Louis Erard’s newest collaboration is with a star of the Indie watchmaking world: Stefan Kudoke. A favorite among collectors, the German watchmaker is known for his hand-carved and decorated movements. In recent years, his focus has shifted to a distinctive line of watches that mix a clean and modern style with respect for traditional watchmaking aesthetics. In 2019, he won the GPHG’s Petite Aiguille award for these watches, cementing his place as a rising star.
The Louis Erard x Kudoke watches are based on Erard’s 42mm Essence Regulator model. Kudoke has reenvisioned the dials to align with his creations for the collaboration. Signature elements can be found around the layout, including curved blued steel hands, an infinity hour hand, rhodium-plated applied index tracks, and nameplates. Emphasizing the hours sub-dial, a contrasting Clous de Paris has been set as backdrop, adding some additional texture.
The Louis Erard x Kudoke watches are available in four versions: three in Kudoke’s signature muted colors. Available in an edition of 100, each is light blue and forest green. Slightly more limited is purple at 78 units. Lastly, for a more exotic look, there is a version with a Mother of Pearl surface that is also limited to 78 units. All models come on grained calf leather straps in complementing colors.
Powering the Louis Erard x Kudoke watches are Sellita SW266-1 Swiss-made calibers. Automatic movement, they feature 31-jewels, hacking, hand winding, sub-hours, small seconds, a frequency of 28,000 beats per hour, and a power reserve of at least 38 hours. The movements in use are true no-date.