The Gravée Main represents a defining moment in Louis Erard's celebrated Métiers d'Art collection. This exceptional limited edition of 99 unique timepieces showcases the ancient art of hand engraving, transforming every metal surface into a masterwork of traditional craftsmanship. Each Gravée Main requires over 50 hours of meticulous handwork, with master engraver Maksym Shavlak transforming the 42 mm stainless steel Noirmont case into a unique piece of wearable art.

Things to Know About the Watch

From case to crown, from bezel to buckle, every element bears the distinctive marks of hand engraving, ensuring that no two timepieces are identical. Ukrainian watchmaker and artist Maksym Shavlak brings each Gravée Main to life through traditional hand-engraving techniques. Known for reviving antique timepieces, Shavlak approaches each case as both canvas and cultural statement.

"Case engraving transcends decoration—it's about making metal speak," shares Shavlak. "This partnership with Louis Erard evolved from design exchanges into a complete creative collaboration. They recognized the raw authenticity in my work and chose to reimagine the entire watch around the engraving, giving the steel space to tell its story."

The journey begins with artistic conception—the engraver sketches and refines intricate patterns before transferring them onto the steel surface, either freehand or using carefully crafted stencils. Each tool is deliberately selected: specific burins create varying depths and textures across the metal canvas.

The process unfolds methodically. Initial dry point etching establishes the engraving guidelines, followed by precise carving that progresses line by line, millimeter by millimeter. Every stroke adapts fluidly to the watch's unique contours and three-dimensional geometry.

Following the primary engraving, artisans add nuanced details through hand-applied shading and textural elements, relying on a trained eye and a steady hand. The case then undergoes thorough cleaning and polishing to enhance the dramatic interplay between light and shadow within the engraved surfaces. Rigorous quality control concludes the process, ensuring both visual harmony and structural integrity.

The Louis Erard Gravée Main is cased in a generous 42 mm stainless steel Noirmont case, fully hand-engraved with Baroque-inspired floral motifs derived from 18th-century designs and polished finish highlighting engraving depth and detail.

Louis Erard's characteristically clean architecture serves as the foundation for this ornate baroque ornamentation, which extends seamlessly to the dial itself, which maintains deliberate restraint through its glossy black lacquer finish, accented with subtle anthracite and black transferred details that complement rather than compete with the case's elaborate engraving.

The black lacquered dial with glossy anthracite transfers, rhodium-plated pear-shaped hands, and Roman numeral hour markers is simply the perfect stage for this Métiers d'Art at a very accessible pricepoint, one of Louis Erard’s commitments.

The Movement

The Louis Erard Gravée Main is powered by the élaboré grade automatic Sellita SW261-1 calibre with 31 jewels, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and provides a power reserve of 38 hours. The movement is fully visible via the smoked display case back and is equipped with a special openworked oscillating weight with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol.