The Berneron Mirage 38 Prussian Blue is examined for its unconventional design, which features distorted geometry in the case, dial, and hands, drawing comparisons to Salvador Dali's surrealist art. The watch's design is driven by its asymmetrical, ultra-thin Caliber 233 movement, developed with Le Cercle de Horlogers, which dictates the case's shape and allows for a slim profile.
- Limited to 24 pieces per year
- Price: CHF 72,500 before VAT
- 72-hour power reserve
- 38mm x 34mm case
- 42mm lug to lug
- 7mm thickness
- 30m water resistance
The entire watch, including the case, hands, buckle, spring bars, and movement's main plate and bridges, is executed in 18k solid gold.
The asymmetric case shape is derived from Fibonacci numbers, with two spirals and a series of circles determining the outline and placement of the fourth wheel.
The Caliber 233 movement, developed with Le Cercle de Horlogers, is 2.3mm thick, featuring gold main plates and bridges with a frosted finish and curved faux côtes decoration.
The hour and minute hands are swapped from the classical arrangement (hour hand beneath minute hand) to allow for a more aggressive curve in the sapphire glass, reducing case profile by 15%.
The dial features a distorted sector layout with numerals that appear to be in motion, set within a swirling design.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the watch wears comfortably due to its slim profile and short, curved lugs, feeling more conventional on the wrist than expected.
The watch's design is described as a 'Mirage' because it groups together all the 'don'ts' of the watch industry into a single, self-existent piece.