In an intriguing intersection of horology and contemporary art, Louis Erard has launched its latest collaborative masterpiece, the “Not For You” limited edition watch. This piece, created in partnership with acclaimed artist Monica Bonvicini, is more than just a timekeeping device; it’s a wearable statement, designed to provoke thought and conversation. With only 178 units available, this release stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the conceptual dimensions of watchmaking.
Details of the Louis Erard x Monica Bonvicini “Not For You” Collaboration
The latest collaboration, revealed at the 14th edition of Art Genève, marks Louis Erard's third artistic timepiece. Following successful partnerships with visionaries like Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter, and Konstantin Chaykin, the brand now joins forces with Monica Bonvicini. Bonvicini, an artist celebrated for her explorations of power structures, gender dynamics, and space through architectural, text-based, and light sculptures, infuses her distinctive style into this new watch.
The “Not For You” watch features a 39mm stainless steel case with a polished finish, designed to be versatile for various wrist sizes, and comes with two strap options (S and standard). Its aesthetic is unapologetically bold, characterized by a stark contrast of black and steel, echoing Bonvicini's signature rock-chic visual language. The dial is a rich matte black, adorned with a precise Clous de Paris guilloché pattern, reminiscent of industrial textures and materials often found in Bonvicini’s larger works. At the heart of the dial, mirror-polished appliqué letters boldly spell out the phrase “not for you,” a direct and thought-provoking message.
The philosophical underpinning of the watch extends to its case back, which also features the “not for you” inscription in mirror-polished metal, alongside the collaboration details: “Louis Erard × Monica Bonvicini” and “Limited Edition 1 of 178.” This design choice solidifies the watch’s status as both a collector’s item and a philosophical artifact. The watch is powered by a Sellita SW261-1 automatic movement, boasting a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph. It offers time-only functionality, displaying hours and minutes, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Priced at CHF 3,990 before taxes, the watch's limited production number of 178 pieces holds symbolic significance, with Bonvicini noting that in Chinese culture, 178 can represent “stronger together,” offering a deeper layer of interpretation to the seemingly confrontational message.
A Statement on Art and Ownership
This timepiece challenges conventional notions of luxury and exclusivity, transforming a functional object into a piece of portable art. The provocative phrase "not for you" serves not as an elitist declaration, but rather as an invitation for introspection regarding the nature of time and personal value. It prompts a dialogue about who or what a work of art is truly intended for. This collaboration exemplifies a powerful artistic statement, encouraging individuals to consider the deeper meaning and impact of the objects they choose to wear, transcending mere aesthetics to embrace a deeper, more personal connection.