The New Louis Vuitton Tambour Bushido Automata

Following the acclaimed Carpe Diem and Opera Automata, the third chapter from La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton series brings the Bushido code to life – mechanically and artistically – through a hypnotic automaton performance. With the Tambour Bushido Automata, Louis Vuitton ventures into the world of ancient Japan, remembering the discipline, honour, and artistry of the Samurai through another one of its daring horological statements, showcasing proper artistry and rare, impressive horological and decorative techniques.

The finely decorated case of the Tambour Bushido Automata is made from 18k pink gold and measures a bold 46.8mm in diameter and 14.4mm in thickness. The crown and automaton pusher are also rendered in hand-carved gold, with the pusher adorned by two rubies. A domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal covers the dial, while the exhibition caseback reveals the movement’s traditional decorative finishes, including perlage and Côtes de Genève, framing a lacquered red yokai (spirit, a supernatural entity from Japanese folklore) that mirrors the one on the dial.

The dial is a masterclass in métiers d’art, combining cloisonné, paillonné, and miniature enamel techniques – La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has created an internal atelier named La Fabrique des Arts, dedicated to such rare crafts. The Samurai mask is made from white gold, sculpted with extraordinary realism by master engraver Dick Steenman, and coated in two layers of red enamel – a notoriously difficult hue to execute faithfully. Its eye combines cloisonné enamel with a central highlight of gold-set paillonné, and a vivid flash of blue enamel lends depth and vitality. The shikoro, the Samurai’s neck armour, is enamelled in rich black and red tones, detailed with Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Flowers. Engraved elements – mask, helmet, katana, bow, and knot – are all handcrafted, accounting for 140 hours of engraving work across the dial, push-piece, and crown.

On the Tambour Bushido Automata’s dial is the face of a Samurai with a tranquil expression against a richly symbolic background. However, with a press of the ruby-set pusher, a sculpted yokai rises and swings aside to reveal the jumping hour, etched onto the Samurai’s helmet. A katana blade arcs across the section of the dial in a retrograde motion to display the minutes. The Samurai’s face begins to transform: one eye, designed after Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Flower, shifts shape, and the jaw opens to reveal the word “Bushido” in vivid red Japanese characters, surrounded by sculpted mother-of-pearl teeth. 

The dramatic act of Louis Vuitton Tambour Bushido Automata is brought to life by the manually wound LV 525 calibre, a proprietary movement developed by master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini. Comprising 426 components, 50 jewels, and protected by two patents, the movement drives five animations on the dial. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers 100 hours of power reserve. It is the same base that powered the award-winning Tambour Carpe Diem and the Opera Automata we’ve explored in detail in a video, which is further refined here to convey the Bushido narrative.

The watch is worn on a red calf leather strap, closed by an 18k pink gold double folding buckle. The price is EUR 835,000, and it is a unique piece. For more, please visit louisvuitton.com.