Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Smile-Day Watch

In the world of horology, few names evoke the same sense of creativity and innovation as Alain Silberstein. An interior architect turned watch designer, Silberstein was one of the original pioneers of independent watch brands, boldly championing mechanical watches during the quartz crisis of the mid-1980s. His eponymous brand became renowned for its genre-defying designs, drawing inspiration from Bauhaus, abstract art, and contemporary design movements. Despite closing his brand in 2012, Silberstein’s influence endures, particularly through his collaborations with Louis Erard.

The partnership between Louis Erard and Alain Silberstein began in 2019, merging the designer’s bold vision with the watchmaker’s craftsmanship. Their first collaborative effort featured a regulator design that embraced bold shapes and primary colours, blending pop art with haute horology. This successful venture was followed in 2021 by a new line that included a regulator, a mono-pusher chronograph, and a whimsical day-date model named “Smile-Day,” which stood out with its emoji-based day display.

The Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Smile-Day Watch ($5250) is available to buy from the Worn & Wound Store has made a triumphant return for 2024, sporting a fresh, playful palette. The new edition features a steel grey dial contrasted by a white chapter ring, accented with a red marker at 12 o’clock and vibrant blue markers for the rest. This colourful design is a nod to Silberstein’s signature style, which often incorporates bold, primary colours and geometric shapes.

The watch hands further elevate the design with Kandinsky-inspired forms: a circular hour hand with a red triangle pointer, a large blue arrow for the minutes that spans the entire dial, and a yellow serpentine seconds hand. Positioned at six o’clock is a date window, just below the distinctive “smile day” display, which allows wearers to set different emojis based on their mood. This playful feature brings an element of fun and personalization to the timepiece.

The Smile-Day watch is housed in a genuinely novel 40mm all-titanium case design, featuring a matte cylinder that appears to float within polished brackets. This unique construction not only highlights the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and comfort. Paired with a silver nylon strap and hook and loop closure, the watch exudes a modern and sporty vibe.

Powering the Smile-Day is the Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1 calibre in élaboré grade. This automatic movement boasts 26 jewels, hacking, hand-winding capabilities, an approximate 38-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 bph. The precision and reliability of this movement underscore the watch’s blend of playful design and serious watchmaking.

The Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Smile-Day Watch is a testament to the enduring legacy of Alain Silberstein’s visionary designs. With its vibrant palette, playful features, and robust craftsmanship, this limited-edition timepiece is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike. It not only honours the rich history of both Louis Erard and Alain Silberstein but also brings a touch of joy and creativity to the world of horology.

buy now from worn & wound | $5250