Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time Eater III Regulator

A monster has returned to the forefront of independent watchmaking, its single eye glaring with mischievous intent. The collaboration between Swiss watchmaker Louis Erard and the iconoclastic Russian creator Konstantin Chaykin has once again produced a creature of horological fantasy. The Time Eater is back for a third and perhaps final appearance in its regulator form, emerging not as a single entity, but as a duo of distinct, yet equally captivating, timepieces. This new chapter, titled the Time Eater III, reanimates the beloved WristMonster, offering two new interpretations that build upon the wild success of their predecessors, continuing a story that blends traditional watchmaking with a bold, narrative-driven design.

The partnership between Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin is a fascinating convergence of philosophies. On one hand, Louis Erard, a brand established in the Swiss Jura in 1929, has carved a niche for itself by democratizing fine watchmaking. Under the contemporary leadership of Manuel Emch, the company has championed the idea that high-quality, mechanically interesting, and artistically crafted timepieces should not be the exclusive domain of the ultra-wealthy. Their focus on the regulator—a type of watch with separated time displays for hours, minutes, and seconds—has become a signature canvas for collaborations, allowing for creative reinterpretations of a classic complication. Louis Erard’s mission is one of accessibility and innovation, consistently punching above its weight class.



On the other hand stands Konstantin Chaykin, a figure who is less a traditional watchmaker and more a master of horological invention and character creation. Operating from his manufacture in Russia since 2003, Chaykin has become globally renowned for his "WristMonsters," a collection of watches that anthropomorphize time, giving each piece a distinct face and personality. He is the only Russian member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) and a prolific inventor, holding more patents than any other living watchmaker. His work, which includes everything from the first Russian-made tourbillon to a clock that calculates Orthodox Easter, is a testament to a mind unbound by convention, earning him the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2018.

The genesis of the Time Eater III, according to Louis Erard’s Manuel Emch, was sparked by Chaykin himself. The call came with a characteristic blend of mischief and strategic thinking, with Chaykin proposing an expansion of their joint venture that would allow him to sell a version of their creation directly. This led to the development of a two-watch release, a sequel that not only satisfies the cravings of collectors who missed the initial sell-out releases but also deepens the collaborative narrative. It’s a project born from mutual respect and a shared sense of fun, pushing the boundaries of what a collaborative watch can be.

At the heart of the Time Eater III's design is a playful and brilliantly executed perversion of the traditional regulator layout. The dial is dominated by a singular, unblinking eye that serves as the hour indicator. Positioned within a sub-dial at 12 o'clock, this convex, white disc features a black pupil that stares out, seemingly tracking the observer's every move. This "mono-eye" is the focal point of the watch's character, instantly transforming the instrument of time-telling into a living creature strapped to the wrist. It’s a signature Chaykin element, perfectly integrated into the Louis Erard regulator framework.



Further animating this mechanical beast is the central minutes hand. Forsaking its traditional, utilitarian form, the hand is designed as a whimsical, gesturing appendage. One end is shaped like a defiant, raised finger, while the other flashes a classic "rock'n'roll" salute. This rebellious hand sweeps across the dial, its unconventional shape constantly interacting with the other facial features, adding a layer of dynamic personality to the watch. It doesn't just point to the minutes; it communicates an attitude, a sense of playful anarchy that defines the Time Eater's spirit.

Completing the face of the monster is the running seconds indicator located at the 6 o'clock position. Instead of a simple hand, Chaykin and Louis Erard have implemented a rotating disc designed to look like a devouring mouth. This circular aperture reveals a spinning, star-shaped disc with sharp, menacing teeth. As the seconds tick by, the mouth appears to churn and gnash, a constant, hungry motion that gives the Time Eater its name. This element provides a continuous, hypnotic animation, ensuring the watch is never static, always alive with kinetic energy.

The collaboration is presented in two distinct editions, each limited to 178 pieces. The first, sold by Louis Erard, features a larger 42mm case and is defined by a vibrant, shiny blue minutes ring. This version exudes a cool, confident presence on the wrist. The second edition, sold exclusively by Konstantin Chaykin, is housed in a more classically proportioned 39mm case and is distinguished by a fiery, shiny red minutes ring. This choice of dual releases is a first for the collaboration, allowing each brand to cater to its audience directly and giving collectors a choice of both size and color.

The dial of the blue Louis Erard edition is a complex and textured landscape. The brilliant blue of the minutes track provides a striking frame for the action within. Below this, the main dial plate is finished with a gray sunburst wave pattern, a subtle but captivating detail that catches the light and adds a sense of depth. The hour sub-dial at 12 o'clock features an anthracite circular satin-finished flange, providing a dark, contrasting border for the stark white of the mono-eye. At 6 o'clock, the toothed mouth is framed by a shiny red seconds flange, a pop of color that echoes the danger implied by the sharp teeth within. The brand logos are rendered in black transfer, with Konstantin Chaykin’s name proudly displayed at the top and Louis Erard’s at the bottom.



In the red edition offered by Chaykin, the color scheme is inverted to create a different, though equally dramatic, effect. The minutes ring is a bold, shiny red, immediately signaling a more aggressive and fiery character. The main dial plate is a lighter, silver-toned canvas, which makes the red accents and the dark central elements pop with greater contrast. The sunburst wave pattern remains, lending the same dynamic light play as its blue counterpart. The brand logos on this version are transferred in white, ensuring legibility against the red track and maintaining the watch’s balanced and highly graphic aesthetic.

Both versions are housed in a meticulously crafted three-part stainless steel case with a mirror-polished finish. The 42mm blue version possesses a commanding wrist presence, with a lug-to-lug distance of 49.60mm and a thickness of 12.25mm. The 39mm red version offers a more versatile fit, with a 45.9mm lug-to-lug measurement and a slightly greater thickness of 12.82mm, likely due to the crystal's curvature relative to the case diameter. Both cases are topped with a domed sapphire crystal that features an anti-reflective treatment on both sides, ensuring a clear view of the monstrous dial from any angle.

A key detail that solidifies the collaborative nature of the piece is the crown. Eschewing a standard Louis Erard crown, the Time Eater III is fitted with a signature Konstantin Chaykin crown. This bespoke component is a tactile and visual confirmation of the monster’s parentage, a mark from its maker that reinforces the watch's unique identity. It's a small but significant touch that enthusiasts of Chaykin's work will immediately recognize and appreciate, bridging the design language of both brands.

Flipping the watch over reveals a transparent caseback, offering an unobstructed view of the mechanical heart within. The caseback is engraved with essential information, including the crucial "Limited Edition 1 of 178" inscription, cementing the watch's exclusivity. The view through the sapphire crystal showcases the automatic Sellita SW266-1 caliber, a robust and reliable Swiss-made movement that has been specially adapted for this regulator display. The movement is not merely functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with meticulous decoration throughout.



The choice of the Sellita SW266-1 is a practical and intelligent one. It is a workhorse movement known for its reliability and serviceability, aligning with Louis Erard’s philosophy of creating accessible yet high-quality timepieces. The caliber operates at a modern frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), contains 31 jewels, and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. For the Time Eater III, the movement has been enhanced with a specially openworked rotor, which features a black lacquered Louis Erard symbol, adding another layer of visual interest and brand identity to the mechanical side of the watch.

The strap choice for each model further differentiates the two editions and enhances their respective characters. The 42mm blue version is paired with a striking black toad leather strap. The unique, bumpy texture of the toad leather gives the watch an exotic, almost reptilian feel, perfectly complementing the monstrous theme. It is accented with blue stitching that ties back to the dial's colorway and is lined with a soft blue rabbit leather for comfort.

For the 39mm red edition, a more understated but equally luxurious strap was chosen. This model comes fitted with a black grained calf leather strap, featuring tone-on-tone stitching for a sleek, integrated look. The fine grain of the calfskin provides a classic texture that contrasts nicely with the wild dial design. Both straps are equipped with a polished stainless steel pin buckle and, importantly, feature quick-release spring bars. This practical addition allows owners to easily swap straps without tools, offering versatility and encouraging personalization.

The narrative crafted around this release suggests that while this may be the "final bite of the Regulator," the story of the collaboration is far from over. Manuel Emch's comments hint at future projects already in motion, warning collectors that another monster might be "lurking out there ready to appear." This forward-looking statement builds excitement and transforms the purchase of a watch into participation in an ongoing horological saga, keeping the audience engaged and eager for the next chapter.



The Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time Eater III is a masterful example of collaborative watchmaking that perfectly balances artistic vision, mechanical integrity, and a healthy dose of rebellious fun. It’s a timepiece that doesn't just tell time but also tells a story, showcasing the distinct personalities of both a storied Swiss brand and a maverick Russian inventor. It’s a wearable piece of kinetic art that is guaranteed to provoke conversation and bring a smile to the face of its owner.

The new models were made available starting June 18th. The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III Blue is available through Louis Erard’s official retailers and its online boutique, ensuring wider accessibility for fans of the brand. In contrast, the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III Red is sold exclusively by Konstantin Chaykin, making it a more direct and personal offering from the monster’s creator. Both watches are priced at a recommended retail price of CHF 4,450, excluding tax. Given the limited run of just 178 pieces for each colorway and the fervent following for both brands, these hungry monsters are not expected to linger for long.

Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III Blue

Case: Polished stainless steel, Ø42mm, thickness: 12.25mm, lug width: 22mm, lug-to-lug: 49.60mm. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, transparent caseback, water-resistant to 5 bar (50m), signature Konstantin Chaykin crown.

Movement: Automatic regulator Sellita Caliber SW266-1. 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), approx. 38 hours power reserve, openworked rotor with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol.

Dial: Shiny blue minutes ring, gray lower plate with sunburst wave pattern, anthracite circular satin-finished hours flange, shiny red seconds flange. White hours disk with black pupil, matt black star-shaped seconds disk, matt black central minutes hand with monster-hand tips.

Strap: Black toad leather with blue stitching and blue rabbit leather lining. Polished stainless steel pin buckle, quick-release spring bars.

Price: CHF 4,450 (excluding tax)

Reference Number: 85237AA90.BGA087

Notes: Limited edition of 178 pieces sold by Louis Erard. Features a "mono-eye" hour indicator, a rebellious minutes hand, and a rotating "toothed mouth" small seconds disk.



Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III Red

Case: Polished stainless steel, Ø39mm, thickness: 12.82mm, lug width: 20mm, lug-to-lug: 45.9mm. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, transparent caseback, water-resistant to 5 bar (50m), signature Konstantin Chaykin crown.

Movement: Automatic regulator Sellita Caliber SW266-1. 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), approx. 38 hours power reserve, openworked rotor with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol.

Dial: Shiny red minutes ring, silver-toned lower plate with sunburst wave pattern, anthracite circular satin-finished hours flange with white transfers, shiny red seconds flange. White hours disk with black pupil, matt black star-shaped seconds disk, matt black central minutes hand with monster-hand tips.

Strap: Black grained calf leather with tone-on-tone stitching and black calf leather lining. Polished stainless steel pin buckle, quick-release spring bars.

Price: CHF 4,450 (excluding tax)

Reference Number: 85248AA90.BVA150

Notes: Limited edition of 178 pieces sold exclusively by Konstantin Chaykin. Features a "mono-eye" hour indicator, a rebellious minutes hand, and a rotating "toothed mouth" small seconds disk.