Louis Vuitton continues its exploration of independent watchmaking with the unveiling of the LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project, the third chapter in the House’s high-horology collaboration. Created in close partnership with De Bethune and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, the project brings together two rare feats: a limited-edition wristwatch and a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic Sympathique clock.
At the centre is the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius, housed in Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Taiko case crafted from polished titanium and finished in De Bethune’s signature thermal blue. The watch is powered by the manual-winding DB2507LV calibre, offering a five-day power reserve alongside travel-focused complications including a second time zone, jumping date, and day-night indication. The celestial dial, inspired by De Bethune’s starry sky motif, discreetly integrates the Louis Vuitton initials into a constellation, merging the identities of both Houses.
Complementing the wristwatch is the LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Varius, a one-of-a-kind clock inspired by Abraham-Louis Breguet’s 18th-century Sympathique system. Designed to automatically wind and reset the wristwatch when docked, the clock represents one of the most advanced mechanical synchronization systems ever created. Crafted entirely by De Bethune, it features a key-wound movement with an 11-day power reserve and is anchored to a sculptural base decorated with blued meteorite marquetry.
Limited to just two complete clock-and-watch sets, alongside ten additional wristwatches sold separately, the LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project reflects Louis Vuitton’s long-term commitment to preserving and advancing high watchmaking. More than a collaboration, it stands as a shared vision of time, travel, and technical artistry at the highest level.