The New Louis Erard Régulateur Gravé Noir Timepiece Reimagines the Classic Sector Dial Design

A sector dial, which provides a unique method of displaying time, is usually divided into segments or sectors with the help of concentric circles and radial lines. The result: a watch face with a visually appealing, generally symmetrical pattern. The segments direct the attention towards the centre and the outer ring, making it simple for wearers to read the hours, minutes, and seconds.

Reimagining sector dials, Louis Erard has unveiled a new emblematic piece joining its permanent collection — Le Régulateur Gravé Noir (Ref. 85248AA13.BVA158), a standout from the Noirmont Métiers d'Art line. This creation reinterprets a classic horological archetype while showcasing traditional engraving techniques. The design is linked to vintage timepieces, exemplifying a functional and attractive mid-century style.

This 39 mm polished, stainless steel watch has the signature fir tree crown at 3 o’clock. The grained black base dial features polished rose-gilt hour markers, Arabic numbers, and railroad tracks marked at 15 and 45. Needless to say, the black dial, inspired by the sector dials of the 1930s, makes it an elegant piece for both formal and informal attire. What’s more, the dial has been left logo-free.

The watch features the signature design of the Régulateur with a vertical display of time indicators. Minutes are read with the central hand, while hours and running seconds are displayed in vertically aligned subdials directly below and above the 12 o’clock and 6 o'clock markers respectively. The hours subdial prominently includes 12 to designate noon and midnight, with the other indices shown as blocks of differing lengths and thicknesses. All in all, this timepiece merges sector-style segmentation with a regulator display. The engraving creates a subtle play of reliefs through a brilliant galvanic treatment.

Powering the watch is an automatic regulator, Sellita calibre SW266-1 with a 38-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through the transparent black caseback that is decorated with a special openworked oscillating weight, featuring the black lacquered Louis Erard symbol. The watch is finished on a beige grained calf leather bracelet, with tone-on-tone stitching, black grained calf leather lining, and a polished stainless steel pin buckle. The ergot bars allow for a quick strap change.