Hands-On: Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite

April 18, 2013

As much as I would have loved to call the Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite a hard-rocking watch, I can t. Thats because malachite has a Mohs hardness between 3.5 and 4.0, and thats considered soft. So, there you have it: the Escale Malachite is a soft-rocking watch, but thats okay. The exclusive character of this watch, which features a dial and a case band in the remarkable green natural stone, as well as precious platinum elements, doesnt fit the music you headbang to. This watch is best enjoyed with a bit of Air Supply playing softly on the stereo while sipping on a nice glass of the bubbly stuff. I went hands-on without all of that, but I still got a good sense of what this watch is all about.The Escale draws inspiration from Louis Vuittons long history as a maker of luggage and steamer trunks. Its always beneficial when inspiration is close to home, as it makes storytelling easier and more authentic. So, where do we see pieces of luggage in the watch? Look no further than the characteristic trunk-inspired lugs and cardinal hour markers; they certainly look like elements you find on a nice trunk. The practical, travel-inspired details are very nice, but the star of the show is the use of deep green, striped malachite. The dial and the case band are made of that stone.Hands-on with the Louis Vuitton Escale MalachiteYou could almost call this a Rock Watch if it werent for the platinum parts. The Escale Malachite features an overhanging platinum bezel, a case back in the same precious metal with brushed surfaces and polished bevels and studs, as well as platinum lugs, a large LV-engraved octagonal crown, and a pin buckle. Kudos to La Fabrique des Bo?tiers, the case-making atelier of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, for creating a fascinating case. The folks there machined the seamless, monolithic stone ring for it, which necessitated a new set of case-milling techniques. Malachite isnt the hardest stone, as I wrote, so the engineers had to handle it with great care. Its impressive that they managed to attach the lugs to the stone mid-case. The 50m water resistance rating is also remarkable.If you like the green…Aesthetically, the watch is pleasing and consistent because the horizontal stripes on the dial are also on the case band. The abundance of natural stone lends it a special look and feel, which is fitting for a watch that costs $65,000 before taxes and is a limited edition of just 30 pieces. Its also very green and therefore very present, but thats okay. A watch like this will not be inconspicuous on the wrist. If youre lucky/affluent enough to own an Escale Malachite, you like green and are not afraid to show it (pun intended).With a 40mm case diameter and 10.34mm thickness, the watch is neither too big nor too small. It will not overpower your outfit, nor will your outfit overpower it - vital info for potential buyers of this watch, I think.The LFT023 automatic caliber insideWhats inside the case might also please those who care about movements. Inside a metal container beats the LFT023 automatic caliber. It s inside the container because you cant attach the movement directly to the malachite; having lugs attached to it is already pushing it.Through the case back s sapphire window, you can admire the in-house movements 22K rose gold micro-rotor. The grained bridges with sharply polished bevels are very pretty as well. Close observation will also reveal some of the 32 jewels and the barrel that holds a 50-hour power reserve. By the way, that power reserve is partially due to the special handset. The hour and minute hands are made of white gold and complemented by a PVD-coated titanium seconds hand. This hands lightness helps to increase the movements power reserve.Did I feel anything special while wearing the Escale Malachite?Yes, the looks and material make the Escale Malachite a special watch. But does it also make you feel special because of malachites assumed properties? Throughout history, people have regarded malachite as a powerful protective stone. Some believe that it absorbs negative energy and pollutants, creating a shield against both physical harm and electromagnetic exposure. Malachite has also long been associated with healing and valued for its supposed ability to support both physical and emotional well-being.Although I took a completely open-minded approach, I didnt experience any of the described properties. Perhaps it was because I didnt spend enough time with the watch, or maybe it s because malachite s supposed powers aren t real; who knows? What made me feel special, though, was the saffron-hued sapphire on the case back. Patek Philippe puts a diamond in the case band at 6 oclock to let you know youre wearing a platinum watch. LV uses a yellowish sapphire to help you remember. Its a nice and neat touch.A return to the Stone AgeOnce again, we see a watch with a stone dial take center stage. The Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite is further evidence that stone dials are a significant trend. Only weeks ago, the Dennison Natural Stone Tiger Eye in gold won the Challenge Watch Prize at the GPHG. Louis Vuitton takes it a step, or many steps further, by launching a watch with a stone dial?and mid-case. This watch also signals LVs ambition to become a watch force to be reckoned with. Having said that, it aligns with the group-wide strategy that sees major brands, like TAG Heuer and Zenith, as well as niche brands, like Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta, continually releasing novelty pieces and heavily promoting them. It pays off. Winning no fewer than six GPHG 2025 awards is a testament to a successful strategy.Apart from the strategy, the Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite is a remarkable watch in and of itself. Its both technically and aesthetically interesting, and there must be 30 people worldwide - who are probably already part of the lavish LV universe - who will purchase one of the 30 watches available. Now, please tell me, hypothetically or for real, if you would consider buying the Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite. This is a preferred-position post.?Learn more.Watch specifications Brand Louis Vuitton Model Escale MalachiteReference W3PTC1Dial Platinum with applied white gold indexesCase Material Platinum and malachiteCase Dimensions 40mm (diameter) 10.34mm (thickness)Crystal Domed sapphireCase Back Platinum and sapphire crystal with a saffron-hued sapphire stone, affixed with six screws Movement LFT023: automatic with manual winding, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 50-hour power reserve, 32 jewels, decorated with beveled angles, frosted plates, and LV motif engraved on the 22K gold micro-rotorWater Resistance 5 atm (50 meters)Strap Green Saffiano leather with a platinum pin buckleFunctions Time only (hours, minutes, seconds)Price $65,500 (ex. taxes) Special Note(s) Limited to 30 pieces