Manuel Emch and Amr Sindi, better known as The Horophile, have been friends for more than 15 years, and their first watch together looks back to New York.
Louis Erard introduces La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile in slate, salmon and tobacco. The series counts 178 pieces: 59 of each colour, plus a unique piece for The Horophile.
The style is what the partners call neo-deco, Art deco seen with a contemporary eye. The numerals are open-worked like façade elements, and a gadrooned centre catches the light. The “Empire” hands are modelled on the Empire State Building, and a single dot marks the small seconds.
The base is Louis Erard’s 39mm steel Petite Seconde, with the “LE” crown as the only logo. Louis Erard itself was born in 1929, at the height of Art deco.
“A base on which other special series could be built,” says Sindi of the design.
Louis Erard calls the collaboration a human adventure before it is a watch.
The Basics
Brand: Louis Erard x The Horophile
Model: La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile
Reference: 34248AA44.BVA152 (Slate); 34248AA64.BVA150 (Salmon); 34248AA66.BVA151 (Tobacco)
Diameter: 39mm
Case material: Stainless steel; see-through case back; domed sapphire crystal
Dial: Anthracite, salmon or brown; gadrooned centre; 5N red gilded or black transfers
Water resistance: 5 bars (50 m/165 ft)
Strap: Grained calf leather, dark brown, black or brown; pin buckle
Limited edition: 178 pieces (59 per colour, plus 1 for The Horophile)
The Movement
Calibre: Sellita SW261-1
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: Around 38 hours
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.