Louis Vuitton’s legacy of creativity and craftsmanship – particularly in the fields of trunkmaking and gem-setting – takes on a new dimension with the Montgolfière Aéro, the maison’s latest masterpiece that reimagines timekeeping through the lens of its celebrated heritage.
Presented as both a sculptural artwork and a high-end clock, this exquisite creation serves as a contemporary tribute to the hot-air balloon, a whimsical motif that has inspired the brand’s designs for over a century.
A Nod to History
Louis Vuitton’s connection to the hot-air balloon – montgolfière in French – dates back to the early 1900s when the company crafted a unique Aéro Trunk, designed to attach to the basket of a hot-air balloon. Made to transport the belongings of stylish adventurers who loved to soar above the earth, the trunk was lightweight, watertight, and, if needed, buoyant.
Through the Montgolfière Aéro, Louis Vuitton revisits this iconic chapter, crafting a remarkable piece that not only tells time but evokes a sense of travel and exploration.
Artistic Elevation
At first glance, the Montgolfière Aéro is a stunning objet d’art. Its eye-catching 34cm balloon structure is available in two distinct versions: one featuring gilded brass with transparent and red glass, the other combining gilded beryllium copper with precious wood. Both versions are accompanied by a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk at the base, meticulously crafted in the time-honoured fashion.
The traditional version features wing-like glass panels that recall the billowing balloons of a bygone era, lending it a light, airy quality that plays with reflections. Meanwhile, the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas graces the accompanying trunk.
For those seeking opulence, the limited “Precious” edition elevates the concept further. This model incorporates a dazzling array of diamonds that adorn both the balloon structure and the precious wood trunk, along with a striking citrine centrepiece. This fiery gemstone, with its warm orange and brown hues, evokes the burst of flame that launches a hot-air balloon skyward.
A Work of Art with a Twist
The Montgolfière Aéro is more than a visually captivating sculpture. Though designed by Louis Vuitton, it was brought to life in collaboration with L’Épée 1839, the esteemed Swiss clockmaker, and duly introduces an innovative approach to time-telling.
The time is displayed innovatively at the base of the balloon’s ‘envelope’, with hours and minutes rotating on discs, marked by a Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower. Beneath these discs, glimpses of L’Épée’s 1855 LR Calibre – a mechanical movement comprising 207 components and offering an eight-day power reserve – can be seen. Ingeniously, the movement’s winding mechanism is housed within the trunk.
Precious by Design
Among the two versions, the Montgolfière Aéro Precious, limited to just eight pieces, stands as a pinnacle of Louis Vuitton’s artistry. Showcasing the Maison’s in-house stone department, it features a brilliant 9.06-carat citrine, cut in a briolette style and set at the heart of the balloon. This gemstone, along with a square-cut citrine marking the time, is complemented by 1,420 diamonds totalling 55.8 carats that embellish both the balloon’s frame and the miniature trunk in precious wood.
Down to Earth or Up in the Clouds
The Montgolfière Aéro’s thoughtful design offers two display options, allowing owners to integrate it seamlessly into their space. It can serve as a stately table clock when placed on a desk or shelf, or, for a more immersive experience, it can be suspended, creating the illusion of a hot-air balloon gracefully floating mid-air.
Ready to take flight? To find out more about the Montgolfière Aéro, head on over to the Louis Vuitton website.
