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

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Glossary
Mercedes Hands

Mercedes Hands

Rolex sports watches, such as the Submariner and the GMT-Master, use "Mercedes" hands as a design feature. These hands derive their name from Mercedes Gleitze, a young British secretary, who etched her name in watchmaking history through a noteworthy feat. During her swim across the English Channel in 1927, the 26-year-old wore a Rolex Oyster, enduring over 10 hours in the cold waters between France and Great Britain. Following the swim, the waterproof wristwatch was proclaimed to be in a working condition, marking a significant moment in horological innovation.