Louis Erard ventures into uncharted territory by merging the realms of exquisite watchmaking and contemporary art. The latest collaboration introduces Swiss artist Olivier Mosset, an iconic figure in abstract art, into the world of horology. The result is a black-on-black timepiece adorned with sparkling inlays, limited to just 178 exclusive editions.
The synergy unfolds between a distinguished manufacturer of precision mechanical timepieces and a trailblazing artist known for his influence on 60s abstraction, incorporating gestures, objects, and attitude. This unique convergence occurs between the landscapes of Franches-Montagnes and Arizona, Noirmont and Tucson. The outcome extends beyond a mere watch; it is an essay, a compendium, a few grams of polysemy, capturing the essence of Olivier Mosset’s artistic expression within a timekeeping masterpiece that avoids complete immersion in art, remaining committed to its primary function – telling time.
“What amuses me about watches is their accessory aspect – a watch is useless today. It reminds me of the scene in “Easy Rider”, when they’ve just bought their bikes and are about to leave, Peter Fonda takes off his watch and throws it away.”
Olivier Mosset
This timepiece serves as a frontier, straddling the land of signs on one side and the domain of watchmaking on the other. An invitation to embark on a journey, it reflects Mosset’s dual identity as both an artist and a biker, an “Easy Rider” in the Jura and an artist in “Watchland.” The watch, shrouded entirely in black – case, bracelet, and hands – emerges as a pure work of art, devoid of labels or logos. The dial, adorned with silver glitter, provides the sole contrast, while the hands, uniform in length and width with rounded ends, maintain a minimalist aesthetic, with a subtle reference to direction through the size of the hole.
This timepiece embodies abstraction, offering a minimalist geometric reinterpretation of the regulator with mechanically separated hands for minutes, hours, and seconds. It deviates from the conventional aim of improving precision and legibility, transforming into a genuine work of art.
Olivier Mosset’s artistic codes permeate the design – geometric reduction, chromatic reduction, and flat color tints. The dial, inspired by Mosset’s fascination with street culture, evokes the aesthetics of automobile bodies with its metallic paint and a black, glittering surface. The collaboration, initiated by Louis Erard’s director, Manuel Emch, a devoted contemporary art connoisseur, reflects Mosset’s journey from his involvement in the B.M.P.T group in 1966 to crafting a unique watch.
Each of the 178 timepieces is elevated to the status of a work of art, accompanied by a red seal declaring, “work of art – do not wear.” The case is complemented by two interchangeable bracelets, one bearing the artist’s signature. Louis Erard’s commitment to challenging watchmaking norms through artistic collaborations resonates with collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts globally, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.