Details of Mirage Prussian Blue.
Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON
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
Sylvain Berneron. 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.
Mirage Prussian Blue. Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON
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.”
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
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.
Cover: Details of Mirage Prussian Blue.
Photo: COURTESY OF BERNERON
