VIDEO: The Louis Vuitton Tambour Outdoor Chronograph
Ricardo SimeWhat comes to mind when you think of Louis Vuitton? Is it leather bags and wallets? Cream coloured trim? Or maybe a set of high-end luggage for travelling around the world? What if I told you what you should be thinking of is a watch collection with an iconic and flexible design? That’s what we have in the Louis Vuitton Tambour collection and specifically this new Outdoor Chronograph. For 20 years, the Tambour and its unique design has been a cornerstone of Louis Vuitton’s watch offerings. Automatic movements, internal diving bezels and tourbillons have all graced the confines of that case. With the Tambour Outdoor Chronograph, that story continues.
For this iteration of the Tambour, we get a 44mm case that has the recognisable shape of an upside down drum. On the bezel/sides of the polished case, we have an engraving of the brand’s name, with each letter perfectly aligned with to the hour markers. It’s a design element that could have come across as ungainly but instead blends well into the overall aesthetic.
As for thickness, the watch is relatively thin for a chronograph at 12.11mm. Which means the 44mm never feels top-heavy on your wrist.
For the dial of this Tambour, Louis Vuitton decided to go for blue with a grain texture. Within that we also get black, red and white details. Add to that a date window peeking out at 4:30 as well as a rotating LV seconds at six o’clock, and you get a dial that really pops. One that exists perfectly between playful and well executed.
That execution is surprising, especially when you take into account the bevy of features the Swiss quartz chronograph movement inside provides. That movement contains the aforementioned date complication as well as a 12 hour chronograph and a GMT. And though we don’t know the specifics of this complex movement, previous quartz movements we’ve seen from the brand bear a level of finishing way above that of your run-of-the-mill quartz module.
For the strap, the brand settled on blue rubber with the words Louis Vuitton emblazoned in red on its topside. A perfect continuation of the dial design and n instant reminder that this watch, with its 100 metres of water resistance, can handle some water
Another great feature of the strap is the quick change system at the lugs. At any moment, you can switch out the blue rubber strap for any of the other 44mmm Tambour case compatible straps.
Overall, the Louis Vuitton Tambour Outdoor chronograph brings to the table a bit of style and flair while packing one hell of a feature punch. As the company continues to invest in its watchmaking, pieces like these become a more attainable example of what can be done. Thus becoming a tempting option for someone who is already in love with the brand.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Outdoor Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Outdoor Chronograph is available on the brand’s website. Price A$7520
| Brand | Louis Vuitton |
| Model | Louis Vuitton Tambour Outdoor Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm x 12.11mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Blue grain |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and case back |
| Strap | Blue Rubber Strap |
| Movement | Swiss Quartz Chronograph |
| Functions | Date, 12 hour chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$7520 |