In the ever-evolving landscape of horology, where tradition intertwines with innovation, certain collaborations emerge as beacons of creativity. The partnership between
Louis Erard and The Horophile is a testament to this dynamic synergy, and their latest creation, the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green, is a horological masterpiece that embodies the spirit of neo-deco. This timepiece isn't just a watch; it's a testament to the enduring allure of art deco aesthetics reimagined for the modern age.
Before we delve into the intricacies of the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green, let's take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Louis Erard. Hailing from the heart of Swiss watchmaking in the Jura region, Louis Erard has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological artistry. While deeply rooted in the traditions of mechanical watchmaking, the brand has never shied away from challenging the status quo. From reinterpreting classic designs to collaborating with artists and fellow watchmakers, Louis Erard embodies a spirit of fearless exploration.
Courtesy of Louis Erard
On the other side of this collaboration, we have The Horophile, an influential figure in the world of horology. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for independent brands, The Horophile, also known as Amr Sindi, has cultivated a dedicated following on social media. His discerning taste and insightful commentary have made him a respected voice in the watch community.
The Louis Erard x The Horophile partnership began a year ago with the introduction of an Art Deco-inspired capsule collection. The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is the fourth iteration in this series, and it represents a bold step forward in their shared vision. While the previous models embraced warm tones reminiscent of the Art Deco era, the green dial of this new release signifies a shift towards a more contemporary aesthetic.
Courtesy of Louis Erard
The dial of the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is a captivating sight to behold. The deep green hue, with its subtle metallic sheen, evokes a sense of sophistication and modernity. The engraved silver numerals and hands provide a striking contrast, reminiscent of the steel structures of modern architecture against a verdant landscape.
One of the most distinctive features of the Metropolis collection is the "Empire" baton hands. Inspired by the iconic Empire State Building, these hands are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The skeletonized design and stepped profile echo the architectural details of the skyscraper, creating a miniature skyline on the dial. It's a subtle yet powerful reminder of the watch's connection to the spirit of Art Deco.
While the aesthetics of the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green are undeniably captivating, the true beauty of this timepiece lies in its mechanical heart. The transparent caseback offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the Sellita SW261-1 automatic movement. This reliable caliber ensures precise timekeeping and boasts a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
Courtesy of Louis Erard
The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is housed in a 39mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes the perfect balance between classic elegance and contemporary wearability. The case's polished finish adds a touch of refinement, while its gently curved lugs ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist.
The domed sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, provides a crystal-clear view of the dial and its intricate details. It's a testament to the watch's commitment to both form and function, allowing the wearer to appreciate the beauty of the dial while ensuring optimal legibility.
On the reverse side, the transparent caseback reveals the beating heart of the watch – the Sellita SW261-1 automatic movement. This exhibition caseback is a treat for watch enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics that power this timepiece.
Courtesy of Louis Erard
The green dial of the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is a masterpiece of design and execution. The circular satin-finish exterior and counter create a subtle play of light, while the gadrooned center adds a touch of texture and depth. The black transfers for the numerals and minute track provide a stark contrast against the green background, ensuring excellent readability.
The small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock is a defining feature of the watch, adding a touch of classic elegance to the overall design. The subdial's circular satin finish echoes the main dial, creating a sense of visual harmony.
The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green comes with a light brown calf leather strap that complements the green dial beautifully. The strap's tone-on-tone stitching and black grained calf leather lining add a touch of luxury, while the functional catch spring bars make it easy to swap the strap for a different look. The pin buckle, also crafted from stainless steel, ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Courtesy of Louis Erard
The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is a testament to the shared passion of Louis Erard and The Horophile for reimagining classic designs for the modern age. Their collaborative process involved countless hours of discussion, sketching, and prototyping, resulting in a timepiece that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically impressive.
With a retail price of $2,702.15 USD (excluding tax), the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green offers exceptional value for a Swiss-made automatic watch with such a unique design and high level of craftsmanship. It's a watch that will appeal to both seasoned collectors and those who are just starting their horological journey.