Review: Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 39 mm

Hands-on review of the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 39 mm with exclusive pictures. The ref. 34248AA21.BVA150, is priced at CHF2,300

Following our introductory article of the new Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché models published last week, we can now delve into our live pictures and impressions of one of the two watches, specifically the smaller one, the Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 39 mm.

This sophisticated model comes in a round case crafted from stainless steel, measuring 39 mm in diameter with a total thickness of 12.82 mm, including the domed and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. 

The elegant lines of the case are highlighted by polished surfaces, with a large, monogrammed crown to complete the classic look. 

Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 5 bars (approximately corresponding to a depth of 50 metres / 165 feet).

The watch is paired with a soft black grained calf leather strap featuring tone-on-tone stitching and equipped with a stainless steel pin buckle angraved with the Louis Erard logo along with ergot bars for swift strap changes. The lug width is 20 mm. 

The ideal size and the curved lugs ensure comfortable wearability on average wrists. For reference, the wrist in our pictures measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches.

Featuring a four-part construction, the dial of the Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché is an eye-catcher.

The central blue panel offers a radiant draped pattern with evolving waves, a stamped motif that recreates the visual effect of flinqué guilloché, or engine-turning, a traditional decorative technique introduced in watchmaking by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the the 18th century.

The central panel is encircled by a large anthracite hour ring, covered with a finely staggered basket motif, finely staggered like scales. 

Displaying the same basket motif and encircled by a railway hoop, the small seconds sub-dial pierces the whole, straddling the waves in the center and the corolla of the hour-markers. 

The outer minute track improves accurate reading of the time. The signature rhodium-plated fir tree hands enhance both character and readability.

The transparent sapphire crystal reveals the automatic élaboré grade Sellita SW261-1 calibre. Beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, it features a stop second function. 

The openworked oscillating weight of this reliable movement is embellished by a black lacquered Louis Erard symbol. 

A watch of great versatility with a distinctive and refined appearance, the Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde Guilloché 39 mm, ref. 34248AA21.BVA150, is priced at CHF 2,300. louiserard.com