Louis Erard Le Régulateur x Olivier Mosset TimeForArt Edition

Quick specs Louis Erard Le Régulateur x Olivier Mosset TimeForArt Edition
Price: to be auctioned, price estimate: $ 3,000 – $ 6,000 – sold for $ 12,700
Size: 42 mm
Reference: 85237AA63.BVA175OM – limited to 1 piece

Louis Erard’s Le Régulateur x Olivier Mosset TimeForArt Edition, a collaboration with artist Olivier Mosset, is designed for collectors and art enthusiasts. This watch connects fine watchmaking with contemporary art, showcasing its minimalist aesthetic.

The TimeForArt Edition stems from Louis Erard’s commitment to merging horology and art. This model builds upon the Le Régulateur collection, known for its distinct dial layouts that emphasize a clean and legible design. Olivier Mosset, a renowned Swiss artist, adds his avant-garde touch to this piece, making it an expression of artistic and horological synergy.

Dimensions, materials, and design details

The watch features a 42-millimeter stainless steel case. Its tone-on-tone blue dial transitions to violet in varying light, a design inspired by Mosset’s “Untitled” artwork. These are metal canvases that were on display at the MAMO Centre d’art de la Cité Radieuse in 2018. The effects are created by a shiny blue lacquered inlaid with silver glitter, just like this all-black Louis Erard x Olivier Mosset Le Regulateur.

The hands are baton-style and identical in size, differentiated only by the hole’s position, making time reading intuitive without cluttering the dial. Well, that’s what the brand says. We think a normal human being needs to recalibrate its perception of how to read the time. But it is more a work of art than a watch. And the absence of labels or logos enhances the artistic focus.

Regulator movement

Inside this Le Régulateur runs the Sellita caliber SW266-1. An automatic regulator movement with three axes, one for each hand. This caliber normally has a date function too, but that has been left out for this timepiece. The power reserve is 38 hours and part of the movement is visible through the sapphire case back.

The straps provided include a functional leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle for daily wear. The additional strap, signed by Mosset, enhances the piece’s value as an art object rather than a wearable item. This strap is also marked with “work of art – do not wear”.

Pricing of this TimeForArt Edition Louis Erard

The Louis Erard Le Régulateur TimeForArt Edition is estimated at 3,000 to 6,000 US dollars. Comparable models with artistic influences or regulator style are often priced in similar ranges. However, the Mosset collaboration and exclusive art focus differentiate this model, appealing to collectors of both watches and contemporary art.

Louis Erard has crafted a unique piece that stands out by balancing artistry and horology. It speaks to those who appreciate watches as more than time-telling instruments, offering a piece of wearable art. On 7 December 2024 it will be auctioned as a part of the Phillips New York Watch Auction. And if you are not able to buy this blue version, you can always try to order the black model.