Geometry Study in Blue: Louis Erard Le Régulateur Gravé Bleu
Louis Erard’s Le Régulateur wristwatch is a great example of how traditional watchmaking aesthetics can evolve and take on new, innovative forms while staying true to their historical roots. The regulator design, which dates back to the 18th century, originally referred to clocks where the minute hand was the focal point, with separate sub-dials for hours and seconds. This was a useful feature for regulating time with great precision in watchmaking workshops and observatories for scientific purposes.
Although this is no longer necessary in modern times, thanks to the precision of the atomic clock, which is accurate to 1/15,000,000,000 of a second per year, this traditional layout is still popular with some watch enthusiasts. Some brands, like Chronoswiss and Louis Erard have made it an integral part of their collection, with a clever and beautiful twist on the theme. This rings also true for Louis Erard's latest example, the Le Régulateur Gravé Bleu.
As it says in the name, the watch features a blue dial, which is beautifully grained, with all elements engraved into it. In addition to the sub dials, the railway minute track, the markers and the numerals, there is an additional circle highlighting the geometric aura. Also, the subsidiary dial is designed in sector style, a favorite among watchmakers in the 1930s. The final touch is added by the signature hands in the brand's fir-tree style, a tribute to its home in the Swiss Jura region.
Le Régulateur Gravé Bleu is driven by a self-winding Sellita SW266-1 with a power reserve of 38 hours. The movement can be admired through the exhibition case back of the 39mm steel case.
Pricing is marked at CHF 2,900 or approximately $3,200 when converted to USD.
To learn more, visit Louis Erard, here.
