La Chaux-de-Fonds is where Louis Erard was born, and its postcode, 2300, now names the brand’s sport chronographs, once called La Sportive.
Louis Erard today introduces the 2300 Chronograph Sport in Rainbow, Ref. 78119TS32.BDF02, Blue, Ref. 78119TS35.BDF05, and Khaki, Ref. 78119TS39.BDF09. Each is limited to 99 pieces.
It is still a tricompax, but it reads like a bicompax. The 30-minute counter sits at 12 o’clock and the 12-hour counter at 6, in a vertical line the brand calls its signature. The black Rainbow has a rainbow gradient minutes track, while orange and yellow accents on Khaki and Blue mark the first 5 minutes of timing.
The 44mm case is Grade 5 titanium with a black ceramic bezel, and inside is the automatic Valjoux 7750. The titanium folding clasp, inspired by freeride bindings, allows accurate adjustment.
Manuel Emch, who leads Louis Erard, sums up the brand as “less but more”.
The number is more than a postcode, Louis Erard says: it points to where the brand began, and hints at what comes next.
The Basics
Brand: Louis Erard
Model: 2300 Chronograph Sport (Rainbow, Blue, Khaki)
Reference: 78119TS32.BDF02 (Rainbow); 78119TS35.BDF05 (Blue); 78119TS39.BDF09 (Khaki)
Diameter: 44mm
Thickness: 15mm
Case material: Grade 5 titanium, satin/polished; bezel with black ceramic insert
Dial: Rainbow: matt black with a rainbow gradient minute track. Blue: matt blue with a matt light blue minute track. Khaki: matt khaki with orange transfers on the minute track. All: bevelled rhodium-plated indexes with Super-LumiNova; day/date window at 3 o’clock
Water resistance: 5 bars (50m/165ft)
Strap: FKM rubber in black, blue or khaki; titanium folding clasp
Limited edition: 99 pieces per colour
The Movement
Calibre: ETA 7750 Valjoux, Élaboré grade
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, day/date at 3 o’clock; chronograph with central seconds, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: Approx. 48 hours
Frequency: 28,800 A/H (4Hz)
Jewels: 25
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.