A more affordable version of the iconic "Wristmons".
Konstantin Chaykin doesn't take part in partner projects that often, which makes the year 2023 an exception for this Russian watchmaker. The year got off to a start in collaboration with Chinese brand Behrens: three watch editions with unusual "wonder seconds", limited to 200 pieces.
Now Chaykin is on a roll with two limited edition color versions in partnership with Louis Erard: Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time-Eater.
Chaykin's latest partner takes the opposite approach, as Louis Erard focuses on collaborative work that translates the style of independent watchmakers to deliver a more stripped-back affordable option.
Louis Erard’s novelty with Chaykin is no exception. The two models with different colored chapter rings (green and purple) are priced at CHF 4,000, which is a third or less of the price other members of the Wristmons collection retail at.
It's cheaper to buy in bulk: a diptych or box set of the two models is also available for CHF 7,900. The limit for watches being sold separately is 178 pieces for each color variation, while box sets are limited to 28.
The less eyes there are, the lower the price. The watchmaker says a one-eyed monster from Slavic mythology called Likho served as a source of inspiration.
Further inspiration for the sharp-toothed ogre's mouth was drawn from Francisco Goya's terrifying painting "Saturn Devouring His Son", although Saturn has two eyes.
The hour indication at 12 o'clock is typical of Chaykin's Wristmons, while a traditional central minutes hand is used. It circles the entire dial on Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time-Eater, creating more symmetry.
A third role is performed by the seconds disc at 6 o'clock. Chaykin's two watches come in different sizes: the purple-ring edition is 39 mm in diameter while the model with a green chapter ring is 42 mm in diameter. The engine housed inside the watch is a regulator movement by Sellita with a power reserve of around 38 hours.
Louis Erard has used the same Sellita caliber SW266-1 other watch collaborations, such as watches made in partnership with Alain Silberstein and atelier oï. It has also been used in Louis Erard's own regulators, including the recent series with stone dials.