Portuguese artist Bernardo d’Orey builds each Louis Erard Marqueterie de Paille dial by hand from rye straw, in around 12 hours of work spread over several days.
Louis Erard today introduces the Marqueterie de Paille, limited to 25 pieces. It joins the brand’s Métiers d’Art watches, which aim to stay faithful to the artisan’s work while making it accessible to more collectors.
The abstract “Broken Ice” composition, in layered shades of blue, is built from 28 sections. Each differs in shape, size and fibre direction, so the dial changes as the watch moves. The artist works to tolerances below 0.1mm, in short sessions, with no room for correction, and because straw is natural, no two dials are identical. The polished steel case measures 39mm across.
“At first, you admire the dial. Only later do you begin to understand the craft behind it,” says Manuel Emch, who leads Louis Erard. Straw, cut and laid by hand, becomes the one part of the watch that no machine could repeat.
The Basics
- Brand Louis Erard
- Model Marqueterie de Paille
- Reference 34248AA45.BVA158
- Diameter 39mm
- Thickness 12.82mm
- Case material Polished stainless steel; 45.90mm lug to lug; domed sapphire crystal; transparent black case back
- Dial Straw marquetry by Bernardo d’Orey; abstract “Broken Ice” composition in layered shades of blue; 28 sections
- Water resistance 5 bars (50m/165ft)
- Strap Beige grained calf leather, black calf leather lining, polished stainless steel pin buckle, quick-release spring bars
- Limited edition 25 pieces
The Movement
- Calibre Sellita SW261-1, élaboré grade
- Functions Hours, minutes
- Winding Automatic
- Power reserve Approx. 38 hours
- Frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz)
- Jewels 31
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.
