Louis Erard continues its bold exploration of art and horology with Not For You, the brand’s third collaboration with contemporary artist Monica Bonvicini. Unveiled during Art Genève, the watch transforms one of Bonvicini’s striking sculptural works into a wearable object, blurring the boundaries between contemporary art, architecture and Swiss watchmaking.
The result is not merely a timepiece, but a conceptual statement on the wrist.
A Sculpture Translated to the Wrist
Monica Bonvicini’s artistic language is unmistakable. Known for her use of bold text, architectural references and confrontational messages, her works often challenge ideas of authority, power and gender through immersive installations and monumental sculptures.
With the Louis Erard × Monica Bonvicini Not For You, that artistic universe has been distilled into a 39 mm stainless steel watch. The piece retains Bonvicini’s signature black-and-white visual identity, combining sharp graphic elements with the texture and depth of traditional watchmaking.
Rather than simply printing artwork onto a dial, the watch transforms Bonvicini’s sculptural expression into a three-dimensional object, where form, material and message interact.
A Radical Message, Executed with Precision
At the centre of the dial sits the defining element: the mirror-polished appliqué phrase “not for you.”
The reflective lettering immediately captures attention, confronting the viewer while simultaneously reflecting the wearer. This phrase has been a recurring motif in Bonvicini’s work since 2006, often used to question ideas of ownership, power and exclusion.
Behind the lettering lies a black Clous de Paris guilloché dial, introducing a traditional decorative technique commonly associated with classical watchmaking. The contrast between this historic craftsmanship and the provocative modern message creates a striking visual tension.
Slim rhodium-plated hands sweep across the dial, carefully balanced so they frame the typography without distracting from the central statement. The design remains deliberately restrained, allowing the message to remain the focal point.
The artistic narrative continues on the reverse side of the watch.
Through the sapphire caseback, the phrase “not for you” appears again in mirror-polished metallic letters, echoing the dial’s theme while adding another layer of visual depth. Surrounding the movement is the engraving: “Louis Erard × Monica Bonvicini — Limited Edition 1 of 178.”
This reinforces the exclusivity of the collaboration while emphasising the piece’s identity as both a watch and an art object.
Completing the design is a black Baranil calfskin strap, subtly embossed to add texture while maintaining the monochromatic aesthetic. The watch is supplied with two strap sizes, reinforcing its gender-neutral design and adaptability across different wrists.
Availability
The Louis Erard × Monica Bonvicini “Not For You” is limited to 178 pieces worldwide and retails for SGD 6,810, including taxes.
