The Louis Vuitton Monterey Returns in Green and Black Ceramic

Louis Vuitton revisits its horological roots with the Monterey, a time-only model that reinterprets the brand’s first wristwatch from the late 1980s. Following last year’s debut of a limited edition of 188 pieces in yellow gold with a white enamel dial, the maison now brings the distinctive pebble-shaped design into its permanent collection in two ceramic versions. The new models bridge heritage and modernity while combining the original’s distinct codes with the material expertise and watchmaking savoir-faire of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.

From 1988 to the Present

Created in collaboration with Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti, the LV I and LV II marked Louis Vuitton’s first wristwatches in 1988. Their rounded, almost pebble-like cases, graphic dials with Arabic numerals, railway minute and hour tracks, skeletonized syringe hands and the crown at 12 o’clock quickly gave the watches a distinctive identity. Collectors later adopted the nickname "Monterey," inspired by the American pronunciation of the French word “montre” for wristwatch. 

Green or Black Ceramic

The two versions give the vintage design distinctly different expressions. The green model combines a polished green ceramic case with a matching lacquered dial, yellow hour and minute hands and white railway-style tracks. The black version pairs glossy black ceramic with a matte white lacquer dial, red hour and minute hands and red accents. Both feature central seconds. Like the cases, the dials are the result of a complex, multi-step production process. Several layers of lacquer are applied to build depth and richness, followed by a matte varnish that gives the surface an even, understated finish. The colored markings and signatures are then applied by acrylic stamping, with each layer individually fired to ensure the desired definition and durability. The duo retains the original 37mm diameter, while their 11mm thickness is two millimeters greater than that of the historic models to accommodate the mechanical movement instead of the original quartz caliber. 

Manufacture Caliber LFT MA01.02

Inside both models is the automatic LFT MA01.02, replacing the quartz movement of the 1988 original. The manufacture caliber comprises 174 components and provides a 45-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its 750/1000 rose-gold rotor features V-shaped notches, a polished perimeter and an engraved LV Monogram. Although concealed beneath the closed steel caseback, the movement receives its own decorative treatment, including circular graining on the mainplate, sandblasted bridges and micro-sandblasted edges. 

The ceramic Monterey models are paired with calf leather straps that complement the case colors, with the green version featuring tone-on-tone hand-stitching. Instead of conventional lugs, the design uses a suspended case back that creates space for the straps and preserves the watch’s distinctive, floating appearance. Pricing is marked at $22,900.