Berneron introduces its latest creation, the Mirage Miroir, a watch that challenges conventional horological design by making the movement itself the primary visual element. This innovative timepiece, offered in luxurious 18K yellow and white gold, embodies an unconventional philosophy where the internal mechanics dictate the watch's external form. The Mirage Miroir features the newly developed caliber 283, an ultra-thin mechanism with a mirrored construction that serves as the watch's captivating dial. With dimensions of 38mm by 7mm, this model advances the original Mirage concept, preserving its unique silhouette while presenting a fresh aesthetic perspective.
Since its inception, Berneron has championed the idea that a watch's movement should not merely be concealed within a casing but rather influence the overall structure and appearance. This principle gave rise to the distinct asymmetry of the initial Mirage, a characteristic derived from its internal mechanics rather than an arbitrary external design. With the introduction of the Miroir, brand founder Sylvain Berneron aims to reflect the essence of the original Mirage, creating a piece that is mechanically familiar yet visually transformed. This new approach sees the caliber 283’s intricate components become the very face of the watch, moving beyond traditional openworking to a design where the movement’s architecture is the display.
The caliber 283, specifically engineered for this mirrored concept, provides the dial side with a unique identity. Its guilloché patterns are not just decorative; they serve a functional purpose by marking the hours. This integration of aesthetics and utility is central to the Miroir's horological appeal. Unlike many modern openworked watches that achieve transparency by simply removing material, Berneron’s design ensures that the movement’s structure actively communicates the passage of time. The absence of a conventional seconds hand, replaced by a visible, rotating seconds wheel, further emphasizes this direct interaction between the observer and the watch's inner workings.
The caliber 283 itself is a marvel of precision engineering. Measuring 30 × 28mm with a remarkable thickness of just 2.83mm, it comprises 135 components and 17 jewels. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and boasts a 72-hour power reserve. A distinctive feature is its inverted handset, where the hour hand is positioned above the minute hand, contributing to the watch's slim profile. The movement's finishing showcases a blend of traditional techniques, including guillochage, colimaçonnage, laser engraving, anglage, cerclage, traits tirés, and nuagage. Each technique is meticulously applied not only for its visual appeal but also to enhance the functionality of the dial, with the bridges' stepped architecture aiding in time readability.
Encased in a 34mm-wide, 7mm-thick structure with a 42mm lug-to-lug, the Mirage Miroir is entirely crafted from 18K gold, encompassing the hands, mainplate, bridges, and buckle. The choice of a Hesalite crystal with a scratch-resistant coating, instead of sapphire, underscores a nod to traditional watchmaking while allowing for an unobstructed view of the movement. The watch is offered with either a black Barenia leather strap or an 18K gold seven-row bracelet, providing options for discerning collectors. With a price of CHF 72,500 on leather and CHF 130,250 for the gold bracelet version, the first deliveries are anticipated in October 2027, with an annual production of 36 pieces per color over a decade.
The independent watchmaking sector often grapples with the fine line between innovation and gimmickry. However, Berneron consistently distinguishes itself by ensuring that every unique design choice is underpinned by sound mechanical reasoning. The Mirage Miroir exemplifies this ethos, proving that true originality stems from a harmonious blend of form, function, and artistic expression. It is a testament to the brand's commitment to creating wearable art that is both aesthetically compelling and horologically significant.
