In Sainte-Croix, independent artisan Bastien Chevalier saws, sorts and places more than 70 tiny pieces of wood into every dial of the new Louis Erard Excellence Marqueterie.
Louis Erard today introduces the Excellence Marqueterie, limited to 99 pieces. The cubed pattern is a trompe-l’oeil checkerboard that, the brand says, protrudes and hollows out under the light. Louis Erard used the motif once before, on a series of 99 watches with hand guilloché.
Each colour is a different wood: three shades of blue-tinted tulip tree and grey-tinted willow burl, cut in the direction of the grain to a tenth of a millimetre. The pieces are placed with the tip of a scalpel under a binocular microscope.
“Geometric design is the hardest thing to do. You have to be totally precise,” says Chevalier, who has developed his own technique: conscious breathing, in the style of yoga masters.
The 42mm polished steel case holds the automatic Sellita SW261-1 behind a transparent blue case back. The strap is blue grained calf leather.
Louis Erard adds that more métiers d’art will follow.
The Basics
Brand: Louis Erard
Model: Excellence Marqueterie
Reference: 34237AA58
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 12.25mm
Case material: Polished stainless steel; domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides; transparent blue case back
Dial: Cubed wood marquetry by Bastien Chevalier: more than 70 pieces of grey-stained willow burl and tulip tree stained in three blues; blued steel fir tree hands
Water resistance: 5 bars (50m)
Strap: Blue grained calf leather, tone-on-tone attachment points; polished steel pin buckle; quick-change spring bars
Limited edition: 99 pieces
The Movement
Calibre: Sellita SW261-1, élaboré grade
Functions: Central hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic; openworked oscillating weight with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol
Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Jewels: 31
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.