Louis Vuitton is making the Monterey a permanent fixture. Following this year’s limited-edition yellow-gold revival, the House has introduced two new ceramic models that bring one of its most distinctive watch designs back into focus.
Originally introduced in 1988 as Louis Vuitton’s first wristwatch, the LV I and LV II were created in collaboration with Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti. Defined by their pebble-shaped case, graphic dial, and signature crown at 12 o’clock, the watches have found renewed attention among collectors and recently reappeared on the runway under Nicolas Ghesquière.
The new Monterey arrives in two ceramic executions. One pairs a heritage green case with a matching lacquer dial and yellow hands that nod to Louis Vuitton’s signature leather stitching. The other opts for a cleaner black and white palette with red accents that lean into the watch’s graphic identity. Both retain the original 37 millimetre case while introducing Louis Vuitton’s in-house automatic LFTMA01.02 movement in place of the original quartz calibre.
While the design stays true to the original, the execution is thoroughly modern. Louis Vuitton machines each ceramic case from zirconium oxide before firing and hand finishing it, while the lacquer dials are built through multiple layers and finished entirely by hand. It is the kind of craftsmanship that quietly elevates the Monterey without taking away from the watch’s playful character.
With the move into Louis Vuitton’s permanent collection, the Monterey continues its return as one of the House’s most distinctive watch designs, pairing its unmistakable 1988 silhouette with a contemporary ceramic build that feels right at home in the brand’s growing watch lineup.
