The whimsical frog-themed timepiece makes a comeback, perfectly timed for the autumn season. With its distinct wide-eyed appearance, dynamic rotating pupils, and a crown designed to resemble a royal headpiece, the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Unfrogettable exemplifies a lighthearted approach to horology. As the festive period ushers in an array of fantastical creatures, this unique watch reappears in two fresh shades: a lively turquoise and a deep, inviting brown. Both versions retain the original's signature playful aesthetic and horizontal regulator display, while introducing novel color combinations across their dials, hands, and crowns.
These new editions showcase distinct moods through their color schemes. The Unfrogettable's regulator display remains its most striking feature, with hours shown on a disc at 9 o'clock, minutes indicated by a central arrow-shaped hand, and seconds displayed on a disc at 3 o'clock. These hour and second discs cleverly form the frog's eyes, with the rotating pupils providing continuous visual interest. The turquoise model features a light greenish-blue grained dial base, complemented by dark blue-green counters and a two-tone minute track in blue-green and violet. Rhodium-treated components ensure a crisp look, contrasted by black-lacquered pupils. Conversely, the brown version offers a warmer aesthetic with a light brown grained base, dark brown counters, and an hour ring in dark brown and ochre, with 5N-treated components adding a metallic warmth. Both timepieces are encased in 40mm Grade 5 titanium, measuring 12.45mm thick, featuring a mix of satin and polished finishes. A unique royal crown-shaped winding crown at 12 o'clock, polished in titanium for the turquoise variant and 5N PVD-treated for the brown, further enhances the playful design.
Powering these watches is the automatic Sellita SW266-1 caliber, which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a 38-hour power reserve. This movement is notable for its specially openworked oscillating weight, adorned with a black-lacquered Louis Erard symbol. Each watch is paired with a black Himeji Kurozan leather strap, also known as "black diamond" leather. This calf leather undergoes a hand-rubbed, natural tanning process and is finished with traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer, resulting in a captivating blend of matte and glossy textures. The turquoise model features violet stitching and lining, while the brown version maintains an all-black theme. Both versions are limited to 178 pieces and are priced at CHF 4,500 before tax, or approximately $5,400 USD. This release once again demonstrates the successful collaboration between Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin, blending innovative design with precise watchmaking.
This collaboration between Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin masterfully demonstrates that horology can be both a precise art and a canvas for joy and creativity. These timepieces remind us that even in the meticulous world of watchmaking, there's ample room for imagination and a touch of the unexpected. They encourage us to appreciate the craft not just for its technical brilliance, but also for its ability to bring a smile, transforming a simple time-telling device into a charming companion that reflects a spirited approach to life and artistry.
