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

railtrack road

The railtrack road design is applied to the main dial and sub-dial of a watch, inspired by the parallel tracks of a railroad. It consists of marks or minute lines resembling railroad tracks that encircle the edge of the main dial or sub-dial. The minute markers in this design are spaced evenly and often used to indicate the minutes on the watch, providing an accurate and clear time display. The railroad track design is commonly seen in classic and formal watches, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the timepiece.


The name railtrack road comes from its historical association with the railroad industry. In the past, precise timekeeping was crucial for safe and efficient train operations, and train engineers used pocket watches specifically designed with the railroad track design to ensure timing accuracy.