Louis Erard continues to redefine the meeting point of horology, artistry, and engineering with its latest masterpiece: Fil d’Or, a limited-edition collaboration with Mark Miehlbradt and Sylvie Villa, founders of Wire Art Switzerland. The duo, engineers by training and artists by conviction, have transformed their microelectronic expertise into a new craft — embroidering time with pure gold.
The Golden Thread of Innovation
At the heart of Fil d’Or lies an extraordinary material: 24K gold thread just 25 microns thick—three times finer than a human hair. Originally designed for wiring microcircuits, a reprogrammed gold thread bonding machine now becomes an instrument of art.
Louis Erard’s iconic cube motif is rendered in this medium, producing a trompe-l’œil effect that gives the dial a mesmerising sense of depth and shifting reflections. What begins as a sketch evolves into vector code, lacquered brass, and finally, a sculpted gold masterpiece.
Micro-Soldering Meets Micromechanical Goldwork
The dial itself is a technical and artistic feat:
● 2,320 gold threads form the cube motif.
● 3,660 solder points define the chapter ring, hour markers, and edges.
● Each thread is meticulously placed and soldered under binocular vision—one every three seconds, taking 45 minutes for a single dial
Beneath the surface, a laser-engraved baseplate with thousands of microcavities ensures each thread sits perfectly. Electroplating locks in the gold, combining durability with elegance. The result is a dial alive with optical illusion and light play, made entirely in Sainte-Croix.
Finishing Touches
Complementing the intricate dial are new sword-shaped hands in rhodium, satin-brushed with diamond-polished angles. A signature beige leather strap completes the composition, ensuring a seamless blend of modern artistry and classic refinement.
In total, 229,680 gold threads bring the collection to life — limited to just 99 numbered pieces worldwide.
Availability and Price
The Louis Erard Fil d’Or is priced at SGD 7,850 (including taxes). With only 99 pieces available, this timepiece is as rare as the artistry it represents.
