A Fairytale With a Wink: The Frog Princess Gets a Watchmaker’s Twist
Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin unveil the Unfrogettable, a playful yet masterful take on the Frog Princess myth in watchmaking.
Fairy tales thrive on surprise, and this one begins with a twist. Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin have reunited to create a piece that sits comfortably between folklore and fine watchmaking.
Their latest collaboration, the Unfrogettable, brings the Frog Princess myth into the world of contemporary horology with a playful spirit that conceals impressive technical depth. It is a watch crafted to delight collectors who appreciate imagination as much as precision.
Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin. Credit: Louis Erard
Chaykin’s celebrated ability to bring characters to life on a dial meets Louis Erard’s appetite for reinvention. The result is an unmistakable face whose animated charm is impossible to ignore.
The regulator layout has been cleverly reinterpreted and placed on its side. Hours are marked at nine o’clock, seconds at three, and the minutes are indicated by a central arrow-shaped hand that references the original Frog Princess tale.
As time advances, the pupils within the eye, like subdials, rotate, which gives the watch an expression that is captivating and often amusing.
The dial presents either a violet or a forest green grained surface, which is enhanced by matching lacquered nostrils. A dual-tone minutes ring brings further texture with a red section that bears the inscription Louis Erard Konstantin Chaykin.
It feels like a discreet declaration of affection between two creative partners who share the same rebellious streak.
The case has undergone a complete transformation for this edition. Crafted in Grade 5 titanium, it offers a combination of strength and comfort. At forty millimetres with a thickness just over twelve millimetres, it wears lightly and with contemporary elegance.
Alternating polished and satin brushed surfaces create a sculptural look. The crown is shaped like a royal crown, which adds a touch of irony and humour that fits the theme with confidence.
In place of a silk gown, the watch is paired with a strap that is closer to armour. It is made from Himeji Kurozan leather, which is hand rubbed and finished with Urushi lacquer.
The cowhide is deep black and features either violet or green stitching with a bright inner lining that echoes the dial colour.
Only 178 pieces will be created. Each one is assembled in Noirmont and carries the artistic signatures of both makers.
Beneath the whimsy lies serious craftsmanship and an appreciation for mechanical storytelling that few brands attempt and even fewer achieve.
The Unfrogettable invites its wearer to embrace a little enchantment. As for what happens when you kiss this frog, the story is still yours to write.
