Cover Sylvain Berneron
Sylvain Berneron
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Former chief product officer at Breitling Sylvain Berneron is striking out on his own to redefine modern horology with an unconventional elegance
With a shape reminiscent of Cartier’s Crash and Patek Philippe’s Calatrava, and a touch of Salvador Dalí’s magic, the uniquely designed Mirage was a sensation upon its release. Designer Sylvain Berneron also garnered considerable attention.
The haute horlogerie community was quickly impressed by this bright talent, whose design credentials were established not only through his work at Breitling but also with his independent eponymous brand, Berneron.
His career trajectory—from automotive design at BMW to leading creative projects at Breitling and eventually running his own brand—demonstrates his versatility, innovative spirit, and challenge to traditional watchmaking norms.
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Growing up in France, Berneron was immersed in a culture that celebrated precision and design. His early fascination with timepieces led him to pursue a formal education in industrial design at the Strate School of Design in Paris, where he refined his understanding of form and function.
After his studies, Berneron worked with BMW, Porsche, and Ducati before a stint at IWC, eventually settling at Breitling. He rose through the ranks to become its chief product officer, resigning in July to focus on his own brand, which he established in 2022 while still at Breitling. Although CEO Georges Kern supported this extracurricular endeavour, it remains a relatively rare occurrence.
As both a collector and a professional in haute horlogerie, Berneron’s approach to watch design was distinctive from the start. Embracing the essence of his company, he combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create timepieces that are both artistic and engineering marvels.
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Above The Berneron Mirage in yellow and white gold
The Berneron Mirage in yellow and white gold
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His debut creation, the Mirage, has been celebrated as a critical and commercial success. Crafted in either white or yellow gold, the Mirage features an unusual design influenced by the shape of the calibre within. The watches are scheduled for delivery this month.
“After a decade of steel sports watch supremacy, we are entering a new era in horology,” Berneron tells Tatler GMT.
“Many collectors have fulfilled their desire for such watches and are now ready to explore new designs—the time to express character and style is back. We firmly believe that not only unusual and daring shapes but creativity in general is poised for a significant comeback in watchmaking.”
The Mirage—worn like a 38mm diameter watch—is powered by a beautifully finished, all-gold asymmetrical movement, measuring just 2.3mm thick. This manual-wind caliber boasts a 60-hour power reserve and features a large balance wheel reminiscent of old pocket watch chronometers. The Mirage is available in Prussian Blue and Sienna editions, each limited to a 24-piece production run and entirely sold out until 2029.
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Above Berneron Mirage’s asymmetrical self-winding movement in gold
Berneron Mirage’s asymmetrical self-winding movement in gold
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Despite his success, Berneron remains grounded and continually seeks evolution. His vision for the future includes exploring sustainable materials and integrating advanced technologies into his designs. His recent role in Breitling’s acquisition of Universal Genève underscores his strategic vision and commitment to preserving horological heritage while embracing innovation. Whether you are a collector, connoisseur, or simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship, Sylvain Berneron’s work promises to inspire and captivate.
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