A new release from Louis Vuitton – the Tambour Horizon. Its the brand’s first foray into the connected watch game, although sister brand TAG Heuer has been one of the earliest among the traditional houses to have a smart watch in the collection. The new LV is based on the maison’s popular Tambour collection, with the signature case shape.
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Graphite.
As mentioned, the case is the familiar Tambour case, with the characteristic drum design. LV worked with Google and Qualcomm for the Tambour Horizon. Interestingly, they elected to use a Qualcomm chip as the processor rather than Intel which was selected by TAG Heuer. In the short demo we had our quick hands-on, the Tambour Horizon has the same look and feel of Android Wear™ 2.0 devices, but with a LV touch. The case brings a high level of luxury to the watch, being similar, and we suspect the same as the regular Tambour.
The Tambour Horizon in black pvd. With the Escale dial.
What sets the Tambour Horizon apart from other connected watches are the applications available. First the skins of the dials are all reflective of the various models from LV. Users can choose from the iconic LV watch dials in their current collection, including the GMT, chronograph and the Escale. This will certainly please LV fans who will have all the watches in one case, albeit with a digitally presented dial. One particular one, with stripes and initials, features easily customisable monograms in the same vein as those of the steamer trunks that the brand is famous for.
The Tambour Horizon Monogram with the stripes and monogram dial which can be personalised. The stripe design and font is taken from the ones used in the LV Steamer Trunks.
Also unique is the City Guide, which LV now currently publishes as small booklets which is not integrated and available on the watch. Clever integration is used to simplify a traveler’s needs. For example, the watch automatically recognises the city, and is able to suggest, via a set of filters restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions nearby. One of the interesting features is to give the watch a specific time, and it is able to suggest say the restaurants in the LV guide which are nearby which are open during the hours selected.
Another look at the Tambour Horizon Black.
The Escale dial features a 24 hours watch face showing 24 timezones in cities with the signature flag decoration. It also displays the weather, temperature and step counter is another. The “My Flight” Travel face is also interesting. It works when the user emails the travel itinerary to a specific LV site, and the application tracks the flight times, and reminds the user when the flight is due. It also communicates with the airport to get the actual gate, including delays, changes, and displays this on the dial.
The watch charges via a wireless charging station, and is reported to last 10 hours on a full charge with regular use.
LV also shows that they are listening to their client base as the watch comes with a system to easily interchange straps, The straps are equipped with a catch to release and clip on the straps with ease. Very usable system, and for fashionistas, will find this feature to be great in changing the watch to match their outfits.
Three models are released, all with a stainless steel case: The Graphite with polished sides, the Monogram with a brushed case and the Black with black pvd finish on the case. Prices start from S$3,700 (incl GST) for either the Graphite or Monogram with a strap. The Black commands a small premium, and straps are sold at prices ranging from about S$400 to S$800.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Specifications.
• Stainless steel brushed case, stainless steel polished horns and crown (Graphite)
• Stainless steel polished case, black PVD finishing (Black)
• Stainless steel polished case (Monogram)
• Case diameter: 42 mm
• Case thickness: 12.55 mm
• Caseback: Sapphire glass with Louis Vuitton logo
• Sapphire glass with a grey 24 hours ring
• 1.2’’ full round AMOLED touch screen. Resolution: 390×390
• Interchangeable strap equipped with Louis Vuitton patented system
• Stainless steel ardillon buckle
• Water resistant to 30 meters
• 300 mAh Battery. Average battery life between charges: estimated all day
(under normal conditions of use)
• 512MB RAM – 4GB Flash
• Operating system: Android Wear™ 2.0*
• Compatibility: Android™ 4.3+*/ iOS 9+**. Smartphones running Android™ 4.3*
or higher, or iPhone 5** or later running iOS 9** or higher.
Supported features may vary between platforms.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1*** and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
• Gyroscope
• Microphone
• Vibrator
• Ambient light sensor
