The Coming Together Of Two Geniuses – Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin

09 Jan, 2024

The Coming Together Of Two Geniuses – Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin

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With meticulous attention to detail and commitment to Swiss craftsmanship, Louis Erard has established itself as one of the best in the industry. On the other hand, Konstantin Chaykin has crafted a niche for itself in Soviet watchmaking with its avant-garde designs and remarkably complex mechanisms. While they may seem worlds apart, the convergence of the two in the form of a collaboration tells us that nothing groundbreaking can be achieved without pushing boundaries.

The product of this collaboration, Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin, is a true collector’s watch that perfectly combines the different styles of two haute horlogerie ateliers. Akin to Erard’s Le Régulateur watches done in collaboration with other watchmakers, this timepiece also features the same regulator layout. In addition, it brings the quirky style of Chaykin with a one-eyed monster. The timepiece instantly inspired awe upon its release in 2023. So much so that it even won a nomination for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2023.

The Genesis Of Louis Erard

Founded in 1929, Louis Erard is a maison that has carved a niche by adhering to the core values of Swiss watchmaking. Over the years, this journey towards continuous perfection has helped the maison achieve numerous milestones. These include producing movements in-house, collaborating with talented designers and other brands, and creating limited-edition masterpieces.

While the brand’s original vision had been remarkable, it was only in 2003 when the Louis Erard of today took root, with the brand getting bought by private investors. Innovations and endeavours, such as launching Emotion as the first exclusive women’s collection in 2007, allowed Louis Erard to not only make watches that are excellent but also catered to what the contemporary watch connoisseurs wanted.

Konstantin Chaykin’s Signature Style

Hailing from the Russian city of St. Petersburg, Konstantin Chaykin is a name that reverberates with innovation and creativity. His journey is distinct from the traditional Swiss narrative, embracing Russian heritage and artistic craftsmanship. Chaykin’s creations are often marked by a blend of whimsy and precision, earning him a unique position in global watchmaking.

More specifically, Konstantin Chaykin is celebrated for his pioneering spirit. His timepieces often break the mould with inventive complications and design elements. Notably, he’s the creator of the Joker and Clown watches, which express time playfully and unconventionally.

Driven by a determination to push the boundaries of what a watch can be, Chaykin’s creations have been met with acclaim in the horological world. Most notable achievements include the Clown timepiece winning the GPHG special “Audacity prize” in 2018. Over the years, his innovative timepieces have symbolised artistry and originality in an industry steeped in tradition.

Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time-Eater

The union of Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin, though unconventional on the surface, was a natural progression of their shared values. Despite their geographical and cultural differences, both brands have a deep-rooted passion for innovative watchmaking.

The watch is based on Louis Erard’s iconic regulator model, a hallmark of the brand’s distinctive design identity. It casts a striking visual statement with a monster-inspired design. Such designs are commonly found in the vast range of Konstantin Chaykin watches. The Le Régulateur recreates the imagery of a wide-eyed and open-mouthed monster perfectly with the help of the hour dial cleverly positioned at 12 o’clock and the small seconds dial at six o’clock. The hour indicator resembles the spinning eye of a cyclops, while the seconds dial refers to Goya’s paintings and “The Langoliers,” turning into a monstrous, toothy mouth that is wide open.

Adding a touch of chic beauty to this “monstrous” design is the sunray wave pattern adorning the silver dial. Also, the anthracite-coloured hour sub-dial and the red seconds dial are reminiscent of another Konstantin Chaykin classic timepiece – the Clown. A central minute hand gracefully sweeps across the dial, with one end of the hand featuring an interpretation of an outstretched finger.

The heart of this watch beats with precision, driven by an automatic Sellita SW266-1 calibre, adorned with 31 jewels, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offering a power reserve of at least 38 hours. This meticulously decorated movement also gives you a peek into the open-worked oscillating weight visible through the watch’s exhibition caseback.

The case stands at a slightly large 42mm, with a water resistance of 50 metres. The textured black leather straps add refinement to the watch, which is limited to just 178 pieces. This distinguished combination of remarkable design and impressive mechanism even earned the piece a nomination at the GPHG in the “Petite Aiguille” category, making it the sixth watch by Konstantin Chaykin to be nominated for such an honour. While it didn’t win, it has already set a legacy, even inspiring the equally impressive sequel collection, Louis Erard X Konstantin Chaykin The Time Eater II – Dusk to Dawn.

In Conclusion

The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin timepiece can be labelled as the beginning of a new era in watchmaking. And with partnership between two stalwarts being the keyword of the journey of this truly impressive timepiece, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when two geniuses join hands.