Olivier Mosset had never designed a watch, or any object, until Louis Erard director Manuel Emch suggested it, and he let himself be drawn in.
Louis Erard today introduces Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Olivier Mosset, limited to 178 pieces. It is a black-on-black regulator with no labels and no logos, and only the dial, inlaid with silver glitter, contrasts.
A regulator separates the hands: the hour sits at 12 o’clock, the minute in the centre and the seconds at 6 o’clock. Here the three hands are identical batons, and only the size of the hole in each gives the reading its direction.
“What amuses me about watches is their accessory aspect - a watch is useless today,” says Mosset, a biker as well as an artist.
The 42mm case is sand-blasted stainless steel with a black PVD treatment, and inside is the automatic Sellita SW266-1 regulator movement. Each watch comes with a red seal reading “work of art - do not wear” and two interchangeable straps, one signed by the artist.
Louis Erard says 178 is the number for all its collaborations, representing strength in unity.
The Basics
Brand: Louis Erard
Model: Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Olivier Mosset
Reference: 85237NN62
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 12.25mm
Case material: Sand-blasted stainless steel, black PVD; domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides; transparent black case back
Dial: Shiny black lacquer inlaid with silver glitter; satin black PVD baton hands
Water resistance: 5 bars (50m)
Strap: Two black calf leather straps, one signed by Olivier Mosset; black PVD pin buckle; quick-change spring bars
Limited edition: 178 pieces
The Movement
Calibre: Sellita SW266-1, élaboré grade
Functions: Hour at 12 o’clock, central minute, seconds at 6 o’clock
Winding: Automatic; openworked oscillating weight with the Louis Erard symbol
Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Jewels: 31
Images courtesy of Louis Erard.