Louis Erard is a relatively accessible watch brand that has done some unique collaborations over the past few years that have certainly made the company stand out.
Namely, working with Vianney Halter on the Le Regulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter (2020), and Alain Silberstein for the Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Regulator collection (2019) and the Le Triptyque Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein (2021).
While the collaborations do a good best job at promoting and differentiating the company, ultimately, the base movements across virtually, if not the entire collection, are outsourced Sellitas — and not even chronometer grade versions at that. This is not a deal-breaker at the CHF 1,950 price point of the new Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta Limited Edition, but considering the aesthetic is like so many other watches on the market — what’s the value that Louis Erard offers that nobody else on the market does?
Perhaps this is where the limited edition designation comes in, to make the watches appear more exclusive and unique than they actually are. Sure, the salmon dial hits on a hot trend, and the different dial sectors with varied finishing — described by the brand as “Matt terracotta with circular satin-finished zone, snailed counter at 6 o’clock with diamond-cut area, anthracite transfers, glossy anthracite indexes” — are attractive, but on the wrist, like the movement, the case style looks rather pedestrian and derivative.
The Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta Limited Edition comes in your choice of a 39 mm (Ref. 34238AA07) or 42 mm diameter (Ref. 34237AA07) stainless steel case, and will be limited to approximately 100 pieces per year per reference. Retail is around $2,100 for either option.
The dials are attractive, whereas the movement is anything but. The case is not good or bad, it’s just a generic case. But wait, they’re “limited edition” and must be sold out instantly considering only 100 pieces each are being produced each year. That could be true, as it was with the Silberstein and Halter pieces, however, it seems far less likely once you take those coveted names off the branding. Regardless of the selling status — only you can determine if they’re a good deal or not.
Photos by Louis Erard.
