Introducing the Breva Genie 02 with a Fully Functional, High-performance Mechanical Altimeter

Last year, Vincent Dupontreué launched the Breva Génie 01, the world’s first mechanical wristwatch displaying time, altitude, weather forecasting barometric pressure and power reserve. Today we may introduce the follow-up, the Génie 02, which features a fully functional precision mechanical altimeter, as well as time and power reserve indications. Génie 02 Terre helps keep you on time and reach the desired height…

While white or red gold Génie 01 is a wrist-size weather station, the Breva Génie 02 Terre tells time and height and comes in a light-weight titanium case. Whether your passion is trekking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or just relaxing while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views, the new light-weight Breva is a comfortable travel companion. And it’s 100% Swiss-made, from inception to realization.

The Génie 02’s case is now in Grade 5 titanium, which is harder to machine than other titanium variations, however it is more robust and can be brushed and polished like stainless steel or gold. The case has a lot of nice detailing on the lugs, between the lugs and the crowns feature a very nice chevron-engraved pattern. To enhance the more sporty character of the Génie 02, it is equipped with a rubber strap and a very legible dial. But what’s what on that dial?

Functions of the Breva Génie 02

Let’s take a closer look at all functions and displays. Roughly at the 8 o’clock position, is the white hours/minutes sub dial with white stick markers (for each hour) and large white Arabic numerals 12 and 6. Around the center is a metal rim with 5-minute indices and both hands are made in blue steel.

At the 2 o’clock position is the precision altimeter sub-dial, displaying meters or feet (buyer can choose). Arcing around the top of the dial is the large-scale altitude indicator, which displays up to 5,000 meters (or 16,400 feet). The entire altimeter is controlled by two aneroid capsules measuring air pressure (from which the altitude is derived). On top of one of these aneroid capsules is a high-precision arm that moves up and down with each expansion or contraction. The movement of that arm is multiplied by 200 times the expansion and contraction of the capsules and relays the air pressure to the two altitude indications.

Below the precision altimeter (that’s the round one at 2 o’clock) is a small indicator that shows whether the air valve is open or closed. In order to determine the actual height, this valve must be opened. Below that is a power reserve indicator that shows how much of the 65 hours of power is remaining. No worries though, when you buy one they will explain exactly how it works!

Some specifications & price

• Case: titanium Grade 5, 44.7 mm in diameter and 15.6 mm in height, three crowns for winding setting crown (at 9 o’clock), adjusting altitude (at 2 o’clock) and opening/closing the air valve (at 4 o’clock)
• Movement: proprietary movement developed exclusively for Breva by Jean-François Mojon/Chronode, 415 individual components, 45 jewels, 21,600 vph (3 Hz), 65 hours of power reserve, dual aneroid capsules specifically developed to derive altitude from air pressure
• Strap and buckle: natural rubber strap with titanium tang buckle

The recommended retail price of the new Génie 02 is CHF 120,000 / € 97,500 Euro / $ 132,000 USD

More info: www.breva-watch.com