Louis Erard Excellence Regulator

History

At Baselworld 2011 Louis Erard marked its 80th anniversary by announcing their classically styled line of watches, the Excellence Collection. With this edition, Louis Erard has tried to give the wearer a sense of tradition and occasion as it marks 80 years of stellar and precise watch-making by the Swiss company.

Le Regulateur

Louis Erard has a unique way of telling time, one such is the Regulateur. In the Excellence Regulateur, the largest centrally placed hand tells the minutes, whereas, the sub-dial at the upper quadrant tells the hour. The sub-dial at 6 o’clock is the running seconds. This unique way of telling time is further accentuated by a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. However, this power reserve indicator might be missing in some of the Regulateurs.

Petite Seconde

Another iteration inside the Louis Erard Excellence collection is the Petite Seconde. These set of timepieces are equipped with a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Apart from small seconds, the uncluttered dial bids farewell to the Regulateur setup.

Metiers D'Art

Carrying the torch of traditional artisanal watchmaking, Louis Erard has come up with certain timepieces that follow the jewels of the Metiers D’Art. Timepieces such as the Email Grand Feu are made with enamel dials. Apart from the Grand Feu, there are timepieces that feature a 3D variant of the guilloche pattern on the dial. These techniques are the “gourmet” process of the watchmaking industries, thus the term “Metiers D’Art”.

Collaborations

To beautify the Excellence collection, Louis Erard decided to collaborate with French interior and watch designer, Alain Silberstein. The collaboration has led to some brilliant timepieces such as the Le Regulateur, La Samaine, and Le Chrono Monopusher. One can also opt for a set of two timepieces designed by Alain that are encased in a special box. Apart from Alain, Louis Erard has collaborated with brands such as Massena Lab, Vianney Halter, Label Noir, and Atelier Oi. One such timepiece that stands out is the Louis Erard Regulateur Error 404. Made in conjunction with Paris-based watch designers seconde/seconde, the timepiece features “Louis Error” on the dial. A take on its brand name, the essence of the timepiece is humour and creativity.