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Creative Minds

Creative Mind: Sylvain Berneron

The founder of new independent watch brand Berneron has spent the past two years developing the Mirage, his first watch, which officially launches in April

By Lucy Rees
Disassembled watch parts and gears arranged on a light blue surface, showcasing intricate mechanical components.
Details of Mirage Prussian Blue. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON

“Our slogan is ‘Derestricted Horology,’ ” says Sylvain Berneron, founder of new independent Swiss watch brand Berneron. “We aim to explore creative, daring new directions—those that have never been realized before.” Berneron, who also serves as the chief product officer at Breitling, has spent the past two years developing the Mirage, his first watch, which officially launches in April and has already captured the attention of collectors with its bold asymmetrical design, hand-wound movement, and all-gold construction.

Black and white portrait of a young man with dark hair and a patterned sweater, smiling slightly against a dark background.
Sylvain Berneron. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON
Elegant wristwatch with a silver dial and blue patterned leather strap displayed against a light blue background.
Mirage Prussian Blue. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON
Luxury watch with exposed mechanical movement and leather strap on a light blue background.
Mirage Prussian Blue. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON

Breaking boundaries: The Mirage nods to iconic, artful watches like the Cartier Crash by Rupert Emmerson while boasting advanced technical excellence. “The Mirage is the realization of a watch that until now has been impossible to create in the industry,” says Berneron, who started his career working in industrial design for BMW, Porsche, and Ducati. “It is frankly why it was worth taking so many creative and financial risks to make it.”

Elegant gold wristwatch with leather strap on a brown background, displaying elegant numbers and unique dial design.
Berneron Mirage Sienna in yellow gold. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON

“It is the creative thrill that pushes us… to ultimately obtain a rare object that would not have existed otherwise”

Sylvain Berneron

Intricate mechanical watch movement with gears and springs on a blue background.
Mirage Prussian Blue. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON

Unstoppable drive: “I have this irrepressible need to draw and create. If I don’t, I quickly become depressed. It is the creative thrill that pushes us—designing for months, then prototyping, failing, starting again—to ultimately obtain a rare object that would not have existed otherwise.”

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Spring Issue under the headline “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.