Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin are closing their “Time Eater” collaboration with the final pair in the series, the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III Blue and Red.

Retaining the familiar “cyclops” regulator dial inspired by the Russian watchmaker’s Wristmons, the new pair will be the last collaboration between the two in this format. Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin are working on future collaborations, but those will be in a different style.

The blue version is 42 mm and available only from Louis Erard, while the red model is 39 mm and will be sold only by Konstantin Chaykin.

The 42 mm model in blue

Initial thoughts

Louis Erard has done a great number of collaborations with independent watchmakers, but the Konstantin Chaykin Time Eater ranks amongst the best of them. Like the second Vianney Halter collab, the Time Eater captures the spirit of the watchmaker’s original creation while being affordable. I look forward to the next collaboration with Mr Chaykin, because I am sure it will be interesting.

Admittedly the latest pair are only a cosmetic tweak on the earlier editions, but the Time Eater is still an appealing concept that’s priced right. Both versions adopts the standard Louis Erard regulator case, which makes it a little too thick, but that’s an acceptable compromise for affordability.

The two are the third Time Eater project, and Louis Erard chief Manuel Emch has confirmed they will close the Time Eater regulator series. The quantity is arguably just right, as making more would have risked dull repetition. The final pair will appeal to those who missed out on the earlier editions, which sold out relatively quickly.

Konstantin Chaykin (left), and Manuel Emch

Rolling eye regulator

First seen in green or purple in 2023, the Time Eater is a simple twist on the standard Louis Erard regulator. Instead of a conventional hand, an “eyeball” disc at 12 o’clock indicates the hours, with the pupil pointing to the current hour. Minutes are indicated by a central hand with a tip that takes the form of a middle finger. And the seconds at six are a “mouth”, essentially a seconds disc that mimics sharp teeth. The dial itself is decorated with a stamped, wavy guilloche.

The case is the same polished steel case found on almost all Louis Erard regulator models. Here it’s available in either 42 mm or 39 mm size, both of which are a little thick at 12.25 mm and 12.82 mm respectively.

The thickness is explained in part by the Sellita SW266-1 movement inside that is made even taller by the modification for the regulator-style display. It’s a reliable but no-frills movement with no decoration to speak of, though it’s visible through the display back.

Key facts and price

Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin III
Ref. 85237AA90.BGA087 (blue, 42 mm)
Ref. 85248AA90.BVA150 (red, 38 mm)

Diameter: 42 mm or 39 mm
Height: 12.25 mm or 12.82 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Sellita SW266-1 with regulator module
Features: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Toad leather for 42 mm, calfskin for 39 mm

Limited edition: 178 examples per model
Availability: Blue model sold only at Louis Erard, and red model only at Konstantin Chaykin
Price: CHF4,450 excluding taxes

For more information, visit louiserard.com.