• Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury Le Regulateur Palette of Shadows Bold Hues and Precision Time
  • Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury Le Regulateur Palette of Shadows

    Bold Hues and Precision Time

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 28, 2025
  • The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury Palette of Shadows is a watch that transcends the traditional boundaries of timekeeping and art. This limited edition timepiece is a testament to the bold vision of both Louis Erard and Sylvie Fleury, blending the meticulous craft of Swiss watchmaking with the provocative and playful spirit of contemporary art. It’s a striking collaboration that showcases a perfect blend of luxury and artistic expression, creating a timepiece that is as much a piece of art as it is a functional instrument. At the heart of this unique collaboration is the concept of Le Régulateur, a distinctive layout that separates the hours, minutes, and seconds into individual displays, a nod to historical precision instruments. This design choice is not just about aesthetics; it's a functional decision that enhances readability and pays homage to the regulator clocks used by watchmakers to adjust their timepieces.

    Courtesy of Louis Erard
    Courtesy of Louis Erard


    The collaboration between Louis Erard and Sylvie Fleury is a meeting of minds that share a commitment to challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of their respective fields. Louis Erard, a brand that has always stood for accessible luxury and innovation, finds a kindred spirit in Fleury, whose work often critiques consumer culture and the fetishization of beauty. Together, they have created a watch that is both a statement piece and a wearable expression of art. Sylvie Fleury's influence on this collaboration is evident in the watch's design, which draws inspiration from her series of works based on makeup palettes. By transforming these everyday objects into monumental works of art, Fleury invites us to reconsider the role of beauty products in our lives and their place within the broader context of art history. This approach aligns perfectly with Louis Erard's ethos of making artisanal craftsmanship accessible, blurring the lines between the functional and the aesthetic. The limited edition of 178 pieces adds an element of exclusivity to the collaboration, with the number 178 symbolizing the power of unity and the strength of the collective. This number has become a signature of Louis Erard's limited editions, reinforcing the brand's commitment to collaboration and the creation of unique timepieces that stand apart from the crowd.

    Sylvie Fleury, born in 1961 in Geneva, Switzerland, is an artist renowned for her insightful and often provocative explorations of consumer culture, fashion, and the dynamics of desire. Her work spans a variety of mediums, including sculpture, installation, and performance, all of which are marked by a distinctive aesthetic that blends glamour with a critical edge. Fleury's art frequently engages with the themes of femininity, luxury, and the commodification of beauty, using objects like high-end fashion items, makeup palettes, and even muscle cars as points of departure. By transforming these everyday consumer goods into monumental works of art, she challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of value, identity, and desire. Her series of "shaped canvases," inspired by the packaging of makeup products, exemplifies this approach, turning familiar beauty items into abstract paintings that bridge the gap between the mundane and the sublime. Fleury's work has been exhibited globally, from prestigious museums to cutting-edge galleries, and her influence extends beyond the art world into the realms of fashion and design. Her unique ability to intertwine high art with popular culture, making complex statements about contemporary society through visually striking and accessible pieces, cements her status as a leading figure in the contemporary art scene.

    Courtesy of Louis Erard
    Courtesy of Louis Erard


    Founded in 1929, Louis Erard is a Swiss watchmaking brand that has carved out a unique niche for itself by disrupting the traditional norms of the industry. With a philosophy rooted in making artisanal craftsmanship accessible, Louis Erard has consistently challenged the status quo, offering timepieces that blend traditional watchmaking techniques with contemporary design and innovative collaborations. Under the leadership of Manuel Emch, the brand has undergone a renaissance, prioritizing creativity and lasting quality over rapid growth. Louis Erard's commitment to independence and innovation is inspired by the rugged beauty of the Swiss Jura, the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking. By collaborating with visionary artists and designers such as Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter, and Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard has pushed the boundaries of what a watch can be, transforming timepieces into canvases for artistic expression. This approach has not only redefined the brand's identity but also set a new standard for collaboration in the watch industry, proving that luxury and accessibility can coexist. Louis Erard's dedication to creating exceptional watches that challenge conventions and defy expectations has established it as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in the world of horology.

    The design of the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is a direct reflection of Fleury's artistic vision. The polished black dial, reminiscent of the lacquered case of a makeup palette, serves as a canvas for the vibrant coral and magenta hues that adorn the hour and seconds counters. These colors, inspired by Fleury's palette-based works, inject a sense of playfulness and boldness into the watch, contrasting beautifully with the sleek black background. The regulator layout, with its three separate hands, not only enhances the watch's legibility but also allows each element of the dial to stand out, creating a balanced and harmonious composition. The choice of a glossy black leather strap further accentuates the watch's aesthetic, mirroring the sleekness of the dial and providing a comfortable fit for the wearer. This attention to detail extends to the subtle branding on the dial, where the collaboration between Sylvie Fleury and Louis Erard is highlighted in a tone-on-tone script, a discreet nod to the partnership that brought this timepiece to life.

    Courtesy of Louis Erard
    Courtesy of Louis Erard


    The watch is housed in a 39mm black PVD stainless steel case, a material choice that not only adds to the watch's durability but also complements its overall design. The use of black PVD coating gives the case a sophisticated, matte finish that contrasts with the polished dial and strap, creating a striking visual effect. The case's dimensions are carefully considered to ensure that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, while the domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, offers a clear view of the dial and protects it from scratches and impacts. The transparent black caseback reveals the movement within, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate mechanics of the watch. This feature is a testament to Louis Erard's commitment to craftsmanship and transparency, inviting the wearer to engage with the watch on a deeper level. The signature fir tree crown, a distinctive feature of Louis Erard watches, adds a touch of brand identity to the design, while the water resistance of up to 5 bars ensures that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear.

    At the core of the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is the automatic regulator movement, powered by the Sellita caliber SW266-1. This movement, known for its reliability and precision, features 31 jewels and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. The special openworked oscillating weight, adorned with the Louis Erard symbol, is a subtle yet significant detail that showcases the brand's attention to detail and commitment to quality. With a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, the watch is designed to keep pace with the wearer's lifestyle, providing reliable performance day in and day out. The functions of the watch are thoughtfully laid out, with the hours displayed at 12 o'clock, the central minutes hand, and the seconds counter at 6 o'clock. This regulator configuration not only pays homage to historical timekeeping instruments but also enhances the watch's readability, making it easy to tell the time at a glance. The matte coral lacquered hour hand, matte magenta lacquered second hand, and polished minute hand with black PVD treatment add a vibrant touch to the dial, further emphasizing the watch's unique design and artistic inspiration.

    Courtesy of Louis Erard
    Courtesy of Louis Erard


    The strap of the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is crafted from shiny black calf leather, chosen for its luxurious feel and durability. The black calf leather lining ensures a comfortable fit against the skin, while the polished stainless steel pin buckle with black PVD coating provides a secure closure. The strap's dimensions, with a width of 20/18mm and a length of 65/105 mm, are designed to fit a wide range of wrist sizes, while the ergot bars allow for quick and easy strap changes, giving the wearer the flexibility to customize the look of their watch. This attention to detail underscores Louis Erard's commitment to creating watches that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and comfortable to wear. The combination of the black leather strap with the black PVD case and vibrant dial creates a cohesive and visually striking design that is sure to turn heads.

    The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is not just a timepiece; it's a wearable piece of art that embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation. By bringing together the worlds of Swiss watchmaking and contemporary art, Louis Erard and Sylvie Fleury have created a watch that challenges our perceptions of what a timepiece can be. It's a bold statement piece that celebrates the power of art to provoke, question, and shake up the status quo. As Manuel Emch, the driving force behind Louis Erard's recent transformation, puts it, this collaboration is a "mixtape of existence," a collection of shared and individual life experiences that shape human existence. The watch is a testament to the power of collaboration, the strength of unity, and the beauty of blurring boundaries. It's a reminder that life can be as colorful as we dare to make it, and that art, in all its forms, has the power to transform our lives and challenge our perceptions.

    Courtesy of Louis Erard
    Courtesy of Louis Erard


    The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is a limited edition of 178 pieces, making it a highly sought-after timepiece for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. The watch is priced at CHF 3,900 excluding tax, reflecting its unique design, artisanal craftsmanship, and the collaboration between two creative powerhouses. This price point positions the watch within the realm of accessible luxury, staying true to Louis Erard's philosophy of making high-quality, innovative timepieces available to a wider audience. The watch's availability is limited, emphasizing its exclusivity and making it a coveted piece for those who appreciate the intersection of art and horology.

    Case: Polished stainless steel with black PVD treatment. Diameter of 39 mm, lug width: 20 mm, lug to lug: 46.48 mm, thickness: 12.25 mm. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Movement visible through the transparent black caseback. Water resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50 m/165 ft). Signature fir tree crown. Caseback engraved with “Limited Edition 1 of 178”.

    Movement: Automatic regulator, Sellita caliber SW266-1. 11’’’, Ø25.60 mm, thickness: 5.60 mm, 31 jewels, 28,800 VpH (4Hz). Special openworked oscillating weight with Louis Erard symbol. Approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Hours counter at 12 o'clock, central minutes hand, seconds counter at 6 o'clock.

    Dial: Inspired by Sylvie Fleury’s work in the form of make-up palettes. Black polished lacquer dial with black transfers. Matt coral domed hour counter and matt magenta domed seconds counter. Louis Erard and Sylvie Fleury logos at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock respectively. Matte coral lacquered hour hand, matte magenta lacquered second hand and polished minute hand with black PVD treatment.

    Strap: Shiny black calf leather strap. Black calf leather lining. Polished stainless steel pin buckle with black PVD coating. Ergot bars for quick strap change. Dimensions: 20/18mm width, 65/105 mm length.

    Price: CHF 3,900 (Excl. tax).

    Reference Number: 85238NN42.BVAS89

    Notes: Limited edition of 178 pieces. Watch developed in collaboration with artist Sylvie Fleury. Design inspired by make-up palettes.
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