November 12th 2024
In recent years, independent Swiss watchmaker Louis Erard has been reimagining its catalog. With the recent shakeup, the longstanding Excellence collection is out, replaced by the Noirmont line. This new lineup is organized into three distinct categories: the classic Noirmont, the artistic Noirmont Métiers d’Art, and Noirmont X for collaborations. Joining the Noirmont Métiers d’Art collection is the newly released Le Régulateur Gravé Noir, a piece that showcases the brand’s dedication to traditional handicrafts.
Le Régulateur Gravé Noir: Classic Regulator Style with a Fresh Twist
Louis Erard’s devotion to regulator watches remains a key focus with the Le Régulateur Gravé Noir. This watch introduces a sector dial design for the first time in the brand’s history. Featuring the characteristic separation of hour, minute, and second hands, it positions them uniquely across the upper subdial, center, and lower subdial. Concentric rings and a railroad track around the periphery enhance this layout. In a distinctive touch, Louis Erard uses relief engraving in rose gilt on the finely grained black dial, rather than traditional painted sectors. The fir tree-inspired rose gilt hands, a Louis Erard signature, add to the watch’s neo-vintage aesthetic.
A Closer Look at the Design and Movement
The 39mm stainless steel case (12.82mm thick, 45.90mm lug-to-lug) houses this intricate dial, with both sides protected by sapphire crystal. The fir tree-inspired crown and a water-resistance of 50 meters round out the practical features. At its heart is the Sellita Caliber SW266-1, visible through the case back with an open-worked rotor decorated with Louis Erard’s black lacquered logo. This movement offers a 38-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 beats per hour.
Elegant Details in an Accessible Price Range
The watch is finished with a grained calf leather strap in beige, with tone-on-tone stitching, a quick-release mechanism, and a stainless steel buckle. Priced at CHF 2,900, Le Régulateur Gravé Noir is a permanent part of Louis Erard’s collection, offering elegance and craftsmanship that feels luxurious beyond its price tag, especially in today’s high-priced watch market. The combination of rose gilt, a black dial, and steel case creates an elegant, understated look suited to modern tastes.