With the release of the Tambour Bushido Automata, Louis Vuitton reaffirms its position at the vanguard of artistic horology. Following the award-winning Tambour Carpe Diem and the theatrically expressive Tambour Opera Automata, this new creation travels east to explore the legendary ethos of Bushido, the ancient moral code of Japan’s Samurai warriors.
In this 2025 debut, Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps presents a mechanical and artistic marvel that pushes the envelope of fine watchmaking while honoring centuries of Japanese craftsmanship. The result is a 46.8 mm pink gold automaton that is as evocative as it is technical, housing a symbolic Samurai mask that comes to life with five dial animations and a poetic complication that unfolds over 16 seconds.
The core of the Tambour Bushido Automata is the LV 525 calibre, a manual-winding movement containing 426 components, two patents, and delivering a 100-hour power reserve.
A yokai creature—a supernatural guardian carved in rose gold—rises to reveal the jumping hour inscribed on the Samurai helmet.
A katana blade indicates the retrograde minutes, sweeping with deliberate force across the dial.
The Samurai’s mask evolves before the wearer’s eyes: one LV Monogram Flower-shaped eye sharpens, the jaw opens to reveal the word “Bushido” in bold red characters, and the Samurai’s face shifts to an expression of solemn resolve.
This performance is not just mechanical but emotional—an homage to strength, discipline, and the rich tradition of Japanese warrior culture.
More than a timekeeping device, the Tambour Bushido Automata is an artistic tableau crafted by the elite artisans of La Fabrique des Arts, Louis Vuitton’s in-house métiers d’art workshop. The dial features an intricate interplay of paillonné, cloisonné, and miniature enamelwork, paired with meticulous bas-relief engraving techniques that took over 140 hours to execute.
A hand-engraved kabuto helmet in rose gold, fired using the calamine technique to reveal glints of metal beneath a carbon-rich surface.
A lifelike menpo facial mask sculpted from white gold.
A red enamel Samurai mouth and shikoro (helmet neck guard), accented with Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Flowers rendered in black and red enamel.
Mount Fuji rises in enamel beside a glowing red sun, signaling the power reserve. Mother-of-pearl teeth, ruby-set yokai eyes, and countless artistic flourishes ensure that every surface contributes to a narrative of strength, mystery, and reverence.
For the first time in the history of Louis Vuitton watchmaking, the Tambour case itself becomes a canvas. Encased in 18K pink gold, it is engraved and enameled to depict a Samurai's journey across Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background and a red sun adorned with a Monogram Flower descending into the horizon.
Hundreds of tiny hammer marks in the case to create texture.
Careful application and high-temperature firing of translucent red enamel, which filled the indentations and produced a grained visual effect.
An engraved bezel with striations, clouds, and floating “Louis Vuitton” lettering that catches the light with every movement.
Together, the dial and case demanded over 440 hours of artistic labor, a staggering feat of craftsmanship that marries visual storytelling with technical achievement.
Movement: LV 525 calibre, manual-winding, 100-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph
Functions: Automata with 5 animations, jumping hours, retrograde minutes, power reserve
Case: 18K pink gold, 46.8 mm diameter, 14.4 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 30m
Dial: Handcrafted enamel with engraving, ruby-set yokai eyes
Strap: Red calf leather with 18K pink gold double folding buckle
Gemsetting: Four cabochon-cut rubies (~0.02 ct)
The Tambour Bushido Automata is not a watch—it is a chronicle. A tribute to the values of honor, resilience, and artistic mastery, this creation unites Louis Vuitton’s storied identity with Japan’s cultural legacy through one of the Maison’s most ambitious horological expressions to date.
Each piece is entirely unique, bearing the hand of the artisans who brought it to life, and standing as a testament to what happens when high watchmaking, symbolic storytelling, and cultural reverence meet in perfect rhythm.