Louis Vuitton is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of its iconic Tambour Watch in the form of an immersive installation at Jewel Court in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza. On view now through November 10, the pop-up pays homage to the brand’s exquisite watchmaking; the first Tambour model was unveiled in 2002 and the latest version, Tambour Twenty, commemorates the anniversary in a limited edition chronograph. A lustrous brown sun-brushed dial exhibits a golden hand with delicate sub-dials and a 22-carat rose gold rotor. The curved and chiseled profile exudes balance and reliability. Echoing Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks, the letters of the house’s title correspond with the watch dial’s twelve indexes.
Photo by Laziz Hamani, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
With its generous case, striking lines, and chic character, Tambour Twenty invokes Louis Vuitton’s bold creative sensibility and unparalleled glamour. Over the years, the model has grown into a collection of treasured and innovative timepieces. 2005’s Tambour Diving, the brand’s first diving watch, boasts a Tahitian mother-of-pearl timer. 2006’s Tambour Lovely Cup, a pure, silvery jewel, was created in homage to Louis Vuitton’s nautical heritage. 2010’s Tambour Mystérieuse exudes charisma in 18-carat gold with an indicator of diamonds and rubies. 2021’s Tambour Carpe Diem, a contemporary work of art, is illustrated with skull and snake detail, and received the Audacity Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. 2013’s Tambour Twin Chrono, in eye-catching blue, red, and silver, was developed especially for the 30th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Photo by Laziz Hamani, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Photo by Laziz Hamani, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
The exhibition takes its shape from the house’s luxury travel cases, fully embellished in matte gold, with monogram details and overhead windows into the singular capsule presentation. Once inside, viewers are introduced to a celestial-inspired space, starlit from floor to ceiling and spotlighting the brand’s elegant iconography. A golden hallway reminiscent of an exquisite time machine beckons. Here, various iterations and imagery of the Tambour Watch are gracefully displayed. Once through, an intimate bronze sphere reflects the house’s mission of ethereal luxury with high definition imagery and an alluring hanging sculpture and work of art. The final room, a glowing, spaceship-like chamber, highlights additional models in expertly designed windows resembling watch cases. In a true collaboration of architects, artists, and designers from across the globe, Louis Vuitton presents a milestone celebration devoted to the art of time.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
