An Interview With Watch Designer and Founder Sylvain Berneron

June 12, 2024

It's Wednesday, so we're back with another episode of Hodinkee Radio. In addition to the podcast feed, each episode also has video, so swing by Hodinkee's YouTube channel (or watch below). Only want the audio? It's being published to the same old Hodinkee Radio feed, so check your feeds or subscribe wherever you find your podcasts (might we recommend Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or TuneIn). My guest this week is Sylvain Berneron. Sylvain is a designer and the founder of one of the most exciting young brands. Before starting Berneron, Sylvain spent five years at Breitling, where he eventually became Chief Product Officer. There, he helped completely revamp and build a product portfolio after the brand's acquisition. Before Breitling, he was also a watch designer at Richemont, working on projects for its portfolio of brands.He got his start designing motorcycles and cars, most notably for brands like BMW and Ducati.Now, Berneron is leading his own brand, and his first watch, the Mirage, makes a statement. It's an asymmetrical gold wristwatch that takes its shape from its caliber.More important than his background though, he's one of the most thoughtful guys around.Sylvain and I talk about his career, what watch design is missing, and about building his brand and developing the Mirage. Show Notes 1:11:Berneron's website1:30:One To Watch: Breitling Designer Sylvain Berneron Sets Out To Explore Asymmetry On His Own21:30:Breitling Sells Controlling Stake To CVC Capital Partners For $870 Million39:00:Bulgari Sets A New Record (Again) For The World's Thinnest Watch With The New Octo Finissimo Ultra1:01:54:After A Decade Working For Big Names, Simon Brette Steps Out On His Own1:02:00: In Conversation With Xhevdet Rexhepi, Independent Watchmaking's Next Big Thing