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Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II: A Collaboration of Genius and Craft

Louis Erard and Vianney Halter unveil their second collaboration. Both independent companies share philosophies that complement each other, which is what makes this watch so special. Louis Erard showcases its expertise in regulator designs, and without a doubt, they are the most famous company in this kind of high-precision watch. We have already shared the detailed history of regulator watches in this previous article.

The genius watchmaker Vianney Halter infuses his iconic design elements into the watch, drawing inspiration from science fiction and space. By merging these influences with his exceptional craftsmanship, he creates a truly distinctive timepiece. The Louis Erard Régulateur’s design seamlessly complements Halter’s signature split-time subdials and the uniquely crafted bezel, adding a futuristic touch to the watch.

Introducing Louis Vuitton Collaborates With Akrivia And Introduces The LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie

The Seamless Harmony of A Double Faced Chronograph with a Chiming Complication

In the realm of high-end watchmaking, Akrivia has garnered a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Rexhep Rexhepi, a young and talented watchmaker of Swiss-Albanian descent, founded the brand with a vision to produce watches that are both technically and aesthetically appealing.

Following the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives announced in early 2023, In a collaboration between Akrivia, and Louis Vuitton, creating the LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie. This exceptional timepiece is a testament to innovation, combining the expertise of both bands, with a collaboration of the renowned case-maker “Jean-Pierre Hagmann”, adding another layer of expertise to the mix. Completing this ensemble is Nicolas Doublel, the enameller at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.

The drum-shaped  case represents the artistry of hand craftsmanship, thanks to the skilled hands of Jean-Pierre Hagmann, a brushed and polished platinum Reinterpreted Tambour case, measuring 39.9 mm in diameter with 12.2 mm of thickness, ensuring a comfortable and understated presence on the wrist by a tall, sloping bezel and elegantly sculpted lugs enhancing its wearability. Additionally, the crown and the chronograph pusher at two o’clock, feature a seven-sided form, Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s iconic watches, with chamfered edges and intricate hand-hammered decoration.

The LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie features dual-dials, the first one is covered by a tinted sapphire, and can be seen when the watch is on the wrist. Here, the watch bears the signature of Akrivia. However, this isn't a mere signature, it's a detail that carries a milestone, where the "v" in Akrivia assumes the form of the iconic LV emblem, a monumental fusion of both iconic logos. Notably, this marks the very first instance where Louis Vuitton's emblem has coalesced with another brand's insignia. Surrounding the dial is a gilt-metallised rail track road, and a 5-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, alongside a series of six gold cubes, each filled with translucent fired enamel using Plique-à-jour, a technique that involves applying transparent enamel onto metal cells, allowing the enamel to stand alone without the presence of a metal backing.

The second dial can be seen when flipping the watch, it features a white gold grand feu enamel dial, gracing the back of the watch, adorned with dual scales for tracking the hours and minutes. This dial is the collaborative result of craftsmanship by Nicolas Doublel, and the creative vision of Rexhep Rexhepi.

Powering the watch is the LVRR-01 manual-winding caliber, crafted by Rexhep Rexhepi, with the chronograph and chiming mechanisms that can be seen on the first dial. This arrangement allows enthusiasts to peer through and witness the intricate workings beneath. What sets this caliber apart is its unique ability to measure elapsed time with a mechanism that was featured  historically in pocket watches but making its debut in a wristwatch. As each passing minute, a single chime resonates, orchestrated by a polished steel hammer that strikes a tempered steel gong. Two barrels drive this timepiece, one for timekeeping and the chronograph, the other for chiming. For the first time, Rexhepi links the second barrel to the gear train, ensuring it continues to rotate when the chronograph is active. This design guarantees that all complications run smoothly without affecting the movement.

The LVRR-01 arrives in a Louis Vuitton traditional trunk. Crafted to match the unique LVRR-01 timepiece, these trunks undergoes hand-painting, drawing its inspiration from the chronograph scales found on the enamel dial, featuring the "AKRILVIA" logo and a unique serial number corresponding to each watch.

In a heartfelt homage to the artisans behind the LVRR-01, the trunk also showcases the signatures of the talented individuals involved in its creation, Rexhep Rexhepi, Jean-Pierre Hagmann, and Nicolas Doublel. This personalized finishing touch adds an extra layer of distinction to both the watch and its accompanying packaging.

The watch is a Limited Edition of 10 pieces, and is paired with a natural calfskin leather that is secured by a platinum pin buckle that bears the “JHP” hallmark, with a price of CHF 450,000, which is equivalent to AED 1,800,000.

 

For more information please visit the official websites of Louis Vuitton and Akrivia

 

Technical specifications: Louis Vuitton x Akrivia LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie

 

 
  1. Case: brushed and polished reinterpreted Tambour platinum case, by JHP, sloping bezel, sculpted lugs, seven-sided shape crown and chronograph pusher at two o’clock 
  2. Diameter: 39.9 mm
  3. Height: 12.2 mm
  4. Water resistance: 30m
 
  1. Dial: Front dial : Smoked translucent sapphire dial, Six gold cubes filled with translucent Plique-à-jour fired enamel, 3N Gold railway and logo, 5-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock

Chronograph dial : Traditional Grand Feu enamel on a palladium-gold base, Enamel dial with twin scales for hours and minutes

 
  1. Movement: LVRR-01 caliber, In house Manual winding movement developed by Atelier Akrivia, 391 components, including 55 for the tourbillon only, 41 jewels  
  2. Power reserve: 72hours
  3. Frequency:  21,600 vph
  4. Functions:  Central hours and minutes, Chronograph on the back with sonnerie mechanism
 
  1. Bracelet / Strap:  Natural calfskin leather, with a platinum pin buckle that bears the “JHP” hallmark 
 
  1. Availability:   Limited Edition of 10 pieces
  2. Price:  CHF 450,000, which is equivalent to AED 1,800,000

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