In a concise one-hour meeting, Sylvain Berneron, the former Chief Design Director of Breitling, unveiled to me the latest iterations of his iconic creation, Mirage: a stunning blue lapis lazuli and a vibrant yellow tiger’s eye. The design now comes in a more compact size, offering an elegant refinement.
Over the past 16 years, Berneron has poured his heart into his work, first commanding a lucrative role at a prestigious car company before transitioning into watch design at IWC and Breitling. Though not a watchmaker by trade, he is a visionary designer, and this time, he has pushed his masterpiece, Mirage, to its absolute limits.
This intricate design has exponentially increased the complexity—and cost—of crafting these watches. For instance, how does one position the hour and minute hands? Berneron ingeniously employed an inverted mechanism to optimize space, with every dimension meticulously tailored, breaking free from the conventional arrangement of the gear train.
The true challenge lies in harmonizing aesthetic allure with wearing comfort—a delicate balance that naturally drives the price upward, though still under 500,000 RMB. With an annual production limited to approximately 20 pieces, the waiting list is already impressively long.
I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the new perpetual calendar model, which left a profound impression on me.
The final two photos showcase the earlier versions of Mirage, paying homage to their legacy.
Declan Simmons 
Felix Palmer 
Natalie Martin