Louis Vuitton has unveiled Monterey, a limited-edition watch series that revives the Maison’s very first wristwatch model, originally created in 1988 by Italian architect Gae Aulenti. The original Montre I combined innovative design with technology, becoming a symbol of Louis Vuitton’s early ambitions. The new Monterey watch preserves the signature “pebble” spherical shape of the original while showcasing modern watchmaking mastery.
The 39mm yellow gold case is hand-polished, featuring a crown at the 12 o’clock position—a nod to the pocket watches that inspired the original Montre I. Its lugless design has been updated for enhanced comfort and balance. The strap bears the engraving “1 of 188”, highlighting the model’s rarity, with only 188 pieces available worldwide.
The Monterey dial uses the traditional Grand Feu enamel technique on a white gold base. Layers of enamel are fired at over 800°C, creating a durable, lustrous finish. Black, red, and blue enamel markers are built up through multiple firings to achieve a textured, relief effect. The gold hands with red lacquer and thermally blued seconds hand echo the design of the original 1988 watch.
Inside, the watch houses the automatic LFT MA01.02 caliber, developed by La Fabrique du Temps. With sandblasted bridges, a main plate featuring circular graining, and a rose-gold rotor engraved with LV-inspired V-shaped motifs, the movement offers a 45-hour power reserve and precision in line with Louis Vuitton’s modern standards.
Monterey is available exclusively at Louis Vuitton boutiques for approximately $53,000, representing the brand’s return to its origins while marrying Gae Aulenti’s heritage with contemporary horological craftsmanship.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
18:18, September 27
Sex as an Elixir of Youth: How Billionaire Calouste Gulbenkian Tried to Extend His Life Through a Conveyor Belt of Mistresses18:29, September 26
“We Would Be Happy to Contribute to the Development of the City”: Filippo Innocenti on the Possibility of Zaha Hadid Architects Working in Armenia17:19, September 26
Diamond Showdown in Milan: Georgina Rodríguez and Aryna Sabalenka Compare Their Jaw-Dropping Engagement Rings15:22, September 26
Demna Turns the Page at Gucci: A Lavish “Store Show” in Milan Unveils a New Aesthetic14:14, September 26
Jay-Z Accuser Recants Rape Allegations and Says She Never Met the Rapper13:21, September 26
Kanye West Steps Out With Bianca Censori: She Goes Braless Again and Turns Heads in a Sheer Top12:36, September 26
“Welcome to America”: Trump’s 15-Year-Old Granddaughter Impresses Xi Jinping With Her Fluent Chinese11:18, September 26
From Gucci Sales Assistant to Fashion Star: Georgina Rodríguez Turns Heads in a Daring Mini Suit10:30, September 26
“When I Hear Our Song, I Cry”: Michael Schumacher’s Wife Opens Up About Her Pain for the First Time in 12 Years23:01, September 25
90 Years Old, 19 Titles and a Dream Physique: Japanese Bodybuilder Refuses to Grow Old22:17, September 25
The World’s Most Expensive Bottle of Whisky Is Going Back to Auction — and Could Break Its Own Record21:10, September 25
Max Mara Unveils a Collection for Women Who Have Too Much to Do