Why The Collaboration Between Louis Vuitton Watches & Akrivia Makes Perfect Sense

Louis Vuitton collaborates with Rexhep Rexhepi of Akrivia to create the perfect harmony, the LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie.

In perhaps one of the biggest plot twists in the industry of the year thus far, Louis Vuitton and Akrivia designed a first-of-its-kind timepiece. With Jean Arnault at the helm of Louis Vuitton Watches, he’s kept us at the edge of our seats with the rele Edit Edit date and time ase of his new design direction for the brand earlier this year. And if I could sum it up in two words it would easily be, “fresh blood.” As the youngest Arnault (yet with a mature demeanor beyond belief), Jean has made his vision for the Maison clear: clean, contemporary, complicated, and cool. And while the collaboration came as quite the surprise, for Arnault to tap another young trailblazer in the industry, Rexhep Rexhepi, it makes perfect sense.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie is a double-faced chronograph — showcasing each brand’s design ingenuity on their respective sides — with a chiming complication, making it a true standout. The LVRR-01 is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s an auditory delight as well. This watch houses a unique combination of complications: a chronograph, a sonnerie mechanism, and a tourbillon. While the integration of a chronograph and a striking mechanism has historical precedents in pocket watches, it’s a groundbreaking achievement in contemporary watchmaking. The chronograph functions are controlled by a pusher at two o’clock, with an acoustic reminder of elapsed time—a beautiful chime that sounds every minute.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

What sets the LVRR-01 apart, even further, is its movement design. Unlike conventional movements, the LVRR-01 features an inverted caliber, with the chronograph and chiming mechanisms visible on the front instead of the back. This ingenious design allows the wearer to admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the movement continuously. The movement features meticulous hand-applied decorations, such as anglage and black polishing, showcasing the highest levels of watchmaking expertise.

The platinum case of the LVRR-01 is a testament to both Louis Vuitton’s iconic Tambour shape and Rexhep Rexhepi’s unique style. The tall, sloping bezel and elegantly sculpted lugs draw inspiration from mid-century gentlemen’s wristwatches. Even the crown and chronograph pusher, with their seven-sided form, are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, displaying the artistry that both brands bring to the table.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

For me, one of the most intriguing aspects of the LVRR-01 is the emblem that graces its sapphire dial. At first glance, it appears to be the conventional Louis Vuitton logo. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a clever merging of the Louis Vuitton and Akrivia names, with “LV” subtly intertwined with “AKRIVIA.” This emblem represents not only the watch’s aesthetics but also the historical collaboration between these two brands. It’s worth noting that this is the first time in Louis Vuitton’s history that its logo has been combined with another brand’s — a symbol of the unique nature of this partnership.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton