Guilloché dials are an exquisite and intricate form of decorative art in the realm of traditional watchmaking. Featuring precise, repetitive patterns, engraved with a rose engine onto the metal or enamel dial base— they are not just visually stunning, but also serve the practical purpose of adding depth and dimension to the watch face while enhancing through contrast.
The latest example of this traditional craftsmanship comes from Louis Erard. The independent Swiss boutique brand introduces two steel variants, one with a blue and the other with a black dial, to its Excellence Petite Seconde collection. Redesigned in 2020, this classic represents the entry level of the Louis Erard’s Excellence line.
The Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché duo feature both a four-part dial. The center catches the eye with its radiant draped pattern, a light trap where the flatness of the dial deepens into evolving waves, growing from the center.
This central motive is interrupted by the anthracite-colored hour circle that employs a panier motif, with finely staggered-like scales. The small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock displays the same guilloché pattern in darker hues.
While the anthracite-blue version has a diameter of 39mm, the anthracite-black execution caters to watch lovers who appreciate a larger diameter, as it measures 42mm wide. Both watches are driven by the self-winding Sellita SW261-1 caliber that can be admired through the sapphire case backs.
Pricing for both Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché versions is marked at CHF 2,300, or approximately $2,600 when converted to USD at the time of writing.
To learn more, visit Louis Erard, here.