Regulator watches are always popular amongst watch aficionados and collectors. The design of the regulator watch, with its unique dial configuration, centrally positioned minute hand and additional sub dials displaying hours and seconds, can be traced back to the late 18th century where it was first introduced by legendary clock maker George Graham.
Graham specialised in making highly accurate regulator clocks which were used by astronomers for making observations as the specially designed dial made it much easier for them to accurately determine the time.
When the watchmakers of the day were then able to replicate the technology used in these large observatory clocks into that of precision wristwatches, the design of the dial from the original clocks hardly changed, apart from its size of course!
Today, Swiss watchmaker Louis Erard is paying homage to some of the original regulator timepieces through its Excellence collection.
The brand, which first started producing watches in 1931, incorporates traditional horological tradition with modern styling and design.
The watch featured above is the Louis Erard Excellence Regulator Power Reserve (ref 54 230AA01), which is also available in black (shown below – ref 54 230AA02).
Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with an anti-reflective crystal sapphire, the watch is driven by a Swiss ETA 7001 RE9 calibre hand-wound mechanical movement, with a bespoke Louis Erard regulator complication for the power reserve.
The watch displays centrally positioned minutes, with hours displayed on the dial below 12 o’clock, seconds are then displayed on the sub dial at 6 o’clock, with the power reserve indicator found at 9 o’clock.
The Louis Erard Excellence Regulator Power Reserve then comes with a black leather strap or metal bracelet.
If you’re interested in either of the Louis Erard watches that are featured in this article, then for our UK based readers, it could be pretty tricky getting hold of one as they are not currently available on British soil. However, Louis Erard watches are sold extensively in Switzerland and throughout mainland Europe. Prices start at around €2,600 (approx £,2300).
Specifications
Movement: ETA 7001 RE9 calibre hand-wound mechanical movement, complete with in house Louis Erard Regulator Power Reserve complication.
Functions: Displaying hours, minutes, seconds and power reserve
Case: 40mm diameter stainless steel case, with anti reflective crystal sapphire. Water resistant to 50 metres.
Dial: White or black dial with hour display at 12 o’clock, centrally positioned minute hand, small seconds at 6 o’clock and power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
Strap: metal bracelet or black leather strap with folding stainless steel clasp.
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