The French watchmaker has consistently delivered impressive métiers d’art watches in recent years. The Escale trio builds on this legacy, rivaling the finest examples from established watchmakers. But more than that, LV does it their way. They don’t simply mimic the classical Genevan style or try to imitate established houses like Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin.

Louis Vuitton assembled a dream team of artisans for this project, including the likes of master enameller Vanessa Lecci, damascening specialist Fanny Queloz, engraver duo Dick Steenman and Eddy Jaquet, and marquetry specialist Rose Saneuil. In a recent interview, their excitement for the project was palpable – Lecci’s enthusiasm mirrored the vibrancy of the artwork itself.

This focus on design is precisely where LV shines. Some métiers d’art pieces prioritize technical prowess over visual appeal, but LV strikes a perfect balance. Their depictions of familiar motifs are fresh and innovative. Take the dragon, a ubiquitous theme this year. Finding a dragon that feels both classic and contemporary is a rarity. The LV design team masters this by using a variety of decorative techniques for different sections of the dragon, seamlessly integrating the brand’s monogram into the background.

This approach is evident throughout the collection. The koi fish watch features refreshing light blue pebbles with the LV monogram nestled among them. The fish themselves are rendered in a striking dark blue, a bold departure from the typical red and orange.

The Snake’s Jungle exemplifies this perfectly. A gleaming enamel snake winds its way around a textured bamboo forest crafted from a combination of wood, straw, and leather marquetry.

The contrasting textures and finishes – smooth versus textured, raised versus flat – create a dynamic scene while maintaining a unified color palette. This is design mastery at its finest. And it’s important to remember that design is, after all, the soul of any artwork.

The Dragon’s Cloud merges engraving and enameling with the exquisite technique of damascening, which involves pressing and shaping gold wire onto the dial. The process begins with a textured base created by hammering the surface, followed by carefully carving grooves to receive the gold wire.

The dragon itself is then brought to life through engraving and paillonné enameling, a dazzling technique that utilizes tiny flakes of gold, leaving its scales shimmering – a touch of LV magic with the brand’s signature Monogram flower subtly incorporated.