Louis Vuitton unveils the LVKV-02 GMR 6: a travel-inspired masterpiece with Kari Voutilainen

Louis Vuitton continues its voyage through the world of haute horlogerie with the unveiling of the LVKV-02 GMR 6, the second creation in its ongoing collaboration with independent master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. This exclusive timepiece, born of the Maison’s “Louis cruises with…” series, is not only a feat of watchmaking but also a tribute to the spirit of travel and the artisans who safeguard horological independence. Proceeds from the collaboration will further support the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, reinforcing the Maison’s role as both innovator and patron.

At 40.5 mm, the case is a study in material poetry: pure tantalum, overseen by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, paired with platinum bezel, lugs, crown, and buckle. The contrasts of matte and mirror polish are hand-finished, imbuing the piece with sculptural sophistication. True to its Escale inspiration, the watch resonates with Louis Vuitton’s heritage in trunkmaking — a travel companion elevated into a work of art.

The dial is nothing short of extraordinary. Crafted in four gold parts, it marries disciplines of miniature painting, hand guilloché, and artisanal decoration. A diamond-polished hour circle is hand-painted by artist Maryna Bossy, requiring 28 colours, 32 hours of brushwork, and eight hours of firing. The second time zone subdial comes alive with sun and moon imagery by the Voutilainen workshop, while the guilloché centre nods to Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier motif, engraved on 18th-century machines.

Inside, the GMR 6 calibre is designed and hand-finished by Voutilainen. With its oversized balance wheel, retrograde power reserve, and 24-hour GMT disc, it embodies both precision and poetry. Each movement is unique, adorned with kaleidoscopic miniature painting visible through the sapphire back.

As a finishing flourish, each watch is delivered in a bespoke Louis Vuitton travel trunk crafted in Asnières, its hand-painted design echoing the dial’s intricate artistry. A masterpiece within a masterpiece, it captures the essence of the collaboration: innovation, elegance, and the timeless allure of travel.