Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Berneron Mirage 38 Miroir, The Inverted Watch
A stunning evolution of Sylvain Berneron's asymmetrical, shaped dress watch, now with a mirrored movement architecture.
The Berneron Mirage is described as letting the movement dictate the watch’s shape. Take it or leave it, but its asymmetric, liquid-like, constantly flowing design truly captivates. Created by Sylvain Berneron, an automotive designer who later created his independent watch brand, this watch has been around since 2023, yet it still looks fresh and original. The new Mirage 38 Miroir retains the original’s sculptural asymmetry but is powered by an entirely reworked calibre built around a mirrored version of the Mirage’s movement construction. It is a considerably more radical timepiece than the original Mirage; we thought so at first glance, and we’re even more convinced now after spending time with it.
The Asymmetric Case
The Mirage 38 Miroir measures 38 x 34mm and just 7mm thick, with a 42mm lug-to-lug. The watch is elegant on the wrist, and the combination of irregular curves and compact dimensions gives it a nice presence without becoming theatrical. As with the earlier Mirage, the originally shaped case, built around the movement, is entirely crafted from 18k gold, with white and yellow gold versions available. The caseback is solid, while a hesalite crystal, treated for improved scratch resistance, tops the case on the front.
The Dial side
The real attraction is underneath that crystal. Berneron rightly calls the new approach “Miroir”, referring to the fact that the new, gold-crafted Calibre 283 is essentially a mirrored interpretation of the original Calibre 233. This is not conventional skeletonisation, nor is it simply a movement turned over to expose its reverse side. The calibre has been extensively reworked into what’s essentially a new movement, with only about one-fifth of the 233 components used (mostly the barrel and the winding assembly). All other parts are redesigned or new. The resulting architecture reflects the original while allowing its components to become the watch’s visible design.
Instead of placing, say, a transparent sapphire dial over the movement, Berneron uses the calibre’s architecture as the interface for reading the time. Different levels, steps, and split lines within the mainplate and bridges create visual markers, with a sector guilloché pattern to mark the hours. The decoration is therefore not just decorative; it becomes part of the display. The gold curved hands show the time, with the hour hand positioned above the minutes.
The decision to let go of the dedicated running seconds sub-dial is equally clever. Rather than interrupting the openworked composition with another indication, the seconds wheel serves as a running indicator: every element helps make up the whole.
The Movement
The Calibre 283 is also remarkably compact at 30 x 28mm and only 2.83mm thick. Its 135 components and 17 jewels are arranged around a free-sprung balance oscillating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, while two barrels provide a useful 72-hour power reserve. The movement is finished with a combination of guilloché, anglage, colimaçonnage, laser engraving, cerclage, traits tirés and nuagage. Seen through the crystal, these techniques become part of the watch’s identity rather than simply a display of finishing prowess. Another important and particularly appealing element is that most components are not only exclusive to the brand but shaped in a certain manner that makes them consistent with the rest of the design… The wheel’s spokes, for instance, or the balance’s bridge.
The Bracelet (or strap)
The all-gold construction extends beyond the case, movement and handset to the buckle and spring bars. Worn on a 20-16mm Barenia leather strap, the Mirage 38 Miroir retains the discreet character of a traditional dress watch, despite its unconventional geometry. An integrated-looking 20mm solid-gold bracelet, developed by Berneron, transforms the watch into something considerably more jewellery-like, while remaining faithful to the sculptural case. And while the bracelet, either in white or yellow gold, comes at an undeniable cost, it adds something really special to the watch.
Thougths
The Mirage results from letting mechanics shape aesthetics; the Miroir makes the idea even more explicit. The Berneron Mirage 38 Miroir asymmetry is not simply an unusual case and dial design. Here, the entire watch makes sense as one continuous composition.
Availability and Price
Berneron plans to produce the Mirage Miroir in very limited numbers, with first deliveries scheduled for October 2027. Series A will be produced at a rate of 36 pieces per colour per year for ten years. The Mirage 38 Miroir costs CHF 72,500 excluding VAT on a leather strap, rising to CHF 130,250 excluding VAT on the 18k gold bracelet. For more information, please visit berneron.ch.
