Louis Erard unveils two new bicolor versions of the complex guilloché pattern Excellence Petite Seconde. The entry-level model in the Excellence collection redesigned in 2020, needs no introduction. Evolving with the times, it has seen only one modification: the addition of a second case size, 39 mm alongside the original 42 mm. Over the past four years, it has cemented its status as the quintessential contemporary classic —elegant, reliable, and timelessly distinctive.
This year, it returns with two variations on a theme dear to Louis Erard with haute horlogerie finishing. Always with the same motive in mind to make the savoir-faire accessible. The new Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 42 mm features anthracite black, while the Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 39 mm is equipped with an anthracite blue dial.
This technique, known as guillochage, represents the essence of mechanical decoration, blending dexterity and imagination. Louis Erard has already explored this field with a viscerally contemporary piece of craftsmanship with the Excellence Guilloché Main, limited edition, 2021. This time, the aim is to explore the classic side of guilloché, embracing codes from haute horlogerie to create a sophisticated art form that intertwines motifs and colors.
The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché duo features a four-part dial. The center catches the eye with its radiant draped pattern, a light trap where the flatness of the dial deepens into evolving waves, growing from the center. A classic effect of flinqué guilloché - traditionally practiced manually on a rose engine. This central panel is encircled, a classic transition that leads to the large hour circle, covered with a panier motif, finely staggered like scales. A new hoop closes the design, followed by a minute “rail track”. The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock displays the same guilloché patterns in darker tones. The visual impact of guillochage is further accentuated by the two-tone combinations.
Remaining true to Louis Erard's ethos, every detail is meticulously crafted, from the signature fir tree hands to the monogrammed crown and Sellita calibre movement. And with its affordable price point, it stands in stark contrast to other manufacturers in this category, making it an accessible luxury timepiece. The automatic movement calibre Sellita SW261-1 calibre powers both watches providing a 38-hour power reserve. The movement with a special open-worked oscillating weight with a black lacquered Louis Erard symbol is visible via the display case back of both watches.
Both watches are water resistant to 50 meters and are delivered on a black-grained calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching, and black-grained calf leather lining, and are equipped with a polished stainless steel pin buckle and ergot bars for quick strap change.
Sticker Price CHF 2,300 Swiss Francs —approximately USD 2,600. For more info on Louis Erard click here.
