This week’s watch roundup brings together Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, Takashi Murakami, Casio, and Zenith, with developments ranging from major industry recognition to new releases and limited-edition collaborations. Louis Vuitton takes home the Artistic Crafts Prize at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, while Vacheron Constantin introduces two Fiftysix references. Takashi Murakami makes his independent fine watchmaking debut with a sculptural skull-shaped creation that places his familiar flower motifs inside a complex mechanical design.
WATCHES
Elsewhere, Casio and A.P.C. revisit vintage analog-digital watches with two minimalist models, while Zenith and J.N. Shapiro introduce a 25-piece rose gold edition featuring elaborate hand-engraved details. This week’s selection covers a wide range of prices, techniques, and design approaches, offering a closer look at the watches and developments worth following right now.
Louis Vuitton Tambour
Arty Automata Wins at GPHG 2026
Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Arty Automata received the Artistic Crafts Prize at the 26th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève on November 7, 2026. The watch combines mechanical animation with Grand Feu enamel, drawing inspiration from the house’s artistic collaborations. Its 42mm white gold case houses a colourful dial featuring 20 miniature components arranged across four levels, with pastel enamel patterns and Monogram flowers featuring diamond-set centres.
A pusher at 8 o’clock activates seven interconnected animations, including four rotating Monogram flowers, a moving blue eye, a flickering heart, and lettering that changes from “LOVE” to “MOVE.” The watch runs on the LFT AU05.01 automatic calibre, developed and manufactured by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
The dial features champlevé enamel techniques, while baguette-cut sapphires and rubies decorate the white gold bezel in a graduated spectrum of colour. The combination of intricate decorative work and mechanical movement earned the Tambour Arty Automata recognition in the Artistic Crafts category.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix
Self-Winding and Complete Calendar
Vacheron Constantin presents two references within its Fiftysix collection: the Self-Winding 4600E/000A-H177 and the Complete Calendar 4000E/000A-H178. The two models offer different levels of mechanical complexity, with the Self-Winding focusing on automatic timekeeping and the Complete Calendar introducing additional calendar functions.
The Fiftysix Self-Winding has an estimated retail price of €14,200. It represents the more accessible of the two references.
The Fiftysix Complete Calendar starts at an estimated €33,400. Both references expand the Fiftysix selection with options at different price points, appealing to collectors with varying preferences for mechanical complications.
Takashi Murakami Skull Flowers
Cylindrical Jumping-Hour Tourbillon
Takashi Murakami makes his solo debut in fine watchmaking with Time Objects, introducing the Skull Flowers Cylindrical Jumping-Hour Tourbillon. Inspired by his “Chronos Paradox” philosophy, the watch explores life, death, and impermanence through a sculptural Grade 5 titanium skull case.
Murakami places his signature smiling flowers inside the eye sockets, where they spin with wrist movement. The watch replaces traditional hands and a dial with a side-mounted cylindrical jumping-hour display. Its hand-wound Calibre KM 7012 TM features 409 components, a tourbillon, and a five-day power reserve.
The collection includes five limited editions, starting with the Black Rainbow and All Black versions, each limited to 12 pieces at CHF 85,000. Three Full Pavé editions feature gemstone settings, with prices ranging from CHF 140,000 to CHF 148,000.
Casio x A.P.C. Introduces
Two New Vintage Watches
Casio and A.P.C. reunite for a new collaboration, introducing two watches to the CASIO VINTAGE collection. The AQ240EAC-3A and AQ240EGAC-9A revisit the retro-inspired AQ240 analog-digital model through the French fashion label’s minimalist design approach. Both feature a rounded-square case and sunray-finished dial, combining vintage styling with practical everyday functionality.
The collaboration includes a silver-tone version with a deep green dial and a gold-tone alternative. A.P.C. branding appears on the dial and buckle, while an engraving of a guitar and dagger decorates the case back. The restrained design complements A.P.C.’s signature wardrobe of understated essentials and denim, with subtle details that distinguish the watches from the original AQ240.
To accompany the release, filmmaker Kersti Jan Werdal directed A Day with A.P.C. and Casio, a short film exploring the experience of slowing down through everyday gestures. The film follows hands and wrists throughout an ordinary afternoon, with timestamps marking each moment. The AQ240EAC-3A Silver/Green retails for $110, while the AQ240EGAC-9A Gold costs $135. Both models will be available through Casio’s website, G-SHOCK stores, and A.P.C. boutiques.
Zenith x J.N. Shapiro G.F.J.
Calibre 135 Double Signed
Zenith partners with California-based watchmaker J.N. Shapiro for the second release in its Double Signed series, following a collaboration with Japan’s Naoya Hida & Co. Limited to 25 pieces, the new G.F.J. combines Zenith’s historic Calibre 135 movement with Shapiro’s expertise in traditional guilloché engraving.
The silver dial features three hand-cut patterns: barleycorn along the outer ring, basketweave at the centre, and Shapiro’s signature Infinity Weave on the small seconds subdial. Rose gold markers and double-signed nameplates complete the design. The movement features damaskeened bridges inspired by antique American pocket watches.
The 39mm rose gold case houses a hand-wound Calibre 135 with a 72-hour power reserve and COSC certification. A sapphire caseback reveals the decorated movement, while three leather straps accompany the watch. The Zenith x J.N. Shapiro G.F.J. retails for 68,900 CHF, approximately $82,824 USD.
