SpotlightA Limited-Edition Masterpiece: The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke

If minimalism is your style, then Louis Erard have something interesting in store for you. Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2024, the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke celebrates individuality with a simple design, courtesy the watchmaker’s collaboration with Stefan Kudoke—the first independent German watchmaker to be awarded the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2019. Known for his mastery in skeletonising dials, Kudoke’s power of imagination results in spectacular mechanical art. Whenever Kudoke takes a break from working on his complex ideas, he turns to pure watchmaking, especially watch dials that are an epitome of the bare minimum. The Louis Erard x Kudoke Le Régulateur, too, is a good example of minimalism. Available in four distinct references—the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke Purple, Forest Green, Light Blue, and White MoP (Mother-of-Pearl)—the new versions feature the iconic Louis Erard Le Régulateur-style display, reimagined with the unique technical and aesthetic touch of Stefan Kudoke. These watches emphasise the Le Régulateur’s ‘three in-line hands’ design through the use of geometric elements, with the hour counter at 12 o’clock, a central minute hand, and a seconds counter at six o’clock.

Passion: Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke

The Louis Erard x Kudoke is all the more exclusive as each iteration has been produced as a limited-edition series. While the Purple and White MoP timepieces are limited to 78 pieces each, the Forest Green and Light Blue watches are limited to 100 pieces each.

The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke watches feature a 42mm polished stainless steel case, housing a dial that showcases distinctive elements such as the railway-track chapter ring, two counter rings, and the satin-finished and rhodium-plated ‘Louis Erard’ and ‘Kudoke’ nameplates. The 12 o’clock counter features a distinct ‘Clous de Paris’ hobnail pattern, a ring with a Roman numerals counter, and the iconic infinity-shaped hour hand. The lower part, on the other hand, has a grained finish for a frosted effect. As with the earlier Louis Erard Le Régulateur watches, all Kudoke watches feature three hands made from blued steel.

The watches are water-resistant to 50m and come with a three-part construction. All four timepieces are equipped with a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The see-through caseback is numbered and engraved with the inscription ‘Louis Erard x Kudoke Limited Edition 1 of 78’. The Purple and Light Blue versions are attached to a grey grained calf leather strap, whereas the White MoP is presented on a light grey grained calf leather strap. The Forest Green timepiece comes with a beige grained calf leather strap.

The High-Frequency Movement

All four versions of the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke are powered by the regulator-type Sellita calibre SW266-1. This automatic movement beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and delivers upto 38-hour power reserve. It is not just the dials that have received love and attention from the two watchmakers, but also the high-frequency engine, which features an open-worked oscillating weight with a black-lacquered Louis Erard symbol.

Presented alongside the newest 2300 Sport Chronograph and Louis Erard x The Horophile La Petite Seconde Metropolis Green at Geneva Watch Days 2024, the Kudoke extends this growing list of limited-edition Le Régulateurs. The brainchild of Louis Erard chief Manuel Emch and Stefan Kudoke, the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Kudoke represents unconventional watchmaking, specialised skills, and accessible luxury.