Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Le Regulateur II

In the ever-evolving world of horology, where innovation and tradition intertwine, collaborations often lead to the birth of extraordinary timepieces that capture the essence of both brands. One such collaboration that has ignited the passions of watch enthusiasts is the recent partnership between Louis Erard and Vianney Halter, culminating in the creation of Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II. This exceptional timepiece seamlessly blends the rich heritage of Louis Erard with the avant-garde spirit of Vianney Halter, resulting in a watch that is both captivating and unconventional.



Louis Erard, a Swiss watchmaking brand established in 1929, has consistently challenged the status quo by making artisanal craftsmanship accessible to a wider audience. Their timepieces are characterized by a contemporary edge, often incorporating artistic crafts and defying traditional norms. Under the leadership of Manuel Emch, Louis Erard has prioritized innovation and lasting excellence, forging a new path in the watchmaking industry. The brand's collaborations with visionaries like Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter, and Konstantin Chaykin have further solidified its reputation for pushing boundaries and redefining the concept of time.



Vianney Halter, an independent watchmaker born in France and based in Switzerland, is a true maverick in the world of horology. With his bold and imaginative designs, he has been shaking up the industry for over two decades. Halter's creations, such as the iconic Antiqua and Deep Space Resonance, draw inspiration from astronomy, sci-fi, and historical timepieces, resulting in watches that are as much works of art as they are functional instruments. Driven by curiosity and a love for the unexpected, Halter constantly pushes the boundaries of watchmaking, crafting timepieces that feel more like artistic statements than mere accessories.



The Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Le Régulateur II is a testament to the shared passion for innovation and unconventional design that both brands embody. This exceptional timepiece seamlessly blends Halter's distinctive Steampunk aesthetic with the classic regulator style, resulting in a watch that is both captivating and unconventional. The deconstructed design, with its asymmetrical counters and offset crown at 2 o'clock, is a nod to Halter's iconic Antiqua model, while the blued steel hands, a signature element of both watchmakers, add a touch of traditional elegance.



The watch's retro-futuristic industrial aesthetic is further enhanced by the red-gilded rivets that adorn the bezel and crown, reminiscent of industrial machines. These rivets, along with the raised dial elements and Halter's signature font, create a visually striking and distinctive design that is unmistakably Halter. The two limited-edition versions of the watch, each limited to 178 pieces, feature reversed dial colors, with one exclusive to Louis Erard's e-boutique and the other available only through authorized retailers. This unique distribution strategy adds to the exclusivity and desirability of the watch, making it a true collector's item.



At the heart of this horological marvel beats the automatic Sellita caliber SW266-1, a regulator movement renowned for its precision and reliability. This 11’’’ caliber, measuring 25.60 mm in diameter and 5.60 mm in thickness, boasts 31 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). The movement is meticulously decorated, a testament to the watchmakers' dedication to detail, and features a special openworked oscillating weight adorned with the black lacquered Louis Erard symbol. With a power reserve of at least 38 hours, this timepiece ensures that its wearer remains connected to the rhythm of time.



The movement's regulator function is displayed through an unconventional arrangement of subdials. The hours are indicated by a counter positioned at 11 o'clock, while the seconds are tracked by a separate counter at 5 o'clock. This deconstructed approach to timekeeping, a hallmark of Vianney Halter's design philosophy, challenges traditional watchmaking norms and invites the wearer to experience time in a new and engaging way.



Encasing this mechanical marvel is a 43 mm stainless steel case, a harmonious blend of polished and circular satin-brushed finishes. The bezel is adorned with 12 polished red-gilt 5N rivets, a nod to Halter's Steampunk inspiration and a testament to the watch's industrial aesthetic. The crown, positioned unconventionally at 2 o'clock, is also embellished with 24 red-gilt 5N rivets, further accentuating the watch's unique character.



The case's three-part construction ensures both durability and visual appeal. A sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, provides a clear view of the intricate dial and protects it from scratches and glare. The transparent caseback offers a glimpse into the meticulously decorated movement, allowing the wearer to appreciate the mechanical ballet within. With a water resistance of 5 bar (50 meters), this timepiece is suitable for everyday wear, accompanying its owner on life's adventures.



The dial of the Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Le Régulateur II is a masterpiece of design, a testament to Vianney Halter's artistic vision. Two versions of the dial are available, each offering a unique color scheme and aesthetic experience. The e-commerce exclusive edition features a red-gilt 5N base with rhodium-plated subdial rings, while the retail exclusive edition reverses this arrangement, showcasing a rhodium-plated base with red-gilt 5N subdial rings.



The dial's chapter ring and counter rings are adorned with circular satin-brushed finishes and diamond-polished chamfers, adding depth and complexity to the design. The base of the dial is finished with a vertical satin-brushing, creating a subtle contrast with the subdial rings. Black transfers provide clear and legible markings, ensuring ease of time reading. The Louis Erard logo is positioned at 2 o'clock, while the Vianney Halter logo graces the dial at 8 o'clock, a subtle reminder of the collaborative spirit behind this exceptional timepiece.



Completing the watch's aesthetic is a dark brown grained calf leather strap, exuding a vintage charm that complements the watch's overall design. The strap features tone-on-tone stitching and a black lining, adding to its refined appearance. A polished stainless steel pin buckle secures the watch comfortably on the wrist, while ergot bars allow for quick and easy strap changes, should the wearer desire a different look.



The Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Le Régulateur II is not just a watch; it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that define haute horlogerie. With its unconventional design, meticulous attention to detail, and limited production run of 178 pieces per version, this timepiece is destined to become a sought-after collector's item. Priced at CHF 4,444 (excluding tax), it offers exceptional value for a watch that embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration.