When it comes to fine Swiss watches, Louis Erard needs no introduction: the internationally renowned brand has been setting the standards for impeccable craftsmanship and unparalleled style since its inception. In its more than six decades of operation, the master watchmakers of Louis Erard have created some of the most signature timepieces the industry has ever seen.
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The History of Louis Erard
Louis Erard was originally founded in 1929 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This Switzerland-based watchmaker was created by master watchmaker and visionary Mr. Louis Erard, whose sense of devotion to his craft and aesthetic excellence have been the driving forces of the brand since its inception. His brilliant designs and skilfully crafted movements captivated connoisseurs worldwide, and the brand’s reputation only grew as its portfolio of timepieces continuously expanded.
Unique and Distinguished
Louis Erard is distinguished by its exclusive approach towards design. With a focus on classic beauty, each timepiece by the watchmaker is complemented with classic lines and perfectly balanced forms. The signature styles of Louis Erard are reinforced by sophisticated textures and materials, while the timeless classicism of Louis Erard’s watchmaking is further highlighted by the brand’s use of gold, steel, and diamonds. Furthermore, the masterful movements that power the collections are the result of attentive and relentless quality control.
Signature Models
One of the most sought-after collections of Louis Erard is the Excellence 500 Automatic. This classic model features the exclusive Louis Erard movement, with a 40-hour power reserve and a date display. Given its timeless appearance, the Excellence 500 has become a favorite of classic watch enthusiasts.
The Majesty Annual Calendar model is another example of Louis Erard’s supreme craftsmanship. This luxurious watch features a smartly laid-out control dial for the day, date, and month displays. Powered by an exclusive automatic movement and balanced with a perfectly sculpted 18ct gold case, the Majesty Annual Calendar perfectly captures Louis Erard’s ethos of elegance and sophistication.
The Spirit of the Past, Present, and Future
Another iconic timepiece in the Louis Erard portfolio is the 1928 Expérience. This limited edition model pays tribute to the brand’s history with the styling cues and design flair of the 1930s. Housed in a mechanical movement encased in a 43mm diameter steel case, the 1928 Expérience stands as an ode to Louis Erard’s pedigree and legacy of classic elegance.
With decades of master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, Louis Erard stands out as one of the most reliable names for sophisticated and classically-styled Swiss timepieces. For connoisseurs of style and fine timepieces, Louis Erard is worth every investment and with some TLC, these timeless watches will be around for generations to come.
The independent Swiss watch manufacturer Louis Erard, founded in 1929 by Louis Erard and André Perret, is recognized for its emphasis on craftsmanship. The company manufactured its first watches in 1931 and built a name for innovation and precision.
First established as a watchmaking school in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1929, Louis Erard began selling watches under its own brand in 1931, undergoing a series of ownership changes. In 1991, the company was a change in ownership and relocated its production to Le Noirmont. However, in 2003, a second change in ownership occurred, leading to a new beginning that rejuvenated the brand.
With an emphasis on traditional watchmaking techniques, Louis Erard utilizes mechanical movements from renowned manufacturers such as Sellita and Valjoux. So far, the company has shipped over 200,000 watches from its headquarters in Le Noirmont, showcasing its dedication to quality and attention to detail. Notably, Louis Erard has also collaborated with reputable brands like Leeds United Football Club and Ultima Sports sports cars, further enhancing its appeal in the industry.
Carrying on its tradition of craftsmanship, Louis Erard continues to produces watches with a regulator layout. In this unique layout, the minute hand rotates upon a distinct point than the other hands, resulting in a visually eye-catching and accurate display of time. This layout, initially designed in the mid-18th century, was primarily used for timekeeping devices to offer the most accurate time readings available.
In a significant development in 2020, Louis Erard partnered with high-end watchmaker Vianney Halter. The renowned watchmaker designed a complication piece called “Le Regulateur,” which is now included in Louis Erard’s Excellence watch collection. This collaboration has further enhanced Louis Erard’s status in the watchmaking community, showcasing its dedication to craftsmanship.