The plique-à-jour technique
Plique-à-jour is a particular method of applying enamel allowing light to filter through it.
The resulting effect thus resembles that of a miniature translucent stained glass window.
In practice, the extremely technical process is difficult to obtain: a gold leaf is first pierced, inspired by the graphic lines of the LV logo.
Then, the empty spaces are filled with enamel using the so-called “capillarity” method – the process is repeated 5 to 6 times.
Several times in the oven are necessary, subsequently requiring 100 hours of work for each dial.
In total, three shades of blue are used to recall the color of the sky.
The process is entirely carried out for Louis Vuitton at the La Fabrique du Temps factory.
Voyager Plique-à-jour Flying Tourbillon Watch, Louis Vuitton Press Photo / Louis Vuitton
The flying tourbillon movement
The tourbillon is a watchmaking complication whose ambition is to improve the precision of mechanical watches.
It is a dream for watchmaking enthusiasts, particularly keen on the flying tourbillon, a watchmaking challenge revealing a rotating cage that appears to float.
Developed at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this manually wound mechanical movement required 168 components to create the LV104 caliber - a marvel offering a power reserve of 80 hours.
Here, the skeleton movement is revealed thanks to the transparency of the enamel.
Plique-à-jour dial and precious flying tourbillon mechanism are now united in the case of the Voyager in platinum and white gold: an exceptional model stamped with the Poinçon de Genève, a quality label certifying watches with finishes and decorations the most remarkable.