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The artistry of Berneron: A breath of fresh air.
Today, we are going to talk about an unusual watchmaker, with a revolutionary idea in the world of watchmaking, from his designs to the movement that make these artworks functional. Sylvain Berneron, an independent watchmaker based in Neuchatel, Switzerland, he previously worked as a creative director for Breitling, Sylvain Berneron is a 34-year-old French designer who has spent the last 15 years working for leading automobile marques including BMW, Porsche, and Ducati He was trained in fine arts and industrial design and was scouted by BMW where he began his career as a working student.
The Mirage’s asymmetrical design is what truly sets it apart. While it might initially evoke the iconic Cartier Crash, the Mirage delves much deeper into sophistication. This is evident in the movement itself, a collaborative effort with movement manufacturer Le Cercle de Horlogers. Le Cercle, known for supplying brands like Trilobe, Biver, and Louis Vuitton, developed a bespoke asymmetrical movement specifically for the Mirage. This caliber, featuring gold main plates and bridges, boasts an incredibly slim profile of just 2.3mm. The use of gold for the movement is a bold choice, rarely seen outside of brands like F.P. Journe. The Mirage’s gold movement is a testament to Berneron’s commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving the thinnest gold movement currently in production, a manual-wind caliber that beats at 3Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours.
What truly captivates me about this brand is Berneron’s “thinking outside the box” philosophy. The case and movement shapes seamlessly merge into a harmonious symmetry, giving the timepiece a truly unique look and style.
The Mirage collection showcases four distinct dial configurations, each with its own captivating story. The Sienna dial, named after the Italian city-state, features a pigment that transitions from a yellowish brown in its raw state to a reddish brown when heated. This pigment, one of the first used for painting, can be found in prehistoric cave art and was further developed during the Renaissance.
The Prussian Blue dial, a crucial pigment in fine arts, was accidentally discovered in the early 18th century through the oxidation of iron. Adopted by European and Japanese artists, it became Picasso’s signature pigment during his Blue Period.
My personal favorite is the Tiger Eye dial, housed in a yellow gold case. This uncommon stone dial, primarily composed of quartz with fibrous structures, is sourced from South Africa. To enhance its magic, the small second counter is meticulously sculpted directly into the main plate, leaving a mere 0.40mm thickness in that area. This entirely hand-crafted procedure takes a full hour to complete.
Finally, the Lapis Lazuli dial, known for its deep blue color, is a natural stone composed primarily of lazurite, with traces of calcite and pyrite contributing to its unique appearance. Sourced from Afghanistan, like the Tiger Eye, this dial also features a second counter sculpted into the main plate using the same meticulous techniques.
Berneron, an aspiring artist, has revolutionized watchmaking with his philosophy of “one watch, one movement, and a hand-sculpted monobloc dial.” This unique combination is unprecedented in the market, showcasing his artistic vision and dedication to craftsmanship.
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