Tambour Mystérieuse

Though they often keep it on the low, many luxury watchmakers don't produce their own movements, which are costly, labor-intensive, and complex to make. So when a brand brings its manufacture in-house, as Louis Vuitton has now done, it's serious business—and, as in the case of the new Tambour Mystérieuse, worthy of celebration.

Vuitton's first foray into full manufacturing—conception to construction—features a dazzling movement that seems to float inside the bezel, an effect accomplished by mounting it on sapphire crystal disks. If that feat of levitation isn't flashy enough, the Mystérieuse is also fully customizable down to the metal and stones on the case. All that (and the miniature LV trunk it comes in) goes a long way toward explaining the $265,000 price tag. Since each takes about a year to craft, by the time yours is ready, you may even be able to afford it.
louisvuitton.com

Men.Style
JOSH PESKOWITZ
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
3:43 PM, April 09, 2009