ReviewPrecision In Patterns: Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché Edition

In the realm of watch options, the sheer abundance can be overwhelming, spanning diverse materials, price ranges, and technical intricacies. Yet, amidst this vast landscape, true uniqueness and individuality can be elusive. Enter Louis Erard, a brand that stands out with its minute-prioritising regulators and trompe-l’oeil (incredibly realistic optical illusions) guilloche dials, crafting watches that leave a lasting impression. Now, extending their legacy, the Swiss watchmaker introduces two captivating bicolour variations of the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché.

Creative Pursuits: Louis Erard And The Art Of Guilloche

Louis Erard, renowned for their wide array of guilloche dials, continue to showcase their expertise in métiers d’art, emphasising classic techniques deeply rooted in watchmaking history. A prime example is the Excellence Guilloché Main I & II watches, where hand guilloche dials by Fehr et Cie SA in Switzerland create a mesmerising 3D checkerboard pattern through the trompe l’oeil optical illusion. This innovative approach draws inspiration from the renowned artist M.C. Escher, known for his ‘impossible objects’ and intricate designs grounded in mathematical principles. The Louis Erard Excellence becomes a canvas for such intricate craftsmanship, capturing the essence of the brand’s DNA.

The Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché comes with a four-part dial where the centre grabs attention with its radiant draped pattern that begins from the inside and grows as you vision moves towards the edge

Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché

The year 2024 welcomes two new additions to the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché family, a continuation of the popular Excellence Petite Seconde redesigned in 2020. This timeless classic, available in 39mm and 42mm sizes, embodies elegance, reliability, and distinctive horological craftsmanship. The collection has showcased its versatility over the years, presenting variations in materials, colours, and even capsule creations, such as the Seconde/Seconde and The Horophile.

The latest additions to the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché family in 2024 resonate deeply with the brand’s cherished theme—haute horlogerie finishing. Both the Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 42mm in anthracite black and the Excellence 39 Petite Seconde Guilloché in anthracite blue follow the path paved by the Excellence Guilloché Main editions. These variations explore the classic side of guilloche, incorporating haute horlogerie codes to create a sophisticated art form that blends motifs and colours seamlessly.

The intricately designed four-part dial is a visual feast for watch enthusiasts. Beginning at the centre with a radiant draped pattern, reminiscent of the meticulous flinqué guilloche crafted manually on a rose engine, the design transitions seamlessly. It gracefully moves towards a panier motif, a minute ‘rail track’, and a small seconds sub-dial positioned at six o’clock. The guillochage, or the decorative engraving technique, is further enhanced by two-tone colour combinations—anthracite tones for the 42mm version and a captivating blend of anthracite blue for the 39mm variant. This thoughtful design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also highlights the meticulous craftsmanship embedded in these timepieces.

The new watches explore the classic side of guilloche, using haute horlogerie techniques to create a stylish art form that blends patterns and colours effortlessly

The automatic Sellita SW261-1 calibre features an elaboré grade and a special open-worked oscillating weight with a black lacquered Louis Erard symbol

Signature fir tree hands and a monogrammed crown add a touch of nostalgia and elegance

The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché series stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to presenting timepieces that are truly unique and extraordinary

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Infusing a sense of nostalgia and refinement, the watches are adorned with distinctive fir tree hands and a monogrammed crown. Driving these timepieces is the automatic Sellita SW261-1 calibre, ensuring a robust 38-hour power reserve. The 31-jewel movement operates at a frequency of 28,800vph (4Hz) and boasts an elaboré grade, featuring a unique open-worked oscillating weight adorned with the iconic black lacquered Louis Erard symbol. Completing the ensemble is the polished stainless-steel case, elegantly paired with black grained calf leather straps featuring two-tone stitching and a polished stainless steel pin buckle.

In the Louis Erard universe, every tick unfolds a tale of artistic brilliance and innovative craftsmanship, capturing the very essence of haute horlogerie through a seamless blend of sophistication and skill. The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché series, now adorned with new bicolour variations, stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to presenting timepieces that are truly unique and extraordinary, going beyond the ordinary. As you explore the intricacies of Louis Erard’s latest releases, you embark on a journey where time transforms into a canvas, and each watch emerges as a masterpiece, boldly asserting its presence in the ever-evolving world of horology.