The horological odd couple is back with a vengeance. Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin have reunited to unleash the Time Eater Tourbillon, a whimsical yet sophisticated evolution of their beloved monster-faced collaboration.
This latest creation transforms the playful character’s mouth from a simple seconds display into a hypnotic tourbillon aperture, complete with a pink seconds hand that mimics a rotating tongue.
Available in two exclusive colorways limited to just 106 total pieces and priced at CHF 19,900 (approximately $25,000 USD), this collaboration proves that serious watchmaking and playful design can coexist beautifully.
Complications Meet Character Design
The Time Eater Tourbillon maintains the fundamental DNA that made its predecessors so captivating while elevating the mechanical complexity significantly. The regulator-style display remains unchanged: hours are indicated by the monster’s rotating eyeball, minutes by the central hand, and seconds within the creature’s mouth at 6 o’clock.
However, the simple running seconds subdial has been replaced by a 60-second tourbillon, creating a mesmerizing mechanical spectacle that transforms the monster’s mouth into a window of horological theater.
The genius lies in the visual integration. The tourbillon’s pink seconds hand, designed to resemble the monster’s tongue, rotates around pointed teeth that frame the dial aperture. This playful anthropomorphization of a traditionally serious complication demonstrates Chaykin’s unique ability to inject personality into mechanical watchmaking without compromising technical integrity.
Powering this whimsical creation is the Caliber BCP T02 manual-wind tourbillon movement, operating at 21,600vph with an impressive 100-hour power reserve. This 19-jewel movement, sourced from BCP Tourbillons, provides the foundation for several notable timepieces including the Delma 1924 Tourbillon and Bremont Terra Nova Dual-Time Tourbillon. However, the Time Eater’s regulator-style layout creates a unique application of this proven architecture.
The case construction follows Louis Erard’s established formula: a 42mm diameter, 12.65mm thick polished stainless steel construction with 22mm lugs and 49.6mm lug-to-lug measurement.
Unlike previous Time Eater series that offered multiple sizes, both tourbillon variants share identical dimensions. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the silver wave-pattern dial, while the display caseback reveals the movement’s intricate finishing. Water resistance reaches 50 meters, maintaining practicality despite the watch’s artistic focus.
Premium Positioning
The collaboration’s distribution strategy reflects both brands’ distinct market approaches. The blue version (ref. 89241AA91.BVA170) limited to 28 pieces will be exclusively sold by Konstantin Chaykin, paired with a black calfskin strap. Meanwhile, Louis Erard handles the green variant (ref. 89241AA90.BGA088) in a 78-piece edition, featuring a luxurious black toad leather strap with green contrast stitching and rabbit leather lining.
This exclusive distribution model creates artificial scarcity while allowing each brand to maintain direct customer relationships. The different production quantities likely reflect each brand’s market reach and collector base, with Louis Erard’s larger allocation suggesting broader distribution capabilities.
The CHF 19,900 price point represents a significant departure from the original Time Eater series’ value proposition. Where previous models offered Chaykin’s distinctive aesthetic at accessible prices, the tourbillon version costs nearly four times more than its time-only predecessors. This pricing even exceeds some of Chaykin’s own Wristmons models, fundamentally altering the collaboration’s market positioning.
However, this premium reflects the genuine complexity addition rather than mere cosmetic changes. The tourbillon complication requires significant manufacturing investment, specialized assembly expertise, and extended production time. For collectors seeking entry into tourbillon ownership with distinctive character, the Time Eater Tourbillon offers a unique alternative to traditional Swiss offerings.
The success of previous Time Eater collaborations stemmed partly from their accessibility within Chaykin’s portfolio. The tourbillon version trades mass appeal for mechanical sophistication, targeting serious collectors willing to pay premium prices for genuinely unique complications. With only 106 total pieces available globally, the Time Eater Tourbillon transforms from accessible curiosity to exclusive horological art piece, ensuring its place in both brands’ most coveted releases.
