Louis Erard has introduced two captivating bicolour renditions of the intricate guilloché pattern, seamlessly merging the essence of luxury with accessibility. Uncompromising in its adherence to the high standards of watchmaking, the Excellence Petite Seconde, a cornerstone of the redesigned 2020 Excellence collection, requires no formal introduction.
Adapting to contemporary trends, the timepiece has undergone a singular modification – the introduction of a 39mm case size alongside the original 42mm. Over the past four years, it has solidified its position as the epitome of a contemporary classic, boasting elegance, reliability, and timeless distinctiveness.
Beyond being a mere tool watch, the Excellence Petite Seconde has proven to be a versatile companion, transitioning seamlessly between discreet and iconoclastic styles. Demonstrating its adaptability through various iterations, colors, materials such as gemstones and grand feu enamel, as well as capsule creations like Seconde/Seconde/ and The Horophile.This year, it makes a return with two variations, focusing on a cherished theme for Louis Erard: haute horlogerie finishing. The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 42mm in anthracite black and Excellence 39 Petite Seconde Guilloché in anthracite blue showcase a technique dating back to the 18th century, championed by luminaries like Abraham-Louis Breguet and Urban Jürgensen.
Guillochage, an ancient decorative technique, represents the pinnacle of mechanical decoration, combining skill and imagination. Louis Erard, having previously explored this realm with the contemporary Excellence Guilloché Main limited edition in 2021, now delves into the classic side of guilloché. The aim is to intertwine motifs and colors, embracing haute horlogerie codes to create a sophisticated art form.
The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché duo features a four-part dial, with a central panel showcasing a radiant draped pattern, reminiscent of flinqué guilloché traditionally crafted manually on a rose engine. Encircling this center is a classic transition leading to a large hour circle adorned with a panier motif, finely staggered like scales, and a new hoop closing the design, followed by a minute “rail track.” The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock mirrors the guilloché patterns in darker tones.
Accentuating the visual impact of guillochage are two-tone combinations – anthracite tones for the 42mm model and a blend of anthracite and blue for the 39mm variant. Staying true to Louis Erard’s ethos, every detail is meticulously crafted, from the signature fir tree hands to the monogrammed crown and the Sellita caliber movement. With its affordable price point, it stands out in contrast to other manufacturers in this category, making it an accessible luxury timepiece.
For more information, please visit LouisErard.com.