Louis Erard Elevates Contemporary Watchmaking with Exclusive Collaboration
Louis Erard enters a new chapter in the realm of fine contemporary watchmaking with its latest collaboration, this time with watchmaker and jeweler Cédric Johner. Johner brings a level of craftsmanship that pushes boundaries, personally hand-decorating the oscillating weight of each movement. The result is a limited edition release of unparalleled sophistication, featuring a sleek 39-millimeter case available in two captivating variations – blue and mauve – with each set consisting of two editions, totaling 178 meticulously crafted pieces each.
For Louis Erard, a watch is not merely a timepiece but a message, even a symbol of sharing. The brand has a tradition of expanding the horizons of contemporary watchmaking by collaborating with architects, artists, craftsmen, and independent watchmakers. The partnership with Geneva-based Cédric Johner represents a convergence of these diverse paths.
Describing his approach as “intuitive watchmaking,” Johner eschews plans and instead crafts his timepieces organically, component by component. He begins with existing movements, often favoring vintage mechanisms for their architectural balance and condition. Each watch is meticulously dismantled, restored, decorated, and reassembled by Johner’s expert hands.
Johner’s journey as a craftsman is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication. Starting with an apprenticeship as a jeweler at Chopard, he later trained as a watchmaker but credits his practical experience for his extensive knowledge. His career as a self-employed artisan allowed him to create bespoke pieces, from jewelry to complete watches. His innovative designs, such as the iconic Abyss case with its distinctive hexagonal dial opening, showcase his creativity and craftsmanship.
The highly anticipated collaboration between Louis Erard and Cédric Johner unveils the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Cédric Johner, presented in two exquisite variations: one featuring a captivating blue dial and the other boasting a striking mauve hue. Limited to just two editions, each comprising 178 meticulously crafted pieces, these timepieces embody the essence of both Louis Erard and Cédric Johner.
The Le Régulateur showcases Louis Erard’s signature elements, including the Excellence case and the regulator calibre, complemented by Johner’s intricate craftsmanship. The dial features engraved guilloché decoration and concave turned hour and minute counters for contrast and volume. The iconic hexagonal bezel opening adds to its distinctive allure.
A highlight of the collaboration is the meticulously adorned automatic movement, with each oscillating weight delicately decorated by Cédric Johner himself. Using 230 intricately crafted beads, Johner meticulously places each one by one within the confines of his workshop, showcasing his unparalleled dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
For more information, please visit LouisErard.com.
