Louis Vuitton Explores Turquoise & Malachite in New Escale Timepieces
- camilarosiaz
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Louis Vuitton expands its Escale collection with two limited-edition models that spotlight ornamental stonework through dials and case rings crafted from turquoise and malachite. Each version is limited to 30 pieces, pairing the stones with a 40mm platinum case and the collection’s trunk-inspired design language. More details about the collection can be found at the official Louis Vuitton website.
Both stones play a central role in the narrative of these watches. Turquoise is marked by branching dark veins reminiscent of river tributaries, while malachite is defined by its horizontal banding and deep green tones. Each material has been used decoratively since antiquity, and Louis Vuitton integrates them here to highlight their natural variations and fragility. According to the brand’s Artistic Director of La Fabrique du Temps, the appeal lies in the individuality of each stone, whose veining and internal structure ensure that no two watches are identical.
Crafting the cases required the casemakers at La Fabrique des Boîtiers to rethink Escale’s construction from the ground up. Unlike ornamental stone dials, which are relatively common, machining a full structural ring from a non-homogenous mineral introduces greater risk. Each raw stone is evaluated for color, patterning, and structural integrity before being cut, and the true character of each piece only emerges during the shaping process. Strict criteria determine suitability: turquoise must fall within a defined range of blues with evenly distributed veins, and malachite must present clean, horizontal banding.
The machining phase involves cutting the stone with extremely tight tolerances so that the hands, lugs, and crown align correctly. Hand polishing follows, revealing the depth and sheen muted during earlier stages. Because each stone has its own inclusions and irregularities, this process cannot be automated. Expert judgment is again required when pairing each dial with a corresponding case so that grain direction, color balance, and distinctive veining complement one another.
The watches also introduce Saffiano leather straps to the Escale line. The turquoise model is matched with an Arroyo-grey strap, while the malachite version features Rainforest-green Saffiano leather. Both feature tone-on-tone stitching and are crafted to echo the textured theme present throughout the watch design.
To preserve wearability, the platinum bezel and caseback extend slightly beyond the stone ring, protecting the mineral without interrupting its visual continuity. Through the transparent caseback, the watches reveal the chronometer-certified automatic caliber LFT023, equipped with a 22K rose-gold micro-rotor, a 50-hour power reserve, and the collection’s signature transparent jewels. A saffron-colored sapphire on the back identifies the presence of platinum, a discreet tradition in fine watchmaking.
The Escale models underscore the brand’s effort to merge artisanal craft with technical engineering, presenting ornamental stonework not as decoration but as a structural and expressive element. By combining the unpredictability of natural materials with contemporary watchmaking, the pieces reflect an ongoing exploration of texture, form, and the idea of travel embedded in the Escale line.