Swiss watchmaker Louis Erard, known for its strategic collaborations initiated by Manuel Emch, has unveiled fresh iterations of its acclaimed 'Unfrogettable' timepiece, a result of its enduring partnership with independent artisan Konstantin Chaykin. Following the success of the original Frog Princess watch, these new editions introduce vibrant turquoise and sophisticated brown dial options, further enhancing the collection's whimsical charm without compromising on horological artistry.
Konstantin Chaykin's signature 'Wristmons' series brings animated characters to life on the wrist, each imbued with a unique narrative. The 'Unfrogettable' draws inspiration from folklore, portraying a frog that, in various cultures, symbolizes wisdom or good fortune. Chaykin's creative vision transforms this motif into an engaging time display, where the frog's expressive eyes serve as indicators for hours and seconds, creating a dynamic and ever-changing facial expression.
Unlike previous 'Time Eaters' models, which featured a vertical regulator display, the 'Unfrogettable' ingeniously reconfigures the movement for a horizontal time readout. This innovative design positions the hours at 9 o'clock and seconds at 3 o'clock, with the minutes delineated on the dial's periphery by an arrow-shaped hand. The continuous rotation of the frog's eyes at different speeds ensures that the watch's face presents a constantly evolving spectacle.
The aesthetic evolution extends to the watch's casing. Departing from traditional crown placements, the 'Unfrogettable' features its crown at 12 o'clock. Crafted from lightweight grade 5 titanium, this crown is shaped like a distinctive three-pointed tiara, complementing the watch's 'Frog Princess' theme. The 40mm diameter and 12.45mm thickness are balanced by lugs that artfully curve around the case, reminiscent of De Bethune's iconic articulated designs.
The newly introduced turquoise variant boasts a textured dial with a two-toned minute track in violet and dark turquoise, subtle details like the intertwined Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin logos marked by a heart, and dark turquoise accents for the frog's eyes and nostrils. The brown edition offers a warmer palette, with 5N-treated elements on the crown, minute hand, and eye surrounds, set against a grained brown backdrop. Both versions incorporate green Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low light conditions, specifically on the eyes and the tip of the minute hand.
Underneath its captivating exterior, the 'Unfrogettable' relies on the robust Sellita SW266-1 automatic caliber. This movement, also utilized in other Louis Erard regulators, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of 38 hours. Each timepiece is completed with a black Himeji Kurozan calfskin leather strap, known for its hand-rubbed finish and Urushi lacquer treatment, and secured with a titanium pin buckle. These exclusive watches are limited to 178 pieces per color option, with a retail price of CHF 4,500, excluding tax.
The latest offerings from Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin represent a fusion of playful design and serious watchmaking. These 'Unfrogettable' models not only maintain the brands' commitment to independent horology but also introduce fresh colorways and refined design elements, reinforcing their appeal to collectors who appreciate both mechanical innovation and creative expression. The limited production ensures their exclusivity and desirability within the discerning watch community.