Collaborations & Partnerships
LE RÉGULATEUR LOUIS ERARD X ATELIER OÏ
The collaboration between Louis Erard, the Swiss watch brand and atelier oï, one of Switzerland’s most renowned design studios, has given birth to a new interpretation of Le Régulateur Louis Erard x atelier Oï unveiled in Milan in shades of gold and blue that reflect the creativity of both houses.
How to materialise space and time? How to materialise the contemporary spirit of the watch when connected technology has disconnected watchmaking from its primary necessity: telling the time?
Louis Erard sought the expertise of atelier oï to rethink their iconic model, the Regulator, with the aim of bringing together key players in watchmaking tradition and Swiss craftsmanship. This collaboration transcends the strict domain of watchmaking, as atelier oï excels in architecture and design as well. This invitation stems not only from close professional ties but also from a friendly relationship dating back to the 1990s, illustrated by the career path of Manuel Emch, current CEO of Louis Erard, who began his career with an internship at atelier oï.
Louis Erard sought the expertise of atelier oï to rethink their iconic model, the Regulator, with the aim of bringing together key players in watchmaking tradition and Swiss craftsmanship. This collaboration transcends the strict domain of watchmaking, as atelier oï excels in architecture and design as well. This invitation stems not only from close professional ties but also from a friendly relationship dating back to the 1990s, illustrated by the career path of Manuel Emch, current CEO of Louis Erard, who began his career with an internship at atelier oï.
Over three decades, atelier oï has become a global reference in its field, garnering numerous accolades that underscore its unique character. The name “oï” is borrowed from the Russian “Troïka,” symbolizing the energy of a trio, namely the three co-founders, Aurel Aebi, Armand Louis, and Patrick Reymond.
For Louis Erard, the goal is to democratize the watchmaking universe and make accessible what is often perceived as reserved for an elite. This challenge is accompanied by an exploration of contemporary creation with its references, reflections, and reinterpretations.
atelier oï proceeded in a basic way: “To radiate from the centre outwards.” Taking care to reduce the technical vocabulary as much as possible, reminiscent of the shape of a sundial. The result is a surface engraved with asymmetrical rays, the light of which reveals reflections and contrasts – echoing the passion of the members of atelier oï for the material and the play of light. The art of engraving being expressed here in its essence: drawn lines. These lines create a space, to which the hands add the dimension of time.
Le Régulateur has naturally imposed its own rhythm: the hands (hour, second) become centres from which rays emerge, generating visual kinetics that each movement of the wrist animates, giving the two-dimensional dial the depth of a radiant architecture. A pure work of art, which nothing can break, not even the Louis Erard logo.
The reading of the time emerges somewhat dematerialized – each element of the dial reminds of the importance of time, notably the discreet the minute-circle still appears around the edge of the dial, with a more pronounced line every five minutes and exactly sixty segments. A nod from atelier oï to the smartphone generation: “Today, the object watch has another meaning.”