twist.

In its quest for excellence, Louis Vuitton loves to blend old-school craftsmanship with forward-thinking. This becomes especially evident in their Haute Horlogerie models like the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon, which was introduced earlier this year. The watch seamlessly continues the legacy of Louis Vuitton's emblematic watch, yet is not shy of pushing the envelope with both its futuristic design, as well as with its superb movement.

In the previous article, it already became clear that the Tambour was off to a brilliant start. It quickly turned into a design icon within the collections of Louis Vuitton and showed its versatility. This became even more evident in the years to follow, as the watch was fitted with impressive complications and innovative technology.

The Tambour was introduced only 18 short years ago, in 2002, yet its impact has been profound. For Louis Vuitton, it was the watch that put them firmly on the map as being a watchmaking 'maison.' The way that the Tambour did this is almost unprecedented, as the model proved to be one of the most versatile designs in the history of watchmaking. It could just as easily be turned into a display of technical excellence, featuring complex mechanical movements, as housing the latest technology as a state-of-the-art smartwatch.

The watch collection of Louis Vuitton has always been carefully curated to ensure that it truly represents the DNA of the brand. This has always been a mix of traditional craftsmanship combined with forward-thinking design. Louis Vuitton started this tradition with its very first watch-collection, back in the 1980's, which was designed by the famous Italian architect Gae Aulenti. She not only created watches on occasion but was also responsible for transforming Musée d'Orsay in Paris from a train station into one of the most renowned art museums in the world.

Louis Vuitton has always been a brand that marches to its own beat. This is especially true for their watch collection. You can never confuse one of their creations for anything else but a Louis Vuitton. They are not only highly original in terms of design, but also know how to capture the essence of the brand down to the last detail. This is also the case with the two chronographs that join the Tambour-collection, one of the signature designs of the brand.

Adding 4 new timepieces to its Tambour collection of watches, Louis Vuitton has done it again with its latest release, featuring the House’s signature look.

In its new ad campaign for the Tambour Horizon Connected watch, Louis Vuitton features Sophie Turner, Justin Theroux and more Friends of the Maison.

With an updated user interface and features, Louis Vuitton will launch a new Tambour Horizon Connected Watch with personalized design elements.

Along with delicious treats, festive bubbly, and good company, a big highlight of any New Year’s Eve party is of course, the countdown! And depending on where you live, there are probably more than a handful of cities that will step into 2019 before you. This year, enjoy more than one countdown by ringing in the New Year across a slew of time zones with one of these world timer watches.