aying homage to Japanese arts, culture and history, the Tambour Bushido Automata captures the spirit of the Samurai code through an imaginative, 16-second watchmaking spectacle. Featuring 426 components and two patents – not to mention 180 hours in total to assemble the movement – the LV 525 calibre is the same base movement behind the award-winning Tambour Carpe Diem. Developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, the Tambour Bushido Automata welcomes five animations on the dial, which together power a hypnotic change of expression on a Samurai mask, revealing the time on-demand.

At the push of a button, the yokai, a supernatural creature, swings aside to reveal the jumping hour inscribed on the front of the helmet. Meanwhile, a retrograde display – depicted by a sleek katana sword – glides to indicate the minutes. After a few seconds, the complication animates one of the eyes, as if by magic, to transform from a rounded LV Monogram Flower into a pointed one. At the same time, the jaw opens to reveal a message – the words “Bushido”, written in striking red Japanese characters and framed by rows of hand-crafted mother-of-pearl teeth – before clenching shut again.

Complementing this horological marvel is a dial that comes alive with detail, volume and intrigue, a chance for La Fabrique des Arts to truly push the boundaries of watchmaking art. Through a mix of time-honoured techniques – engraving and enamelwork – endless possibilities and pioneering new methods were explored and developed.

Take the example of the kabuto helmet: a piece of armour, used for protection, it is also a mark of the Samurai’s unique identity and status. Master engraver Dick Steenman and his team brought this symbolism to life by first engraving a rose gold kabuto, then firing it at high temperature using the calamine technique. This created a thin layer of carbonaceous residue featuring a burnt-like finish, which was then reworked by hand to allow the gold underneath to radiate through. Each element on the dial inspired the artisans to truly experiment and innovate within their craft – transforming the Tambour Bushido Automata into an intricate canvas for expression.

Price: CHF 735,000

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