Neo-Deco Elegance: The Allure of Louis Erard x The Horophile’s Metropolis Collection
La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile collection is a stunning fusion of Art Deco elegance and contemporary design, resulting in a trio of captivating watches that pay homage to New York’s iconic architectural heritage.
In the dynamic world of horology, collaborations often yield astonishing results. The marriage of skill, passion, and creativity can birth timepieces that are more than just instruments for telling time; they become expressions of artistry and connection. Such is the case with the captivating alliance between watchmaker Louis Erard and the watch connoisseur known as The Horophile. Their union has produced the breathtaking Metropolis collection, a trio of watches that pay homage to New York’s Art Deco legacy while embracing a contemporary flair.
Imagine two minds converging on a shared vision, two hands reaching across the boundaries of expertise and experience to create something remarkable. This partnership, symbolic of the human spirit, is at the heart of the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile collaboration. These watches aren’t just timekeepers; they are testaments to the power of unity. It’s a narrative of cooperation where cultures, perspectives, dreams, and passions intertwine. This creation is a reminder that strength and beauty emerge from sharing and mutual understanding.
Louis Erard, led by the visionary Manuel Emch, has been instrumental in promoting affordable yet exquisite watchmaking in Switzerland. The Horophile, a name recognized through the Instagram handle @TheHorophile, is Amr Sindi, a marketing consultant for watchmakers and an independent producer of limited series timepieces. Their friendship, which spans over 15 years, adds a fraternal touch to this collaboration, elevating it beyond a mere business endeavor.
At the core of this collection is the Metropolis watch, an iteration of Louis Erard’s classic Petite Seconde model. Encased in stainless steel and measuring 39 mm, this watch retains the brand’s signature “LE” crown, discreetly placed as a symbol of distinction. However, the rest of the watch is a new creation, a journey through time that bridges the Roaring Twenties with the modern era. This bridge gives birth to a unique style known as “neo-deco,” a fusion of Art Deco elegance and contemporary aesthetics.
Typography serves as the starting point for this design journey. The goal is to reinterpret Art Deco numerals, turning them into architectural elements reminiscent of facades. The result is a dial with numerals that appear as if they’re part of a grand architectural composition. The meticulous interplay of lines generates a captivating visual effect, blurring the lines between applied and engraved indexes. The seconds sub-dial is simple, marked only by a single dot, a testament to the design’s elegance and restraint.
The Horophile’s insight into the design process reveals the careful consideration given to each element. Circular numerals are arranged on a disc, which becomes a central motif on the dial. This disc is cleverly worked in two dimensions, highlighting the main dial and the seconds sub-dial. Intriguingly, it’s also treated in three dimensions at the watch’s center, with concentric grooves adding depth and capturing the play of light.
The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile hands are a masterpiece on their own, taking inspiration from the iconic Empire State Building. These “Empire” baton hands mirror the building’s design, with meticulous attention to detail in every floor and spire. The skeletonization at the center completes the skyline effect, creating a mobile architectural wonder on the dial.
Color, an essential facet of any design, brings the Metropolis collection to life. Available in three variations—slate, salmon, and tobacco—each dial color exudes a distinct mood and warmth. The 5N red gilded hands and numerals on anthracite and brown dials create a harmonious contrast that resonates with sophistication. This visual harmony extends to the grained calfskin straps, which complement the dial tones exquisitely.
The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile collection is a limited edition, with 178 pieces across the three variations. This includes 59 pieces of each color variation and a unique model reserved for The Horophile. As you fasten one of these watches to your wrist, you don’t just carry the time; you carry a legacy of collaboration, friendship, and the art of timekeeping.
In an age where individuality often takes center stage, the Louis Erard x The Horophile Metropolis collection is a testament to the magic that happens when creative minds converge. These watches are more than luxury items; they’re symbols of the human spirit’s boundless capacity for innovation, beauty, and connection. So, embrace the neo-deco elegance, celebrate the shared journey, and wear a piece of art that captures the heart of horology and the essence of collaboration.
Price & Availability
The Louis Erard x The Horophile Metropolis collection is a limited edition of 59 pieces per reference and is available on Louis Erard’s e-shop. All three variations are priced at CHF 2’300, excluding VAT.
- La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile Slate, Reference 34248AA44
- La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile Salmon, Reference 34248AA64
- La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile Tobacco, Reference 34248AA66
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