The fifth edition of LVMH Watch Week took place in Miami, also known as the “Magic City”, if we’re referring to its moniker. As a hub of contemporary luxury and culture, Miami was the ideal choice of venue. Here, the Group presents their latest collections to journalists and retailers worldwide. This fifth edition also welcomes Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta, two iconic Maisons relaunched within La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. These are some highlights from LVMH Watch Week:
1. Executive musical chairs
LVMH Watch Week in Miami
The many changes at the top almost eclipse the new watch releases of the LVMH Watch Week. To begin, Frédéric Arnault, LVMH scion and CEO of TAG Heuer, has advanced to a new position: CEO of the LVMH watch division. Similarly, Julien Tornare moves across to head TAG, which creates a vacancy at Zenith—instantly filled by Benoit de Clerck, formerly of Panerai. Last but not least, Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps welcomes Jean Arnault (Frédéric’s younger brother). He will be presenting watches from prestige reboots Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth.
2. Hublot unleashes a vertically-read masterpiece
Hublot’s MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium
Hublot pushes boundaries with its new masterpiece: the MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium. The MP-10 has no dial, hands, or oscillating weight, but instead a roller display, circular power reserve, and an inclined tourbillon automatic winding by two linear weights. The design eliminates the usual space constraints traditionally dictated by a central display in a horizontal plane. Thus, the MP-10 is easily read vertically: hours, minutes, power reserve, then seconds. The movement of the eye is fluid and natural. White the case construction is simple, the sapphire crystal atop it is Hublot’s most complex to date, combining inclined planes on three axes. Without a doubt, the exterior is on par with the movement of this masterpiece.
3. ZENITH’s long-awaited triple calendar chronograph
ZENITH’s Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
Possibly the most versatile and functional line within the Chronomaster collection, the newest Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is a groundbreaking and emblematic variation of the El Primero. Modeled after the exact blueprint and proportions of the A386 from 1969, it gives an initiative read of the complete calendar without cluttering the dial. While the date is positioned in the traditional El Primero position of 4:30, days of the week and months are displayed in symmetrically positioned windows. Finally, the moon phase display is placed at 6 o’clock with the chronograph’s 60-minute counter. The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar’s El Primero 3610 operates at 5 Hz (36’000 VpH) and has a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. It is available in two distinct dial versions: A sportier silvery-white “panda” opaline dial and an opulent opaline slate-grey dial.
4. Gérald Genta brings a touch of playfulness
Gérald Genta’s new Mickey Mouse
A minute repeater watch featuring a Disney © Mickey Mousse figure stands out at LVMHWW. Orchestrated under the lead of Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, on the initiative of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this watch is a celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary as well as the 50th anniversary of the Maestro’s first watch under his own name in 1973. It features the brand’s signature octagonal case, the “success case”, with the addition of lugs. Of course, the highlight is the Mickey Mouse figure playfully indicating the time. It is a homage to Mr. Genta, who was bold enough to combine cartoon characters with high-complication watchmaking in the 1980s.
5. Daniel Roth’s Tourbillon Souscription
Daniel Roth’s Tourbillon Souscription
The Daniel Roth style has always been remarkable in combining historical inspiration with the double ellipse—an inventive, modern case. This newest Tourbillon Souscription is no exception. Guilloche dials and blued steel hands call to mind great historical timepieces and the double ellipse case gives the best frame to the tourbillon cage. While resolutely true to the spirit of the original, refinements to the design and mechanics have been made. Notably, the all-new-in-house calibre and the signature solid gold, guilloche dial. Additionally, the Caliber DR-001 follows traditional watchmaking principles. However, the ratchet is visible, bringing an interesting focal point to the movement and overall design. This piece is, fittingly, the inaugural piece of the revived Daniel Roth Maison.
