Once again, Louis Erard entrusted his regulator to the master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin, unveiling a darker rendition of the renowned Wristmons – grotesque, saw-mouthed cyclopes inspired by the Slavic Likho legend. This time, the Likho returned, brimming with anger.
Two limited edition variations were introduced, each comprising 178 pieces, available in a diptych box (limited to 28 pieces) or a quadriptych box (including the first two versions, limited to 8 pieces).
One should avoid gazing deeply into its pupil, for the Likho’s malevolent eye held the power to alter one’s life irreversibly. The Likho, a legendary creature from Slavic folklore, took on a new form when narrated by master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin – a tale of caution indeed.
Konstantin Chaykin, an esteemed practitioner and member of the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) with 94 patents to his name, consistently infused his creations with elements of horror. Yes, horror – no Erard, no mistake about it! Erard, on the other hand, was undeniably present. That unique, disquieting eye spun like an hourglass, drawing one deeper into its abyss with every passing second.
Chaykin had a choice. He could have dedicated his expertise to the realm of fine watchmaking, creating flawlessly designed, inventive, and traditional timepieces with exceptional craftsmanship, hand guilloché, and grand feu enamel. However, during full moon nights, a different kind of inspiration took hold of Konstantin Chaykin, leading to his so-called “visions” which he transformed into watches featuring monstrous visages – the Wristmons, and they were truly spine-chilling.
This time, Chaykin took it a step further by awakening the Likho, a terror from folklore – yes, folklore indeed! Konstantin Chaykin thought he was having fun, and Louis Erard welcomed him with open arms, believing that unity could ward off any ill fate. Together, they crafted a watch bearing the Likho’s countenance.
You might recall it – a diptych available in two sizes, 42mm and 39mm, featuring a green hour circle on the 42mm version and a purple one on the 39mm to slightly soften the monstrous face, appease fear, and cater to a wider audience. Of course, they were limited editions, each with the talismanic number of 178, which, in numerology, symbolizes strength in unity.
This watch gained immense popularity, making the monster’s face known worldwide. Collectors pursued it like a prized trophy, and during the Geneva Watch Days, the set containing the first two versions was auctioned at Ineichen in Geneva, fetching a staggering price of 20,000 francs!
Just when they thought they were done with it, the watch was nominated for the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Chaykin’s visions hadn’t faded; they had intensified, becoming darker and more haunting after countless sleepless nights, hounded by collectors. The cannibalistic mouth of the monster resumed its relentless ticking, its vengeful finger pointing at the dwindling minutes, and its cursed monocle eye bore burst veins.
Yet, when watchmakers heard the tale, they couldn’t resist embracing the vision and creating an even more terrifying creature. If, by chance, you cross paths with it, avert your gaze. Legend has it that anyone who meets its midnight stare turns into stone or a slug – but the truth remains shrouded in mystery.
In case you do encounter it, here’s the description: The Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Dusk to Dawn Regulator, a limited edition of 178 pieces with a price excluding VAT of 4,000 Swiss francs. It’s available in two versions, a 42mm polished steel case or a 39mm sand-blasted steel case with black PVD treatment, featuring anthracite or black lower plates with a sunray wave pattern, a shiny white hour disc with a black pupil and red blood accents, a matte black star-shaped second’s disc, and a shiny red hand-shaped minute hand. The strap is made of black toad leather with red attachment points and a red rabbit leather lining. The diptych edition set is limited to 28 pieces, while the quadriptych edition set, including the first two editions, is limited to 8 pieces.
For more information, please visit LouisErard.com.