Recently the nominations for the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards have been announced. This prize is the benchmark for innovative watch design and is highly coveted. As always there are some beautiful timepieces on display from the most exclusive brands. Many of the selections are beyond most people’s budgets and are reserved for serious collectors. However, there are a few affordable models including the phenomenal Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein.
A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Eric Giroud on Total Design Reviews. For the money, it’s an incredibly attractive watch and an asset to any collection. I also feel the same about the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein. Interestingly MB & F has collaborated with both Alain Silberstein and Eric Giroud with stunning results. The only difference is the price point is unattainable to most people. Louis Erard prides themselves on offering high-quality Swiss-made timepieces at affordable prices. A great example is their new attractive Excellence Triptych series of watches.
Excellence Petite Seconde
The Excellence Petite Seconde is a very stylish dress watch that is priced very competitively at CHF 1,500 (approximately $1,649). With a polished steel case measuring 42mm x 12.5mm, it should appeal to a broad demographic including the unisex market. Key details include an Opaline circular satin-finished dial with complimentary silver indexes and signature fir tree blue hands. Other features include domed sapphire crystal, small second counter (located at 6 o’clock) and a chocolate colour calf nubuck leather strap with stainless steel buckle. Powering the watch is a refined Sellita SW261-1 calibre, specially decorated by Louis Erard.
Excellence Régulateur
The Excellence Régulateur is the second model in the trio and has a lot of similarities to the Excellence Petite Seconde. For example, it shares the same 42mm x 12.5mm polished steel case, Opaline circular satin-finished dial and 31-jewel Sellita SW261-1 automatic movement. The main difference is really the way time is presented. Hours and seconds are displayed on two small counters and minutes via a large central hand. What makes this model very attractive is the minimalistic appearance. For CHF 2,500 (approximately $2,749) I believe you are a getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Excellence Chronographe Monopoussoir
The Excellence Chronographe Monopoussoir is the flagship model with the triptych of watches costing CHF 3,500 (approximately $3,848). Dimensionally it’s slightly larger than the Petite Seconde and Régulateur with a case measuring 43mm x 15.70mm. However, Louis Erard has maintained cohesion with the same Opaline circular satin-finished dial and raised silver indexes. It also has the same minimalistic aesthetic and apart from the Chrono counter (positioned at 12 o’clock) could be mistaken for the Petite Seconde. The main difference can be found in the 25-jewel Sellita SW500MP movement that powers the watch.
