The limited-edition Excellence Émail Grand Feu combines exquisite craftsmanship and fine contemporary watchmaking
Independent Swiss watch manufacturer Louis Erard has just introduced a new model: the Excellence Émail Grand Feu. As the name of the watch implies, its main feature is the Grand Feu enamel on the dial, which is one of the most celebrated forms of belle horlogerie or beautiful watchmaking. Enameled dials, however, are also known as a challenging venture: Mass production is not possible as every dial is painstakingly made by hand.
The traditional method of creating Grand Feu enamel dials can be quite unforgiving. Each dial is built up little by little, layer by layer, through a succession of firings in an oven at temperatures of more than 800°C. A single mistake and a dial becomes unusable.
The end result, of course, is simply breathtaking. The dial of the Excellence Émail Grand Feu features a delicate cream hue with a soft texture, and a harmonious meeting of ecru and blue, that of the signature fir tree hands in blued steel and enamel-transferred indexes. A small-seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock add another element of refinement.
The other elements of the watch are, of course, no less impressive. The 42mm case is smooth, polished steel. Within it a Sellita SW261-1 automatic movement drives the watch; the aesthetics of the caliber can be admired through the open caseback. Finally, a coffee-colored strap in calf nubuck leather holds the watch firmly to your wrist.
Louis Erard’s Excellence Émail Grand Feu is limited to just 99 pieces.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE