Louis Erard has introduced a new milestone in its Métiers d’Art series with the Gravée Main, a striking limited edition of just 99 pieces which will be presented during Geneva Watch Days from 4 – 7 September.
This timepiece celebrates the ancient craft of hand engraving, with every visible steel surface – case, bezel, lugs, crown, and even the buckle – meticulously worked by hand over the course of more than 50 hours. More than a decorative flourish, this engraving transforms each watch into a work of wearable art.
The 42mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Sellita SW261-1 caliber, featuring central hours and minutes with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The elaboré grade movement beats at 4Hz, with 31 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, while a special openworked oscillating weight decorated with the Louis Erard symbol completes the movement’s finishing.
Each Gravée Main is individually engraved by Ukrainian artist Maksym Shavlak, who draws on 18th-century baroque floral motifs to give life and texture to steel – a material notably harder to engrave than gold or silver.
The glossy black lacquer dial, paired with rhodium-plated pear-shaped hands, provides a minimalist contrast to the ornate case design.
Fitted with a black calf leather strap and engraved stainless steel buckle, the Gravée Main is water resistant to 50 meters.
By making such artisanal craftsmanship accessible, Louis Erard continues its mission to bring Métiers d’Art – from guilloché to enamel and now engraving – to a wider audience of collectors.
CHF 5,450 (excl. tax), louiserard.com