Independent watchmaking has a special kind of magic. It is where mass production constraints, committee designs, and bold ideas from shareholder interests come across artisan executions. Few people embody this spirit more persuasive than Sylvain Berneron, whom debut model 2023 Mirage, whom he encountered with immediate critical acclaim. In his second work, Berneron Quantième Annuel, he pushes the boundaries even further.
Quantième Annuel is not only a natural next step for Berneron, but also an introduction to a broader vision. I don’t usually cover business updates shared in press releases here at Fratello. However, the strategic ambitions shared by Bernellon were forced to change the rules. Let’s take a closer look at new watches and general companies.
New Berneron Quantième Annuel
Let’s start with the clock. Berneron Quantième Annuel has entered the portfolio for his second introduction, this time dedicated to complex watchmaking. The new caliber is found in a case with a diameter of 38mm, a thickness of 10mm, and a lug-to-lug 45mm. This case combines platinum with an innovative 904L steel layer (more details later).
The interior is marked with a newly developed 18K gold caliber 595. This move combines an annual calendar with a jump hour display to provide a clean, logical reading of information. Hours, minutes and seconds are arranged vertically, while days, dates and months are arranged horizontally across the entire dial. When combined with a large opening, the result is an incredibly intuitive dial and easy to read. Simply read the top-to-bottom time and left-to-right calendar.
The Berneron Quantième Annuel has returned a traditional hunter case, offering spectacular caliber views inside. This makes the overall 10mm thickness even more impressive. The watch is located on a 20mm wide balleneer leather strap. Berneron creates 24 examples of Quantième Annuel annual annual for the 10th consecutive year.
Berneron Quantième Annuel brings some unique innovations to the table
If many complicated calendar clocks are creepy, the Berneron Quantième Annuel is refreshingly user-friendly. The Calibre 595 is designed around a “less time setting than the winding” philosophy. The time and date are adjusted through the crown, and the careful pusher on the case band controls the day and month, making settings quick and intuitive.
This movement also integrates smart safety mode. If the wearer accidentally enters an invalid date, the mechanism will automatically reset on the first day of next month. This clever protection prevents the often associated costly damages associated with false permanent or annual calendars. For example, if the clock advances the month displayed on January 31, it will jump to February 1st instead of February 31st, which does not exist. I can’t imagine this being easy to build, but it makes a lot of sense.
The construction of the case is particularly interesting. This platinum case is reinforced with a removable 904L steel layer and is strategically located at the contact point to protect against scratches and wear. After all, soft platinum is sensitive to scratches. This armor-like plating can be replaced during service, removing the need to repair the watch. The durability of the steel allows you to gain platinum weight. He’s smart!
Unique and transparent business model
Beyond water-age innovation, Berneron SA is separated through an unusually transparent and responsible business model. The company is entirely self-funded and independent, with ownership shared between family and teams. Salary continues at the upper limit scale. This means that your highest salary will never exceed three times. All team members will have the opportunity to become shareholders in three years.
Brand growth strategies are measured equally. Only the new references from Quantième Annuel debut each September, with production closing with 24 pieces per variant per year. Prices were communicated years ago, increasing the clear roadmap. The latest models are 120,000 CHFs in 2026, 130,000 CHFs in 2027, and 140,000 CHFs in 2028. This rare predictability guarantees trust between brands and collectors.
Going forward, Bernellon will build a portfolio of four collections and 25 references by 2035, reaching annual production of 600 watches. Each series gradually evolves from the previous series, ensuring continuity and clear identity. This quantified long-term vision is rare in independent watchmaking and highlights Bernellon’s mission to create lasting value rather than chasing short-term hype. The brand also sources all components within a 50km radius of Neuchâtel headquarters.
First impressions of Berneron Quantième Annuel
Using very expensive watch press releases every day can leave the Fratello writer Blaze. It is rare that it stands out as something truly special. The new Berneron Quantième Annuel was immediately impressed, as was its transparent business model.
Of course, the evidence of pudding is in the diet. If your watch is not good, innovative business strategies can’t save you. However, Bernellon’s approach helps make the watch more attractive. It provides a certain level of sympathy and positivity to the brand, making it easier for the company and its work to be delivered.
I still didn’t have the pleasure of dealing with Berneron Quantième Annuel directly, but it certainly has all the right ingredients for me. I love a tradition-based design language, but it has a clear modern signature. This certainly paves the way for the brand’s future. Dimensions, colours, subtle innovations all conspire to great things. I would like to practice any of these watches right away. I certainly follow the company closely. Well done, Bernellon!
What do you think about Berneron Quantième Annuel? Please let us know in the comments section below.
