The Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta watch by Louis Erard demonstrates superb dress watch aesthetics, but with a thoroughly contemporary twist. Featuring a multi-level dial in an eye-catching, warm shade of terracotta which is decorated with a combination of finishing techniques, this is a beautifully executed timepiece. Although the character of the piece is defined by its highly original dial tone, the piece has the added advantage of an élaboré grade Swiss mechanical self-winding calibre, and with a limited production of just 100 examples per year, the wearer can be assured of exclusivity.

The case of the watch is sized at 39mm across, with a height of 12.25mm. Constructed from stainless steel which has been enhanced with a polished finish, the rounded form of the casing is both classical and elegant, and with a neatly tucked in crown, curving lugs and a trim bezel, it carries the perfect proportions required of a contemporary dress watch.

Paying meticulous attention to every nuance, Louis Erard have created a splendid dial, which is effortlessly stylish and abound with subtleties. Rendered in a particularly inviting terracotta hue, and with a classical three-handed layout with the small seconds at the six o’clock location, the dial surface has been decorated with differing finishing techniques, lending it a multi-sector aspect. At the centre, a matte, grained finish contrasts wonderfully with the fir-shaped anthracite hours and minutes hands. On the lower dial, the small seconds dial is recessed, and it is finished with a concentric snailing motif, with diminutive markers and a petite cross-hairs. And, in a final flourish, the chapter ring for the anthracite hour numerals and indices has been decorated with circular graining.

Inside, and viewable through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, a modified Sellita SW261-1 self-winding movement features a semi-skeletonised Louis Erard oscillating weight, and it boasts a power reserve of thirty-eight hours, beating at a brisk 28’800 vib/h.

A watch which boasts traditional refinement, together with resolutely modern styling cues, the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Terracotta watch in 39mm case comes presented on a brown Baranil calf leather strap with beige stitching, secured with a steel pin buckle. The edition is a strictly limited release of 100 pieces per annum.