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The Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time collection shows the brand’s s commitment to pushing the boundaries of haute horlogerie with innovative design and technical mastery.

Introduced as part of Louis Vuitton’s Haute Horlogerie collection in 2009, the Tambour Taiko Spin Time collection is a series of limited-edition timepeices that reimagine the brand’s patented jumping cubes display. This three-dimensional dynamic display draws inspiration from the overhead flap display boards found in airports and train stations. This ingenious mechanism was devised by La Fabrique du Temps (Louis Vuitton’s in-house watchmaking division), founded by Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini.

During LVMH Watch Week 2025, Louis Vuitton introduced the latest generation models of the Tambour Taiko Spin Time, and as a first for the collection, these timepeices are entirely powered by in-house movements developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.

At the time of Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini developed the concept of Spin Time, Louis Vuitton was also seeking a new complication that would define and expand its Haute Horlogerie repertoire, one that would be both innovative and intimately linked to travel. Jean Arnault, Watch Director of Louis Vuitton stated that “Without Spin Time, we would not have embarked on the challenge of entering high watchmaking in this manner. And consequently, we would not have integrated La Fabrique du Temps, which is a founding moment for our watchmaking.”

Now, sixteen years after the birth of the Tambour Spin Time, Louis Vuitton is digging into its roots to bring the icon into a new era of watchmaking. The Tambour Taiko Spin Time is an entirely new collection, comprised of six limited-edition models, however, still centred around the patented three-dimensional jumping cubes display. This collection also debuts for the first time in the “Spin Time” collection 39.5mm and 42.5mm case sizes. The 39.5mm comes with a discreet solid case back, while the 42.5mm comes with a sapphire display case back, revealing the in-house calibre movement.

As the name suggests, the collection uses the redefined Tambour case which was launched in 2023. The Tambour Taiko case asserts itself as a new design with sculpted, integrated lugs that depart radically from the strap attachment of the original. This new collection uses the case in the middle of the original 2023 design; however, it incorporates new integrated lugs to create a case that is sleeker and more elegant in appearance. The drum-shaped design of the case is what gives the collection the name “Taiko”, which are large drums used for ceremonial occasions in Japan.

Louis Vuitton is presenting all six models of the Tambour Taiko Spin Time in 18k white gold cases, with the dials beautifully dressed in a dolphin grey hue, a colour that is instantly recognisable. The cubes follow the same path and are finished in a dolphin grey hue, all except for the cube that indicates the current hour, which displays a face in a light grey tone. While the different dials follow the same colour palette, the finishing detail is done in varied techniques such as sunburst to hawk’s eye, which Louis Vuitton states “results in a nuanced, multi-tone appearance that varies with the light.”

Two of the standout timepieces in this new collection are the Tambour Taiko Spin Time Antipode and the Tambour Taiko Spin Time Flying Tourbillon. Both of these timepieces are landmark pieces for their innovation. The Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Antipode, in particular, is especially unique, as it is the first unique jumping hours mechanism that has been combined with a world-first travel time complication. The Antipode complication indicates the time across the world’s 24 time zones simultaneously with a day-night indication, presenting them in a legible, intuitive manner!

The Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Flying Tourbillon on the other hand, gives an unparalleled combination of two major complications paired together. The Taiko Spin Time Flying Tourbillon combines the floating display of the Spin Time Air with an eminently traditional, chronometric mechanism, the flying tourbillon.

Louis Vuitton have developed three new automatic calibres for the six new timepieces in this latest Spin Time collection. Firstly we get the LFT ST 13.01 calibre, used in the Tambour Taiko Spin Time and Taiko Spin Time Air models. It operates at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of 45 hours. The other two movements are the LFT ST 12.01 (used on the Taiko Spin Time Antipode) and the LFT ST 05.01 (used on the Taiko Spin Time Flying Tourbillon). Both movements operate at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of 45 hours. All three movements come with an 18-carat pink gold oscillating weight.

Final Thoughts

Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Taiko Spin Time collection marks a bold new chapter in the brand’s haute horlogerie journey. By reimagining its iconic Spin Time complication and pairing it with cutting-edge designs and in-house calibres, Louis Vuitton showcases its dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.

Models like the Tambour Taiko Spin Time Antipode and the Flying Tourbillon push the limits of what was first thought possible by not only displaying time in the most unique way but also adding a travel-time complication and a flying tourbillon into the mix. This latest collection from Louis Vuitton seamlessly blends artistry, technical excellence, and the spirit of travel all into one!