Louis Vuitton have announced the auction of a one-of-a-kind objet d’art to celebrate 10-years of partnership with UNICEF – Check it out below
The one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Unity Time Object has been created as a marker of the 10-year partnership between the House and UNICEF.
Inspired by the world of sport, the time piece’s design comes from the House’s recognisable Monogram canvas ball through a further artistic lens. The auction will support UNICEF’s vital life-saving humanitarian work for vulnerable children.
As Matthieu Hegi, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton artistic director, said: “For this Louis Vuitton Unity Time Object, we chose a soccer ball – a theme that the House has long explored. We were inspired to create this special piece of art that integrates subtle references to Louis Vuitton’s DNA and codes, while seamlessly merging our legacy with its modernity and contemporary vision of time.”
What are the details of the Unity Time Object?
The structure itself was designed with showcasing the beauty of the clocks inner workings, which was been developed by Swiss mechanical movement maker L’Epée 1839.
Therefore, the object brings together the expertise of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton watchmaking, L’Epée 1839, and the House’s savoir-faire in trunkmaking.
The design featured open clockwork showcased beneath interlinked hexagonal and pentagonal shapes which are interlinked to mimic the sporty geometric football pattern.
Louis Vuitton X UNICEF Time Unity Object – Credit: Louis Vuitton
Polished accents of golden brackets, studs, and corners are a nod to the same protective elements which are used across Louis Vuitton trunks. Structurally, the use of these elements are essential for the clock, using a House staple in a unique form.
A sculpted golden steel dome forms the upper half of the clock. The hours and minutes are displayed on two rotating discs, the fluid motion of which has been enhanced by the open clockwork.
As for finer details, Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram motif and flowers have been used to craft the minute track. With this, the top of the cylinder featured the ‘Louis Vuitton Paris’ stamped signature.
A subtle but delicate detail is that to wind the clock or set the time a key is required to insert in either the top or the side of the timepiece.
Louis Vuitton X UNICEF Unity Time Object and key – Credit: Louis Vuitton
A ring of diamonds is featured across the hexagon and pentagon apertures for the hour and minute displays. Each of the 144 white diamonds for the hours and 120 black diamonds for the minutes, for 1.03 carats in total, were delicately hand-set.
What are the features of the trunk?
The House has more than 170 years of trunkmaking expertise under it’s belt, which is why the piece is presented in a trophy-style trunk crafted in the matching emblematic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas.
Handcrafted by Louis Vuitton’s expert artisans, the exterior of the trunk is finished with a leather trim and the iconic the brass corner protectors, lock and clasps that have been used on Louis Vuitton trunks since the 1860s.
As it is such a special piece, it was crafted at the House’s historic workshop in Asnières, just outside Paris. This particular workshop is where Louis Vuitton creates their most rare and special-order pieces.
Louis Vuitton X UNICEF Time Unity Object Trunk – Credit: Louis VuittonWhen will the piece be auctioned?
The dedicated auction will take place at Sotheby’s in June from 9th to 18th. It is being auctioned alongside REBONDS books and Louis Vuitton footballs which have been signed by celebrities.
The signed footballs include signatures from Louis Vuitton brand ambassador, Thai rapper, singer, and GOT7 member BamBam and American actors Chloë Grace Moretz and Josh Hartnett.
The hammer price of the piece will be donated to UNICEF. The estimate is available upon request to Sothebys.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables, noted: “Watches and sport alike are driven by deeply engaged collector communities, and we are thrilled to bring these worlds together through this sale. It is all the more rewarding to collaborate on an initiative that will support UNICEF’s vital work with children around the world.”
Where can I see it?
Louis Vuitton X UNICEF Unity Time Object and trunk – Credit: Louis Vuitton
The piece and its trunk are currently travelling internationally throughout events and stores across the globe.
Paris, London Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore house the piece before it makes it’s way to New York for an exclusive celebration dinner attended by celebrities, partners and the media.
A free public exhibition where the timepiece can be viewed will be open once it’s made it’s way to New York. It will be on display rom the 11th to the 18th of June. The listing is also available on the Sothebys website where you can access imagery of the pieces on offer.
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Published: May 28, 2026 Updated: May 28, 2026