VIDEO: The Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone Spacecraft leaves technicolour behind for sci-fi vibes

Fergus Nash

The iconic French fashion house Louis Vuitton may not have any claim to a watch worn on the moon, but that didn’t stop them from releasing a cosmic phenomenon in the Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone Spacecraft.

Unlike the drum-shaped Tambour watches which tend to be a little sportier, the Escale collection aims to evoke the spirit of the famous Louis Vuitton trunks and travel cases where the brand got their start. Essentially this is a fresh variation based on the Escale Time Zone from 2015, That watch had multi-coloured emblems that were reminiscent of maritime signal flags (Louis Vuitton was deeply involved in America’s Cup sailing until a couple of years ago) but they also hark back to the firm’s history as a trunk-maker. Back in the 19th century, Louis Vuitton would create unique personal ID badges for the luggage of clients who didn’t have their own coat-of-arms – simplified emblems distinguished by geometric shapes and bright colours. For the watch dials, the same principle has been used to create a ‘badge’ for each city.

This slender 39mm case is coated with a black PVD and is further distinguished by the distinct lugs that attach like trunk hardware. Direct links to space-faring achievement clearly aren’t necessary when it comes to style, as the grainy-static effect of the Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone Spacecraft’s dial would fit right at home in a sci-fi horror film. The stippled silver gives a distinct otherworldly quality to the dial, especially when paired with the airbrushed alligator strap. Each time zone is paired to a city like a traditional World Timer, except it also displays a monochromatic flag in typical LV style. Although given the spacey theme, shouldn’t we have a few interplanetary options like Saturn and Mars among the world cities?

For more information and footage, check out Andrew’s video and subscribe to the Time+Tide YouTube channel.

Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone Spacecraft pricing and availability:

The Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone Spacecraft is available now for $9,300 USD