The integrated bracelet sport watch trend still has legs yet, it would seem, with a new design coming from none other than Louis Erard this week in the 2340 collection. The trio of watches represent a new vision from the brand with plenty of ‘firsts’ appearing in the process, from the combination of materials, to the movement being used, to the unique dial textures. The overall design adheres to the established tent poles of the genre, but the execution reveals plenty of respect being shown to the details that make this more than simply jumping in on the trend. A good watch is a good watch, after all, and this one seems to fit the bill.
The 2340 is so named for the postal code of the brand’s home in Le Noirmont in Switzerland near the French border. This is not a limited edition series, but rather a regular production collection that will live alongside the existing Noirmont watches. That means we’ll likely see further iterations on this formula down the line, and knowing Louis Erard, those could take dramatically different forms. With that in mind, it’s important to get the foundation right with these first three references.
The case and bracelet of the 2340 reveal a mix of steel and titanium that create a contrast in color and finish texture, while also bringing some weight saving to the head of the watch. Polished steel segments can be seen between each flat link, while steel protrusions are set within each lug area connecting the case to the first link of the bracelet, making for an overall more muscular appearance. The case itself measures 40mm in diameter, and a mere 8.95mm in total thickness. Those polished steel gadroons don’t appear to offer much in the way of articulation, which means the effective lug to lug could be longer than the listed 41.5mm, but just how well this will all come together on the wrist remains to be seen.
The 2340 is launched with three unique dial configurations, two of which feature a horizontal pattern rendered in steel blue and deep blue with a linen texture. The third is a unique pill shaped design that appear like small pillows set in a mint green color. Applied hour markers and a set of thin pencil hands round out the situation, with a plaque representing the brand itself placed at three o’clock where you’d normally expect to find a date. If these dial options are quite to your taste, I suspect this is where we’ll see more expressive options to come, and if the past is anything to go by, collaborations will likely be a part of this watch’s future.
Inside, Louis Erard is using a Sellita SW300-1, a first for the brand, which allows for the impressively thin case stature. The movement itself is a safe and welcome choice here, and keeps the price of entry within reasonable territory, at CHF 2,990. This watch is all about the small details, which combine to create something greater than their sum. The perimeter of the dial hosts the letters of Louis Erard, for instance, while the polished steel portions create a strong visual identity at a glance. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to integrated bracelet sport watches these days, but this one rises above the fray thanks to a thoughtful execution, and shows that this trend is here to stay. The 2340 collection will be available for purchase on October 15th. Louis Erard
