
Louis Vuitton Monterey Reborn from Flame and Legacy
An iconic Louis Vuitton watch is reimagined as a new modern classic
- Text by Magnifissance Magazine
- Photos Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
In 1988, Louis Vuitton ventured into the world of horology with the debut of the LV I and LV II, two signature timepieces conceived by renowned architect Gae Aulenti.

Bold yet restrained, they spoke of travel, motion, and style. Soon, they became cult classics that harnessed the brand’s spirit of adventure.
Nearly four decades later, Louis Vuitton returns to that moment in its horological history with the Monterey: a reimagined classic, limited to just 188 pieces worldwide. This contemporary reinterpretation honours its predecessors while offering a more refined, minimalist perspective.
The Monterey retains the signature pebble-shaped case in luminous yellow gold, a direct nod to the original LV I. Its red and blue accents offer a continued pop of colour. The original quartz caliber, meanwhile, has been updated with an in-house automatic movement.
At the heart of Monterey is a dial of artistry. Crafted in Grand Feu enamel, the surface requires over 20 hours of careful layering and firing to achieve its luminous, milky depth. The colour markers are finished through a labour-intensive enamel stamping process.
“This white enamel,” notes Artistic Director Matthieu Hegi, “[is] not only a tribute to enduring craftsmanship but also offers a brilliance, tone, and warmth that will last over time.”