Marked For Distinction

Do Louis Vuitton watches command attention from across the room? Yes, they do. But as CHARMAINE HO finds out from master watchmaker Michel Navas, there's so much more that goes into their making.

It's hot and humid in Phuket. Despite having been forewarned to dress light for the weather (and having duly listened), I'm still grateful to be taking in the sights that Aman Resorts' Amanpuri has to offer from within an air-conditioned room. The view, overlooking the azure sea, is spectacular and Louis Vuitton (LV) has spared no expense to deck out an entire villa for a thoroughly FALEN SU immersive LV experience.

LOUIS VUITTON 10 The long, narrow pool outside is adorned with Monogram structures that peek out of the water like serene metal lily pads. The interior is outfitted with the brand's Home collection of furniture and decorative objects foosball and table tennis tables included.

Couple all that with a glittering showcase of the House's latest watch and high jewellery creations, and it makes the relentless heat almost bearable. Not that the high temperatures seem to be at all bothering Michel Navas, master watchmaker and co-founder of LVMH-owned La Fabrique du Temps (LFT).

Walking into the room looking as fresh as a European springtime, Navas is all smiles and primed to answer questions about LV's plans for its horology arm. It's clear within minutes of our chat that he has the utmost respect for Jean Arnault, the 26-year-old wunderkind scion (and youngest of Bernard Arnault's five children) who was appointed watch director at LFT in 2021. Not to mention that he is also extremely happy with the direction that the Maison is taking with their tickers. (Since taking up the mantle, Arnault has not only discontinued 80 per cent of LV horology product lines but also announced LFT's plans to revive the highly respected independent brands of Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth.)