Louis Erard’s New Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta: A Contemporary Timepiece
3 min read
Louis Erard kept both feet firmly planted on the ground this time. In the Jura region, where the house has its origins and where the inspiration for this natural-colored version of the Excellence Petite Seconde model came from. With a first: in addition to the traditional 42 mm design, a 39 mm case is also offered.
Colors that are naturally occurring. Textures that are matte. The new Terracotta edition of the Excellence Petite Seconde stands up to its name. The softness of a Franches-Montagnes route, home of Louis Erard watches, is combined with the warmth of the south. The Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta is a long-awaited evolution that comes in two sizes: a conventional 42 mm case and a streamlined 39 mm cousin.
The dials are made of stone, aventurine, lapis lazuli, and malachite, in keeping with the natural materials used in the Excellence triptych. It's no longer about stone, but about the earth, about terracotta.
Under the guidance of Manuel Emch, a choice reminiscent of certain legendary 1950s masterpieces, but in a very current vintage representation, highlighting Louis Erard's intention to merge genres and make great watchmaking accessible once more.
Semitones and hues in various shades. The muffled harmonies are broken by no shine, no explosion of light. The monochrome dial emphasizes the design's intricacies, contrasting the fine grain of the center and minute track parts with a circular satin finish.
We can see the highlighting of the snailed seconds counter at 6 o'clock. The hands and indexes, which throw delicate shadows on the dial like a forest in the calm light of a white sun, are devoid of highlighting. The hands of the signature fir tree have been anthracite greyed and polished. Also in anthracite grey are matching transfers and indices.
A dark brown Baranil calf leather strap completes the watch. The strap can be simply changed thanks to the polished stainless steel pin buckle and robust catch spring bars. Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta in 42 mm and 39 mm thicknesses.
Price CHF 1,950 / Approx INR 1,58,369
