Louis Vuitton Monterey Watch Returns in Black and Green Ceramic

Louis Vuitton is expanding its permanent collection with two new ceramic versions of the Monterey timepiece, available in glossy black and heritage green. These new models pay homage to the brand's initial foray into wristwatch design with the LV I and LV II, created in 1988 by Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti. The original timepieces were distinguished by their distinctive pebble-shaped cases and an unusual crown positioned at the 12 o'clock mark, which have recently garnered renewed attention from collectors and were featured in Nicolas Ghesquière’s Fall/Winter 2025 and Spring/Summer 2026 presentations in various forms, including watches, pendants, and belt accessories. Following a limited 188-piece yellow-gold edition released in 2025, Louis Vuitton is now making the Monterey design a permanent fixture in its offerings, utilizing contemporary ceramic materials for these non-limited editions. Both the black and green ceramic models maintain the original's compact 37mm case size and the signature Clous de Paris steel crown at the 12 o'clock position. The green edition presents a largely monochromatic aesthetic, with its polished ceramic case complemented by a matte green lacquer dial. This dial features a white railway track minute marker and bright yellow lacquered hour and minute hands, a color combination that references the iconic yellow stitching found on Louis Vuitton's leather goods. In contrast, the black version offers a more striking visual dichotomy, pairing a glossy black ceramic case with a matte white lacquer dial. This design is further accentuated by red hands for the hours and minutes, red railway markings, and a delicate blue seconds hand. The black Monterey is fitted with a black grained calfskin strap that incorporates red contrast stitching, echoing the watch's detailing. Louis Vuitton crafts the ceramic cases for these timepieces from zirconium oxide and pigments. The manufacturing process involves machining, firing the material at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, followed by manual grinding and hand-polishing to achieve the Monterey's characteristic smooth, reflective, pebble-like finish. Internally, these new ceramic Monterey watches are powered by an in-house automatic movement, a significant upgrade from the original 1988 quartz caliber, offering enhanced precision and contemporary functionality.