Berneron Quantième Annuel: A Study in Symmetry and Effort

Berneron's Third Act: A Leap into Symmetry

After the organic, asymmetrical lines of the Mirage and Mirage 34, Berneron takes a dramatic turn with the Quantième Annuel (QA). This new model is rigidly symmetrical, marking the brand's first foray into complications. Yet, it stays true to the house philosophy of 'maximum effort'—a term famously associated with the character Deadpool, played by watch enthusiast Ryan Reynolds. Berneron's founder, Sylvain Berneron, applies this ethos to every detail, from the gold movement to the replaceable steel bumpers on the case.

Design and Legibility: A Regulator-Style Display

The QA is a regulator-style jumping hours watch with an instantaneous annual calendar. The time is read from top to bottom: a large jumping hours window at 12 o'clock, a central minutes hand, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock with a discreet day/night indicator. The date is displayed left-to-right in European format: a jumping weekday disc at 9 o'clock, a retrograde date pointer co-axial with the minutes hand, and a month window at 3 o'clock.

The retrograde date scale is a standout feature. Unlike typical designs that cram the end of the month, the Berneron scale places the 18th day at the midpoint, ensuring even spacing and better legibility. The four windows—hour, day, month, and AM/PM—jump instantly, each powered by its own tension spring to maintain amplitude.

Setting and Adjustments: User-Friendly Complexity

Setting the QA is straightforward. The crown adjusts time and date, while dedicated pushers on the case band advance the day and month discs. These pushers are discreet yet easy to operate with a fingertip. The movement includes redundant safety systems, allowing date adjustments at any hour.

Case and Wearability: Platinum with Steel Bumpers

The 38mm case is compact and slim at 10mm, but its platinum construction and gold movement give it surprising heft. About 85% of the case mass is platinum; the rest is stainless steel used for the bezel, crown pusher, and lug panels. These steel parts act as replaceable bumpers, protecting the precious metal from daily wear. While some collectors prefer an all-platinum case, the steel bumpers align with Berneron's practical yet obsessive approach.

The hinged officer-style case back opens via a release mechanism in the crown, adding to the watch's tactile appeal.

Movement: Cal. 595

The cal. 595 is a hand-wound movement with solid 18k gold plates and bridges, adorned with a unique guilloché-style Côtes de Genève engraved line-by-line using a CNC lathe. The finishing is immaculate, with polished anglage and a steel balance bridge. Two mainspring barrels provide 100 hours of power reserve and charge four individual tension springs for the jumping indicators. A single going train delivers power, and the symmetrical sonnerie-style winding click is a nod to historical watchmaking, similar to recent Greubel Forsey designs.

Key Facts and Price

Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 10 mm
Material: Platinum with steel bumpers
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m
Movement: Cal. 595, hand-wound
Frequency: 21,600 bph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 100 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, annual calendar with day/night indicator
Limited edition: Yes, 24 per year per color over 10 years
Price: CHF 140,000 (excluding taxes)

The Berneron Quantième Annuel is a bold statement in independent watchmaking, blending symmetry, complexity, and wearability. Its price reflects the extensive effort and craftsmanship, making it a coveted piece for collectors who appreciate the 'maximum effort' philosophy.