La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile Watch Review
La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile is the product of another collaboration masterminded by visionary watch expert, Manuel Emch. A celebration of Art Deco and, specifically, the iconic Empire State Building, this new limited edition model unites sublime styling with Swiss watchmaking expertise. Angus Davies provides an insight into the brand and its latest collaboration.
Louis Erard depuis 1929
Founded in 1929, ‘Louis Erard‘ is a name frequently mentioned within the watch collecting fraternity. The Swiss marque has gained a reputation for producing accessibly priced, quality watches brimming with style. The company’s models, often limited in number, are usually snapped up by collectors within hours of being released. Indeed, with Louis Erard products, demand invariably outstrips supply.
Louis Erard collaborations
One of the main reasons for this popularity can be attributed to Manuel Emch, the visionary watch expert who was appointed as a director of the firm in 2019. This industry veteran’s black book is clearly overflowing with useful contacts, something that has led to several inspired collaborations. Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter and, most recently, Konstantin Chaykin are just some of horology’s leading lights that have sat down with Emch and engaged in a spot of free-thinking with 4H pencils at the ready.
With a penchant for collaborations, and the potential synergies they can yield, Emch has looked to other creative partners both from within the watch industry as well as beyond. For example, atelier oï is a specialist firm with a history in architecture, design and naval construction. Unhindered by industry conventions, the collaboration with atelier oï produced an eye-catching regulator that looked very different from many of its counterparts.
Louis Erard x The Horophile
Clearly, collaborations have been a key factor in Emch’s success and, by default, Louis Erard. Moreover, Emch’s willingness to look beyond the watchmaker/watch designer fraternity has led to some exquisite creations. However, nothing quite prepared me for Emch’s latest choice of collaborative partner, Amr Sindi aka @thehorophile (Instagram).
Image – Amr Sindi aka @thehorophile (Instagram)
Over the years, I’ve bumped into Amr at various exhibitions where we’ve engaged in a spot of small talk. Often wielding a ‘snazzy’ camera, he’s always affable and unquestionably passionate about watches. I’ve always thought of him as a social media specialist with a prowess for marketing. However, it seems I’ve been remiss in my professional duties, failing to note some of his impressive work of late. Quite simply, he has created some glorious watches with a few well-chosen brands. On seeing the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile for the first time, it is obvious that he has an immense talent for design. Allow me to elaborate.
La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile – inspiration
Louis Erard is based in Le Noirmont in the Swiss Jura. The region is often associated with Art Sapin, a variation of Art Nouveau (1890-1914). This is referenced on several modern-day Louis Erard watches with a Sapin or fir-tree-inspired grip encircling the crown.
In terms of this latest offering from Louis Erard, Manuel Emch and Amr Sindi have looked to Art Deco (1920-1940) for inspiration. While both art movements have influenced visual culture, in terms of art, design and graphics, there are distinct differences between both artistic genres. Art Nouveau embraces elegant curves, extended lines and organic forms, whereas Art Deco consists of sharp angles, straight lines, bold colours and symmetry.
Art Deco was hugely popular in the United States of America post World War I, influencing the look of furniture, objet d’art and architecture. Notable examples of Art Deco can be found in New York, such as the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. Indeed, it is this latter building that inspired Amr and Manuel when producing La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile.
La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile – dial
The centre of the dial comprises a series of concentric circles, framed with a satin-finished hour track endowed with stylised Arabic numerals. The hour and minute hands emulate the appearance of the Empire State Building and are openworked, affording partial sight of the dial epidermis beneath.
A small seconds display is located at the base dial and eschews markings, save for a lone dot at 12 o’clock. Adorned with a softly snailed motif, the display is clear and sits in concert with the rest of the dial.
La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile – limited to 178 pieces
Offered in three dial colours, namely slate, salmon and tobacco, each option is limited to 59 examples, making a total of 177 pieces. Brand devotees will be aware that Louis Erard usually limits production to 178 pieces. So, has the brand got its sums wrong? No, one piece has been allocated to Amr Sindi. The next time I bump into Amr, I must enquire as to which dial colour he chose as he is clearly a master of aesthetics.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile
- Reference: 34248AA44 (slate dial)
- Reference: 34248AA64 (salmon dial)
- Reference: 34248AA66 (tobacco dial)
- Case: polished stainless steel, diameter 39 mm, height 12.82 mm; water resistance 5ATM (50m), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: Sellita SW261-1 calibre, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 31 jewels, power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: colour-coordinating grained calf leather with tone-on-tone attachment points, black grained calf leather lining, polished stainless steel pin buckle
- Price: CHF 2,300 + tax (RRP as of 25.8.2023)
- Limited Edition: limited series of 178 pieces (59 slate, 59 salmon, 59 tobacco and 1 for the Horophile)