This is a hands-on review of the Louis Erard "2340." This model is part of a new collection launched in 2025, and is the brand's first model to feature an integrated bracelet case. The exterior combines titanium and stainless steel with a mint green dial.
Photographs & Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 3, 2026]
What is Louis Erard's determination for his new collection?
The watch we're reviewing today is Louis Erard's 2340, a new collection released in 2025 and named after the postal code of Noirmont, Switzerland, where the brand is based.
Louis Erard has undergone a major strategic shift over the past five years, and has been gaining more and more attention year by year by incorporating new initiatives, including collaborations with artists. This latest release from the company is a sporty model with an integrated bracelet, slightly different from its previous classic line.
What kind of appeal does this watch, which has been given the codename of a "luxury sports watch," have? Let's explore this by looking at the actual watch.
Mint green dial with an organic pattern
The 2340 dial is available in three colors: mint green, slate blue, and deep blue. The model reviewed here is one with a mint green dial. Colored dials can create a pop or chic impression depending on the hue, but this model is finished in a pale, pastel-like hue that is less overt. The mint green dial is quite rare, but it is not just unique; its understated design ensures it does not interfere with any outfit, and its neutral color makes it suitable for both men and women, creating the versatility that is key to this watch.
This is a mint green dial model from the new "2340" collection. It is the company's first watch with an integrated bracelet case. Automatic movement (Cal. SW300-1). 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel and titanium case (diameter 40mm, thickness 8.95mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 759,000 yen (tax included).
The dial color is noteworthy, but so is the embossed pattern. The slate blue and deep blue dials feature horizontal patterns, but this model with a mint green dial features an organic capsule pattern made up of circles and ovals. It is unclear what message this pattern conveys, but it harmonizes with the soft mint green dial and creates a striking contrast with the straight-line-based bracelet-integrated case.
Another feature of this watch is its high level of anonymity, with the brand name not recognizable at first glance. While many watches feature the brand or collection name in a prominent position on the dial, such as at 12 o'clock, the 2340 only has a small plate at 3 o'clock and the brand name subtly displayed on the minute markers. For luxury watches, where brand recognition is often required, the fact that the brand name is not prominently displayed is likely a sign of confidence in the watch's other appeal.
What gives this watch a minimalist impression is its simple, no-date design, which combines bar indexes and baton-shaped hour and minute hands. The indexes and hour and minute hands are faceted and shine when exposed to light. The top surface is coated with luminous paint, making it possible to read the time clearly even in the dark. While the uniqueness of the embossed dial tends to catch the eye, the indexes and long, well-reaching hands reveal that the watchmaking has firmly grasped the basics. If there's one thing that bothers me, it's that all the indexes are the same shape, which means it can be difficult to check the time at a glance unless you're used to it.
Louis Erard's first case with an integrated bracelet
As this is the company's first case with an integrated bracelet, the exterior is also very well crafted. The first thing that strikes you when you hold it in your hand is its thinness. The brand's published size is 8.95mm thick, which is quite thin for an automatic watch. The flat middle case flows directly into the bracelet, and the diagonally cut bezel visually emphasizes the overall thinness.
The contrast between polished and satin finishes is also a feature typical of luxury sports watches. The middle case and bracelet are mainly satin-finished, and the chamfered edges and some of the links are polished to create a three-dimensional finish.
The Gadrun on the side of the case enhances the sense of unity between the case and bracelet. The rounded, polished finish adds an accent to the look. The crown, which lacks any brand logo, is a design that suits the minimalist design of this watch, but it leaves a rather plain impression.
The case back is secured with star-shaped screws, and although the movement cannot be seen due to the solid case back, the smooth feel of the satin finish contributes to a comfortable fit.
This model features a combination case that uses stainless steel for structural strength and titanium for lightweight construction. Titanium is used for the middle case and the wide links of the bracelet, while stainless steel is used for the rest of the case. However, since there is almost no difference in color between the materials, it would be difficult to notice just by looking at it. The case is already thin, but it is slightly lighter in the hand. The surprising lightness of titanium can sometimes give the impression of being cheap, but in the case of this model, which combines stainless steel, it has just the right balance of neither too light nor too heavy.
The bracelet's design emphasizes the striking flatness of its satin finish. It is made up of a total of 92 parts: 46 links, 2 end links, 32 pins, and 12 screws. A distinctive feature is the buckle, which incorporates a leaf spring. When you lift one side of the bracelet, the buckle releases with a powerful click. There are no push buttons for opening and closing, giving it a clean look.
Equipped with the thin general-purpose Sellita Cal. SW300-1
The movement used in this watch is the Sellita Caliber SW300-1, which is being used for the first time in a Louis Erard watch. This thin automatic movement was created as a replacement for the ETA Caliber 2892 series, and has a power reserve of approximately 56 hours, exceeding that of the original.
The advantage of generic movements is that repair parts are readily available, making them easy to repair. They're also highly reliable, thanks to their proven track record in many watches, making them ideal for practical watches. While there's no denying that the level of ownership satisfaction may differ compared to in-house movements, this is the ideal choice for a watch in this price range with a high-quality finish and a thin case.
Operation is simple: push the crown in for manual winding and pull it out one notch to set the time. The hands feel smooth to turn, making it easy to set the time. Cal. SW300-1 was originally a movement with a date function, but in this model it has been properly changed from a two-notch pull to a single-notch pull, and the date adjustment position has been omitted.
A high-quality watch for everyday use
One of the charms of this watch is its lightness, which makes it a perfect everyday piece. The exterior, made of a combination of stainless steel and titanium, places no strain on the wrist even when worn for long periods of time. The combination of the weight of stainless steel and the lightness of titanium combine to create a watch that combines the satisfaction of a luxury watch with ease of use as a tool. The thin case with a low center of gravity also contributes to an improved wearing experience.
Although the case is thin and mainly flat, it also has a three-dimensional effect. The polished and hairline finish on the exterior creates a different shine when light hits it, creating a contrast. The Gadrun on the side of the case also serves as an effective visual accent.
The mint green dial is a unique color that is not commonplace, but it gives a gentle impression that is easy to use both on and off. Visibility is also ensured, and the embossed pattern does not get in the way when checking the time.
Perhaps because it is a latecomer to the luxury sports watch market, it takes a different approach from previous Louis Erard collections, but it is highly refined. However, care must be taken when handling the bracelet.
First of all, the links have sharp edges, so you need to be careful not to catch them on clothing. This is especially noticeable when you take the bracelet off your wrist and run your fingers over it. Personally, I wish the edges were a little rounder. Additionally, the buckle, which incorporates a leaf spring, takes some getting used to. Once you get the hang of it, it opens and closes with a sudden snap, so you'll want to operate it carefully until you get the hang of it.
Will it become a new pillar for Louis Erard?
In recent years, Louis Erard has released many collaborative models with independent watchmakers, designers, and artists. These have been based on classic watches, and the company has little to do with sports watches. Given this, the sudden announcement of the 2340 left me feeling somewhat skeptical.
In recent years, many brands have released watches with integrated bracelet cases. Each brand has either reissued their archives or created new collections with completely new designs, creating a true "luxury sports" boom. However, the momentum has now calmed down, and the difference between what has become a standard and what has not is becoming clear. At this time, Louis Erard's move seemed to miss the trend.
However, in reality, the Louis Erard 2340 is not a product of a passing fad, but rather a collection created with the expectation that it will become a new pillar for the company in the future. Simply giving it the distinctive appearance of an integrated bracelet case would not have required elaborate specifications. The stainless steel and titanium exterior and the leaf spring buckle would have been unnecessary. It would have been better to make the brand logo prominent on the dial.
If the company, which specializes in classical designs, were to expand the scope of its collection, a luxury sports watch that lies somewhere between a dress watch and a sports watch would be more appropriate than a diver's watch. With this in mind, the 2340 is an icon that reflects the brand's determination to take a new step forward.
