Louis Vuitton Monterey II

This piece is part of our First Look collection—your early access window into upcoming arrivals before they officially launch on the site. If you’d like more details or wish to reserve this watch ahead of the public release, simply click the Inquire for Priority Access button at the top of the page, complete the short form, and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

Long before Louis Vuitton became a serious force in contemporary watchmaking, before the Tambour, before La Fabrique du Temps, and before the revival of names like Daniel Roth, there was the Monterey II.

Introduced in 1988, the Monterey II remains one of the most unusual watches ever to carry the Louis Vuitton name. Created in collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen and legendary Italian architect Gae Aulenti, the watch arrived at a time when luxury fashion brands were still feeling their way through watchmaking. Rather than producing a conventional dress watch, Vuitton delivered something genuinely experimental.

Aulenti's influence extended beyond the dial. She eliminated traditional lugs entirely, opting instead for a strap that passes directly through the caseback. The result is a remarkably clean silhouette that feels more like industrial design than traditional watchmaking.

The dial for its own right is extremely unique. ‘Arabic’ hour numerals occupy the center of the dial, a ‘railroad’-style minute track surrounds them, and oversized red date numerals circle the outer perimeter. Most memorable of all is the crown positioned at 12 o'clock, protruding from the top of the case and giving the watch its enduring nickname: ‘The Unicorn.’ 

The blend of dial and case design present here produce something truly unique in the world of watches. It's a real rarity to come with something truly one of a kind in a market with so many brands vying to be "different" and eccentric. This piece just feels right. Today, the Monterey II occupies a fascinating corner of collecting culture.

Produced in relatively small numbers and seldom seen in the wild, it has become a cult favorite among design-minded collectors and could be yours!

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.