Manuel Emch, who leads Louis Erard, met the artist Monica Bonvicini at Art Basel and later visited her studio in Berlin, where they became friends.
Louis Erard introduces the Louis Erard x Monica Bonvicini “Not For You”, limited to 178 pieces. It is the brand’s third artist watch, made for the 14th edition of Art Genève.
Since 2006, Bonvicini has shown the words “not for you” on walls in neon or mirror letters. Here they sit on the dial as a mirror-polished appliqué that reflects whoever looks at it. The matte black Clou de Paris guilloché recalls the nails, leather and black of her work, and the polished steel case holds the automatic Sellita SW261-1.
“Time is made of things that begin and end. Why desire it when we are already living it?” says Bonvicini. With two strap sizes, Louis Erard calls it a unisex watch – one that, like her work, sits outside easy categories.
The number 178 itself carries meaning: in Chinese culture, it stands for “Stronger Together.” Look at the dial, and its message looks back.
The Basics
Brand: Louis Erard
Model: Louis Erard x Monica Bonvicini “Not For You”
Reference: 34242AA02.BVAS28
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 12.82mm
Case material: Polished stainless steel
Dial: Black Clous de Paris guilloché with a black mirror-polished “not for you” appliqué; rhodium-plated tapered hands
Water resistance: 5 bar (50m)
Strap: Black Baranil calfskin, polished stainless steel pin buckle, quick-release spring bars; supplied with an additional larger strap
Limited edition: 178 pieces
The Movement
Calibre: Sellita SW261-1, automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Automatic; openworked rotor with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol
Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Jewels: 31
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.