First Look Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Cédric Johner (Live Pictures)

Louis Erard has made a habit of opening up the field of vision of contemporary watchmaking, by inviting architects, artists, craftsmen and independent watchmakers. That's how a watch becomes a message. Better still, a symbol. The very image of sharing.  This new collaboration with Geneva-based Cédric Johner is at the crossroads of all these paths.

Louis Erard's new collaboration represents a new stage in the exploration of fine contemporary watchmaking. This time, the collaboration with watchmaker and jeweler Cédric Johner takes craftsmanship to new heights, as he personally hand-decorates the oscillating weight of each movement. With a sleek 39- millimeter case available in two captivating variations blue and mauve, this limited edition release consists of two sets of 178 meticulously crafted pieces each.

Cédric Johner practices “intuitive watchmaking,” starting with components, fitting them together until the watch is finished and decorated. Working alone, Johner does most of the work alone by hand in his workshop without computer assistance. This gave him great knowledge in watchmaking.

His career began with an apprenticeship with Chopard, Embracing every opportunity to learn, he became self-employed immediately after his apprenticeship, creating bespoke jewelry, bracelets, cases, and complete watches. In the 1990s, he crafted his first watch, the Abyss, featuring a distinctive hexagonal dial opening. From there, he explored various designs, from simple three-hand watches to grand complications, developing his unique decorations using traditional machines. 

Manuel Emch, Louis Erard's Artistic Director and CEO, approached Cédric Johner. With mutual understanding and shared values, they aimed to merge artistic watches with refined, accessible watchmaking. Thus, the partnership was born, encapsulating their vision: crafting a limited series reflecting bespoke refinement without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship.

The long-awaited unveiling has arrived. Introducing the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Cédric Johner, presented in two exquisite variations: one featuring a captivating blue dial, the other boasting a striking mauve hue. Limited to just two editions, each consisting of 178 meticulously crafted pieces.

All signatures are present: Louis Erard's, the Excellence case, and the fir-tree crown. The unmistakable essence of Cédric Johner is also evident, with the iconic hexagonal bezel opening further enhancing its distinctive allure, epitomizing unparalleled craftsmanship. The polished stainless steel case measures Diameter: 39 mm and Height: 12.82 mm. It features a domed hexagonal sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides and a sapphire crystal caseback.

The extreme sophistication of the dial is evident, featuring engraved guilloché  decoration and concave turned hour and minute counters to add contrast and volume. Treated with PVD in two colors, blue and purple, the dial showcases a subdial at 12 o'clock adorned with Roman numerals, while the seconds subdial at 6 o'clock features white dots. The central minutes complement the simple design, with a railtrack following the hexagonal dial shape in white on the polished flange.

The watch's three hands embody simplicity of regulator design, taking the shape of leaf all of which are rhodium-plated.

The watch is powered by an automatic Sellita SW266-1, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasting a 38-hour power reserve, with an openworked oscillating weight decorated by Cédric Johner. 

witness the meticulously adorned automatic movement, each delicately decorated by the skilled hand of Cédric Johner with 230 intricately crafted beads, meticulously placed one by one, oscillating weight by oscillating weight, within the confines of his workshop.

This special timepiece is accompanied by a grained black or grey calfskin leather strap and a stainless steel buckle. The price for this exceptional creation is CHF 4,000, equivalent to 16,800 AED.

For more information please visit Louis Erard official website.