ReviewLouis Erard X The Horophile Launch Their Fourth Watch: The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green

The watch world is a masterclass in marketing. Make all the products you want, if they don’t relate to your audience or aren’t seen by them, minimal impact will be made. Louis Erard’s recent meteoric rise has been a case study and a half, which can be attributed to the masterful and plentiful collaborations. Their recent timepiece, La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green, is another one that fits the bill.

The Non-Limited La Petite Seconde Metropolis Louis Erard x The Horophile Green

For those who are here to know the details of the watch, what’s new, and why it’s worth a double-take, let’s cut to the chase. The watch features the same silhouette as that of its predecessors, with a polished 39mm stainless steel case and the same movement as before: Selitta SW261-1 which gives the watch a power reserve of 38 hours, a feature that some might consider a point for improvement in future iterations.

Another detail this new watch shares with its predecessors is the signature ‘LE’ crown, which is the only place where the brand logo appears, most definitely in an attempt to not tamper with the crowning detail of this watch: the ‘neo-deco’ design codes. Perhaps the biggest draw of these timepieces is the fact that the dial remains so devoid of any branding or distracting elements, giving centre stage to the art deco design. ‘The Horophile’ and ‘Louis Erard’ are engraved on the caseback.

The Neo-Deco Design: A New York Influence

What truly distinguishes this timepiece is its ‘neo-deco’ aesthetic, a modern interpretation of the Art Deco movement that defined the architectural and artistic styles of 1920s New York. The dial is adorned with concentric grooves, known as gadroons, a hallmark of this design language.

The brushed chapter ring, marked with a bold typeface, encircles the dial, while double circles frame the chapter ring and the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The small seconds indicator, as well as the minutes and hours hands, are an elegant nod to skyscraper architecture, with its tiered, geometric hand that evokes the famous silhouette of the Empire State Building.

What truly distinguishes this timepiece is its 'neo-deco' aesthetic, a modern interpretation of the Art Deco movement that defined the architectural and artistic styles of 1920s New York. The dial is adorned with concentric grooves, known as gadroons, a hallmark of this design language

The La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green carries forward the silhouette of its predecessors, housed in a polished 39mm stainless steel case

Just like the previous models, the watch features Louis Erard’s signature 'LE' crown, a discreet nod to the brand. Interestingly, the logo doesn’t appear on the dial itself, a deliberate move that allows the art deco design to take centre stage

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The hour and minute hands are wider at the base and taper elegantly toward the tip. This slight variation in shape adds dimension to the dial, while also reflecting the neo-deco ethos of blending modernity with historical influence. Expanding on earlier versions with dials in grey, salmon, and tobacco hues, this iteration boasts an eye-catching green dial, contrasting with white numerals and the understated design elements. The small seconds counter is also snailed for added texture. The combination of these design choices makes the dial visually compelling, especially for those who appreciate the subtleties. The absence of a date window or any superfluous features further underscores the minimalist spirit of this timepiece.

The watch’s hands are another standout feature. Inspired by the architectural lines of the Empire State Building, the hour and minute hands are wider at the base and taper elegantly toward the tip

With its timeless art deco-inspired design, the Louis Erard X The Horophile La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is a fitting addition to the series

The watch is water-resistant to 50m and features a domed sapphire crystal glass with double-sided antireflective coating, ensuring that the dial remains legible under various lighting conditions. The transparent caseback offers a glimpse of the movement inside, while the beige, grained calfskin strap, with its polished stainless-steel pin buckle, completes the look.

Unlike the earlier trilogy, which was limited to 59 pieces each, the La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green joins the permanent collection, making it more accessible to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of the watch lies the Sellita SW261-1, an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve

The use of bold yet elegant lines, the thoughtful absence of overt branding on the dial, and the vibrant green hue combine to create a watch that is both distinctive and wearable

The Continuing Collaboration Between The Horophile and Louis Erard

The partnership between Louis Erard and The Horophile has become an important aspect of the brand’s new direction under the leadership of Manuel Emch, who is also a founding member of the indie watch brand Kollokium. Also a co-founder, Amr Sindi has worked with Emch on multiple occasions, and their shared appreciation for art deco design and independent watchmaking shines through in this collection.

With its timeless art deco-inspired design, the Louis Erard X The Horophile La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green is a fitting addition to the series, and that’s all it was meant to be. The use of bold yet elegant lines, the thoughtful absence of overt branding on the dial, and the vibrant green hue combine to create a watch that is both distinctive and wearable. For fans of Louis Erard, this non-limited edition timepiece is sure to make an impact—without breaking the bank.