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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 The Ladybird Royal Purple Capsule by Blancpain

Two new additions to the women’s collection in red and white gold

Introduced in 1956, the Ladybird collection marked Blancpain’s bold entry into women’s watchmaking, housing the smallest round mechanical movement of its time. It was revolutionary at a moment when women’s watches were often regarded more as decorative jewelry than serious timepieces. Over the decades, the Ladybird evolved to include ultra-thin calibres and refined complications, always blending technical innovation with feminine elegance.

The collection now welcomes the new Ladybird Royal Purple capsule, showcasing a bold mix of colors that introduces a fresh chromatic dimension rooted in contemporary fashion trends. Crafted in 18K red or white gold, the case measures 34.9 mm in diameter and 10.43 mm in thickness. Diamonds totaling over 2 carats adorn the bezel, lugs, crown, dial, and buckle. The case is fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides and offers 30 meters of water resistance.

The dial features a rare nacre perlée mother-of-pearl, less than 2% of usable shell material is selected for its textured, iridescent glow. Applied directly onto this dial are twelve royal purple Roman numerals, arranged in an inclined circle and encircled by two rings of 70 diamonds. The dial also features openworked sage leaf-shaped hands and a small seconds counter with a moon phase display at 6 o’clock.

The watch is powered by the in-house automatic calibre 1163L, offering a 4-day (96 hours) power reserve and operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The strap, in royal purple alligator leather, presents a subtle gradient, lighter tones across the scales and deeper hues between them. It’s available with either a pin buckle, priced at CHF 30,500 (approximately AED 127,500), or a folding clasp at CHF 32,100 (equivalent to AED 134,400).

For more information, visit Blancpain’s official website.

Technical Specifications: Blancpain Ladybird Royal Purple Capsule
  1. Case: 18K red or white gold, diamond-set (bezel, lugs, crown, and buckle),  sapphire crystals on both sides
  2. Diameter: 34.9 mm
  3. Thickness: 10.43 mm
  4. Water Resistance: 30 meters
  5. Dial: mother-of-pearl, 12 applied royal purple Roman numerals, 70-diamond double ring, small seconds and moon phase display at 6 o’clock, sage leaf-shaped openworked hands
  6. Movement: Calibre 1163L, automatic, in-house
  7. Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
  8. Power Reserve: 96 hours (4 days)
  9. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, moon phase
  10. Bracelet/Strap: royal purple alligator leather strap, oin buckle or folding clasp
  11. price: (Pin buckle) CHF 30,500 approximately AED 127,500, (Folding clasp) CHF 32,100 equivalent to AED 134,400

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