What happens when high watchmaking collides with avant-garde art? The result is nothing short of revolutionary. Louis Erard, the Swiss watch brand renowned for its bold collaborations, joins forces with Sylvie Fleury, an artist celebrated for turning everyday consumer culture into high-concept art. Together, they unveil Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury—a timepiece that dares to break the mold of tradition, blending the worlds of horology, fashion, and modern art into a singular statement piece.
Art Meets Watchmaking
Louis Erard, known for its innovative approach to mechanical watchmaking, has consistently sought to blend tradition with modernity. Over the years, it has partnered with creative visionaries such as Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter, and Konstantin Chaykin. This time, the collaboration with Fleury—a globally acclaimed artist celebrated for her provocative reflections on consumer culture—ushers in a fresh artistic dialogue in horology.
Fleury’s work challenges gender stereotypes and the fetishization of beauty in consumer products. Her transformation of makeup palettes into monumental paintings serves as the inspiration for this timepiece. The Le Régulateur watch reflects her artistic DNA, taking the concept of cosmetics packaging and elevating it to high watchmaking.
The Palette of Shadows: Design and Features
The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is more than a watch—it is an artistic statement. The 39mm black PVD stainless steel case houses a polished black lacquer dial reminiscent of the sleek, glossy cases of luxury makeup palettes. This unique aesthetic is further enhanced by a coral-colored hour counter at 12 o’clock and a matte magenta seconds counter at 6 o’clock, reinforcing the bold color contrasts found in Fleury’s artistic work. The three-in-line hands—Louis Erard’s signature regulator design—further elevate the watch’s distinct character.
The timepiece is powered by an automatic Sellita caliber SW266-1, featuring a power reserve of 38 hours. The transparent black caseback allows for a glimpse of the finely decorated movement, and the limited edition engraving—1 of 178—underscores the watch’s exclusivity. Completing the look is a shiny black calf leather strap, adding a touch of sophistication and contrast to the vibrant elements on the dial.
A Philosophy of Disruption
Fleury’s work has always been about challenging societal norms and redefining perceptions. As she puts it:
“I unveil objects with raw simplicity while relentlessly pushing the boundaries that try to cage them, refusing to be boxed in by the labels of what I do and who I am.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with Louis Erard’s philosophy under the leadership of Manuel Emch. He describes the collaboration as a “mixtape of existence”, where different artistic and personal experiences blend to create something truly unique. By working with Fleury, Louis Erard reaffirms its mission to blur the lines between craftsmanship, art, and accessibility, refusing to be constrained by the conventional framework of watch design.
Limited Edition with a Bold Message
As with all Louis Erard artistic collaborations, exclusivity is key. The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Sylvie Fleury is limited to 178 pieces, a number symbolizing unity and the strength of collective creativity. Priced at CHF 3,900 (excluding tax), it is an avant-garde timepiece that speaks to collectors, art enthusiasts, and watch connoisseurs alike.
With this collaboration, Louis Erard and Sylvie Fleury have crafted more than just a watch. They have created a dialogue between art and time, challenging norms and celebrating the power of self-expression. The Palette of Shadows is a reminder that luxury, like art, is what we make of it.
