The latest in a series of limited edition collaborations with some of the most respected designers and watchmakers of our time, the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x atelier oï by Louis Erard (this was never going to be easy to write…) is perhaps the most spectacular edition to be unveiled so far.

A multiple award-winning company, renowned for its extraordinary contemporary designs which encompass the worlds of architecture, interiors and luxury products, atelier oï (yes, lower case) is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, and together with Louis Erard have created a piece of shifting reflections and breathtaking beauty.

Based on the brand’s Régulateur, which is defined by its off-centred hours and small seconds, with a central minutes hand, the (Le) Régulateur Louis Erard x atelier oï is presented in a perfectly rounded and uniformly polished 42mm case of stainless steel, whose clean, smooth lines provide a perfect setting for the eye-catching yet minimalist contribution by the design company.

Drawing influence from one of the oldest known methods of keeping an eye on the time of day, atelier oï have used the sundial as an inspiration, and with the straight rays which have been engraved into the dial, the sense of two sundials, back to back, is clear. Radiating outwards in opposing directions the sixty rays become minute markers, and are asymmetric and deeply engraved into the slate grey dial with its Black Or finish. As light bounces off the mirror-like faceted edges of the rays, the effect is one of cascading reflections which flicker across the surface of the dial, and highlight the contrast created by the deep metallic blue of the three hands.

On the underside, a sapphire crystal caseback reveals the Swiss made Sellita 266 self-winding movement which powers the watch. Beating at a brisk 28,800 vib/h, it has a power reserve of a minimum of thirty-eight hours, maintained by the oscillations of the semi skeletonised Louis Erard signed rotor.

A piece which offers a strikingly different and visually irresistible perspective on the watch dial Le Régulateur Louis Erard x atelier oï is presented on a grey nubuck strap with hand stitching and a pin buckle, and has been manufactured in a limited edition of only 178 pieces.