Take Three: The Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Light Up Smartwatch
You read that correctly, Louis Vuitton has now released its third generation of smartwatch with the Tambour Horizon Light Up. As much as the enthusiast culture tends to really hate non Apple Watch style of smartwatches, the fact of the matter is they are here to stay. And if we are going to live in a world where “luxury smartwatches” are a thing (thanks Tag Heuer Connected), you and I might as well pour a cold one and talk about it.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Louis Vuitton
Model: Tambour Horizon Light Up
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 44mm x 13.2mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Chipset: Snapdragon Wear 4100
Specs: Android 9.0, iOS 2.14+, Harmony OS 2.0
Strap Options: Canvas Strap
THE JUICE:
Look guys, it’s a smartwatch with a bunch of the traditional smartwatch features. Included is the standard fare: Heart rate monitor, Android and iOS compatibility, Notification system, microphone, Calendar, weather, etc… So, instead of focusing on rehashing the normal and, at this point, expected behavior of the watch, let’s focus a little of our effort on what is new and different with the Tambour Horizon Light Up.
For one, LV’s design language is unlike it’s main “competitions” - those being the Montblanc Summit, Tag Heuer Connected, and Hublot new… thing. Ironically, all under the LVMH Umbrella. The watch features a sapphire crystal that spreads over the edge, eliminating the bezel and creating a large dome “case”. This provides a big screen, which means the engine behind it needs to match the need for a full 44mm circular screen. Hence, the “Light Up” part of the Tambour Horizon Light Up.
Powering the larger-than-life screen is 24 individual LED lights that provide a bright, and often fun take on the smartwatch. Powering the lights (ahem) is a fully custom Louis Vuitton OS that is actually quite a playful display of color and utility. The OS utilizes something called “blossom mode” (should the wearer turn it on) that springs the watch to life. It operates almost as a light show that makes every app swap, or tap of the watch feel like your watching an intro to a TV show or movie. Icons jiggle, and lights dance around the edge of the dial, all while various animations and transitions happen at every tap, swipe, or push. Added to the OS, is what LV says is the most “personalizable” application on the market - and features, quite literally, endless possible configurations of its built in LV dial options and layouts.
Additionally, another unique feature of the Tambour Horizon is it’s “My Travel” function - essentially a travel wallet that comes with all sorts of extra features built in like city maps, guides, reviews, and restaurant suggestions.
“Luxury Smartwatch” has started to become a bit of a taboo topic in enthusiast circles. There aren’t too many middle of the road opinions on smart watch inclusion in the luxury watch world, with many in the love it or hate it camps. I don’t see that changing with the Tambour Horizon Light Up. Is it bright? Colorful? Expensive? Kind of obnoxious? Yes. But that’s par for the course with Louis Vuitton, isn’t it?
How Much Is The Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Light Up Smartwatch?
The watch will set smart watch enthusiasts back a mighty steep $3,450 USD in the polished steel configuration, and $4,100 USD in the matte or PVD coated configurations.