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Louis Erard Unveils the Limited-Edition Gravée Main

Since 2021, Louis Erard has been redefining the boundaries of Métiers d’Art, from Grand Feu enamel and guilloché to wood marquetry, and soon, gold wire inlay. Now, Gravée Main opens a new chapter, paying tribute to one of the oldest crafts in watchmaking hand engraving.
Gravée Main represents a new milestone in Louis Erard’s Métiers d’Art series. This limited edition of 99 unique timepieces places hand engraving at center stage, with every metal element entirely engraved and finished by hand, a meticulous process that requires more than 50 hours of work. 

Introducing Chopard Unveils Imperiale Four Seasons

Four limited editions inspired by the transition of the seasons

Chopard is known for its commitment to craftsmanship in watchemaking and jewelry, with in-house production and complications that marry mechanical innovation with artistic flair. In 1994, Chopard unveiled the Imperiale collection, an ode to feminine elegance inspired by the grandeur of imperial empires. This year, the brand expands this collection with the Imperiale Four Seasons.

This new release reflects Chopard’s talent for storytelling through watchmaking. The centrepiece is a 365-day rotating disc, brought to life through exquisite mother-of-pearl marquetry. Symbolizing the perpetual transition of seasons, the disc moves imperceptibly over the course of a year. But while this complication is rare, it’s seamlessly integrated into a dial that is nothing short of a miniature work of art.

The case is crafted from ethical 18-carat white gold, and measures 36mm in diameter and 12.1mm in thickness. Diamonds grace the bezel, crown, and lugs, enhancing the case’s luxurious style. A glare-proofed sapphire crystal protects the front, while the back reveals the movement through a sapphire exhibition window. Despite its decorative nature, the Imperiale Four Seasons offers practical durability with a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for daily wear, even if this isn’t a watch you’d take near the sea.

The dial comes with a textured mother-of-pearl marquetry disc that slowly rotates, with seasonal color palettes transitioning subtly across the months, from icy blues of winter to the lush greens and yellows of spring and summer, and the deep earth tones of autumn. Above this moving canvas, the upper half of the dial features an openworked lotus flower motif, sculpted from ethical white gold and set with diamonds. Gilded dagger-shaped hands complete the display, indicating hours and minutes.

Beating within is the L.U.C 96.31-C, an in-house, automatic mechanical movement featuring Chopard’s Twin Technology (twin barrels) and a tungsten micro-rotor. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), the calibre offers a 65-hour power reserve. The finishing includes Cotes de Geneve, perlage, and a decorated micro-rotor visible through the caseback.

Each watch comes with four alligator leather straps, reflecting one of the four seasons. A quick-change system allows wearers to effortlessly switch between orange, blue, green, and yellow straps. The buckles are also made from ethical 18-carat white gold. The Imperiale Four Seasons is a limited edition of just 25 pieces, and are exclusively available through Chopard boutiques and is priced at EUR 103,000 (equivalent to AED 411,100). 

For more information, visit Chopard’s official website. 

Technical Specifications: Chopard Imperiale Four Seasons
  1. Case: Ethical 18-carat white gold, diamond-set (bezel, crown, lugs), glare-proofed sapphire crystal
  2. Diameter: 36mm
  3. Thickness: 12.1mm
  4. Water Resistance: 50 meters
  5. Dial: mother-of-pearl, Rotating disc with seasonal color transitions, ethical white gold lotus flower motif set with diamonds, gilded dagger-shaped hour and minute hands
  6. Movement: L.U.C 96.31-C, automatic, tungsten micro-rotor
  7. Functions: Hours, Minutes, Annual rotating disc complication
  8. Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
  9. Power Reserve: 65 hours
  10. Bracelet/Strap: Four interchangeable alligator leather straps (orange, blue, green, yellow), ethical 18-carat white gold buckles
  11. Availability: Limited to 25 pieces
  12. Price: EUR 103,000 (equivalent AED 411,100)

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