Louis Vuitton adds Monterey Ceramic watches to permanent collection

Louis Vuitton has added the Monterey Ceramic to its permanent watch collection, reviving a distinctive design originally created in 1988. The watch was initially designed by Italian architect Gae Aulenti and featured a unique pebble-shaped case without traditional lugs and a crown positioned at 12 o’clock.

The new models are available in two ceramic versions: a glossy black case with a matte white dial and red accents, and a deep green case with a matching matte lacquer dial and yellow hands. While the 37mm diameter remains consistent with the original LV II, the technical specifications have been modernized. The new iterations feature the in-house LFT MA01.02 automatic movement, replacing the quartz calibers used in the 1988 originals.

Each ceramic case is machined from zirconium oxide and hand-polished. The design allows the watch to be worn on the wrist via a strap that threads through a loop on the caseback, or alternatively, as a pocket-style accessory attached to clothing.