Article of the week
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. 

Glossary

Champlevé

Is a decorative technique that involves creating sculptures or engravings on a thick metal surface and filling them with enamel coating.


The champlevé technique is applied by carving or engraving the desired design onto the metal surface, resulting in distinct cells or areas. These areas are then filled with enamel coating, usually in different colors, and exposed to high temperatures to fuse the coating with the metal surface. After cooling, the component's surface is polished to achieve a smooth and even finish, enhancing the vibrant colors of the enamel. The champlevé technique is often used in watch enameling, showcasing high skill and craftsmanship in watchmaking.