LOUIS VUITTON, CERAMIC 'MONTEREY II' CASE NO. 2'415'998

CIRCA: 1990s
CASE MATERIAL: Ceramic
CASE DIAMETER: 37 mm.
DIAL: White
MOVEMENT: Quartz
FUNCTIONS: Alarm, date
BUCKLE: Yellow gold plated Louis Vuitton buckle
BOX: No
PAPERS: No

Please note that the strap shown on the photography is for display only, the watch will be supplied without a strap.

Lot Essay
Designed by renowned Italian architect Gae Aulenti and produced by IWC for Louis Vuitton, the Monterey II was introduced in 1988 and stands as one of the most unconventional creations from the Maison’s early ventures into watchmaking. Among the earliest wristwatches to make prominent use of ceramic, its highly distinctive design combines architectural form with an unusual arrangement of complications.

The watch is characterised by its domed circular ceramic case, positioned above a gold-plated caseback, and its equally distinctive gold-plated crown at 12 o’clock. The latter has led collectors to nickname the design the ‘unicorn’. Three syringe-shaped hands indicate the time and operate the alarm function, while a separate crescent-tipped hand displays the date. The white dial, with Arabic numerals and a prominent railway track, gives the watch an unmistakable graphic identity.

Long regarded as an obscure chapter in Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking history, the Monterey II has experienced a remarkable resurgence of interest among collectors in recent years. Its unusual ceramic construction, distinctive complications and unmistakable Gae Aulenti design have established it as one of the most intriguing neo-vintage watches associated with the Maison’s early horological production.