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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.