Louis Erard Marqueterie de Paille

Louis Erard Marqueterie de Paille: The Art of Transforming Materials

With the Marqueterie de Paille, Louis Erard continues its exploration of the arts and crafts by inviting Portuguese artist Bernardo d’Orey to transform a material as simple as it is unexpected into a watch dial. This creation is produced in a limited edition of just 25 pieces, making each watch naturally unique.

What appears at first glance to be an abstract graphic composition in shades of blue is, in fact, made entirely of rye straw. Bernardo d’Orey draws upon this natural material’s variations in color and texture—and, above all, the unique way it captures and reflects light.

A Handcrafted Straw Marquetry Dial

Each rye straw fiber is selected, split, and then flattened by hand. The artist then composes the dial by manipulating the orientation of the fibers to create a graphic structure whose appearance constantly changes depending on the viewing angle and the light.

The dial consists of 28 distinct sections, each with its own shape, dimensions, and specific fiber orientation. Assembling them requires several days of work with extreme precision, as the various elements must be positioned perfectly the moment they are placed.

This rigorous geometric construction contrasts with the lively and unpredictable nature of the material. The natural variations in the straw’s color, texture, and reflectivity mean that no two dials can be perfectly identical.

A 39-mm miniature masterpiece

The Louis Erard Marqueterie de Paille, reference 34248AA45.BVA158 features a 39-mm polished stainless steel case, with proportions particularly suited to the delicacy of its dial.

Protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the design shifts in character depending on the light. The different sections range from deep blue to much brighter shades, gradually revealing the structure of the marquetry.

The transparent case back, meanwhile, allows the automatic mechanical movement to be viewed.

With this limited edition of 25 pieces, Louis Erard does more than simply employ a traditional craft: the brand gives straw marquetry a resolutely contemporary expression and transforms a humble material into a true miniature work of art for the wrist.