Breva Segreto di Lario Sunset and Slate Grey

Breva Genève is reasserting its presence in the sphere of independent watchmaking with the introduction of two new titanium models within its “Segreto di Lario” collection. These new timepieces, named Sunset and Slate Grey, draw their inspiration from the captivating atmosphere of Italy’s Lake Como. They represent a continuation of the brand's philosophy, which marries sophisticated Swiss mechanical engineering with a design sensibility rooted in Italian culture, specifically the leisurely and appreciative lifestyle often referred to as the Dolce Vita. The collection aims to capture specific moments of beauty on the lake, translating them into horological form.



The brand itself, Breva Genève, was established in 2010. Its foundational concept was built upon the idea of creating mechanical instruments capable of measuring not just time, but also environmental elements. Early creations included complications like barometers and altimeters, positioning Breva as a maker of tools for the modern explorer. After a period of quiet, the brand underwent a relaunch in 2025 under the guidance of CEO Julien Haenny, a veteran of the watch industry with over two decades of experience at brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre and HYT. This new chapter for Breva pivots towards the Breva Classic collection, focusing on refined complications that evoke the spirit of historical measuring instruments, all filtered through the inspirational lens of Lake Como.



The core concept behind the "Segreto di Lario," or "Secret of Lake Como," is an invitation to experience time differently. The collection's name alludes to a hidden, seventh day of the week—a conceptual space beyond the normal passage of time, dedicated to appreciating the moment. This idea is mechanically manifested in the watch’s primary complication: an unusual and highly detailed power reserve indicator. These timepieces are designed as instruments for hedonists, people who savor life's finer moments, reflecting the brand’s belief that a watch can be a tool for appreciating the world, much like the instruments used by explorers of the past.



The first of the new interpretations is the Segreto di Lario Sunset. This model seeks to bottle the fleeting, warm glow of sundown over the water. Its most striking feature is a dial rendered in a rich copper or salmon tone, a color that immediately brings to mind the vibrant sky during the final moments of daylight. The dial has a tangible warmth to it, a visual representation of those serene instances spent with friends, a cocktail in hand, as the day transitions to night. This is the watch for the aperitivo hour, a companion for moments of relaxed indulgence.



Visually, the Sunset dial is complex and engaging. The surface plays with light through its varied finishes. A central portion features a vertical satin finish, creating a soft, linear sheen. This is contrasted by the lower section of the dial, which is decorated with vertical Côtes de Genève, or Geneva stripes. These traditional embellishments, combined with polished chamfers, give the dial a sense of depth and structure, echoing the way light reflects and refracts on the surface of water. The overall effect is dynamic, changing its appearance as the watch moves on the wrist.



Complementing the warm tones of the dial is an exclusive taupe suede strap. This choice of material adds a tactile softness and a casual feel to the timepiece. The strap is handcrafted in Italy, a nod to the watch's thematic origins. The texture of the suede provides a pleasing contrast to the cool, metallic finish of the titanium case, making the watch comfortable and visually interesting from every angle. It solidifies the model's identity as a piece for stylish, leisurely moments.



In direct contrast to the warmth of the Sunset model, the Segreto di Lario Slate Grey offers a cooler, more restrained personality. Its inspiration is drawn from a different time of day on Lake Como: the quiet, early morning hours when the moon still hangs in the sky, casting a silvery light over the water and the surrounding mountains. The watch embodies a more sober and contemplative mood, one of quiet observation and understated sophistication.



The dial is a deep, slate grey with a vertically brushed finish that gives it a subtle, industrial texture. This finish allows the dial to interact with light in a more muted way than its Sunset counterpart, creating shifting shades of grey that are reminiscent of mountain shadows on the lake. Providing a spark of contrast against this monochrome backdrop are delicate rose gold details. These accents are used sparingly on the minute hand and the tip of the power reserve gauge, adding just enough warmth to keep the design from feeling austere.



Paired with a handcrafted black alligator leather strap, the Slate Grey version presents a more formal character. The classic texture of the alligator leather, combined with the lightweight and modern feel of the titanium case, allows the watch to transition effortlessly from a sophisticated daily wearer to a dress watch suitable for evening events. According to CEO Julien Haenny, this version is a tribute to connoisseurs who prefer discretion and refinement over overt displays, combining technical substance with a modern, sober aesthetic.



Both the Sunset and Slate Grey models are housed in a cushion-shaped case crafted from Grade 5 titanium. This material choice is significant, as titanium is both lightweight and highly durable, ensuring the watch is comfortable for daily wear despite its substantive presence. The case measures 41 mm in diameter and a relatively slim 11.10 mm in height, dimensions that provide excellent ergonomics and a balanced feel on the wrist. The distinctive cushion shape, with its soft corners and flowing lines, contributes to its comfortable fit and visual appeal.



The finishing on the case is executed to a high standard, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail. Surfaces are treated with a circular satin brush, which creates a soft, non-reflective luster. This is contrasted with highly polished bevels that trace the edges of the case, catching the light and highlighting its geometry. The case back is microblasted for a fine, matte texture, and features high-precision laser engravings. Both the front and back of the watch are protected by sapphire crystals with an anti-reflective treatment, ensuring a clear view of the dial and the movement within. The case is rated for water resistance up to 50 meters.



Securing the watch to the wrist is a pin buckle also crafted from Grade 5 titanium, engraved with the Breva logo. Every element of the case, from the polished crown guards to the polished screw heads with sandblasted slots, has been carefully considered and executed. The combination of different finishes—polished, brushed, and blasted—creates a visually complex and sophisticated object that feels both modern and rooted in traditional watchmaking craft.



The dial is the functional and aesthetic heart of the Segreto di Lario, and its design is a signature of Breva Genève. The most prominent feature is the unique dual-scale power reserve indicator. This complication is displayed by a pair of overlapping, crossed hands located in the upper half of the dial. It is designed to be read like a dashboard gauge, offering two levels of precision. The first hand indicates the main power reserve, tracking the first six days of energy. As the power depletes, a second hand takes over to provide a more detailed, magnified reading of the final 24 hours of reserve.



This innovative display is not the only retrograde function on the dial. At the 6 o’clock position, a retrograde small seconds display adds further mechanical intrigue. Instead of a continuously sweeping hand, the seconds hand travels along an arc and then jumps back to the beginning at the end of each minute. The hands themselves are delicately polished and gently curved, moving gracefully across their respective scales. This triple retrograde configuration—hours, seconds, and power reserve—is an exceptional and rare feature in watchmaking.



The construction of the dial itself is a testament to fine craftsmanship. The upper section has a vertical satin finish, while the lower part is adorned with vertical Côtes de Genève and rhodium-plated, diamond-polished chamfers. This multi-layered and multi-textured approach gives the dial a remarkable sense of depth. The applied Breva logo and the rhodium-plated retrograde applique are finished with a combination of brushing and polishing, further enhancing the intricate visual landscape of the dial.



Powering the Segreto di Lario watches is an exclusive hand-wound mechanical movement developed specifically for Breva Genève by the celebrated master watchmaker Jean-François Mojon and his independent manufacture, Chronode. Based on Chronode's proven C101 caliber, this movement is a modern marvel of mechanical engineering, designed to be both robust and highly precise. It features twin barrels, which work in series to provide a very long and stable power reserve of seven days (168 hours).



The movement, which is visible through the sapphire case back, operates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and contains 29 jewels. Its architecture is specifically designed to support the watch's triple retrograde functions. The dual power reserve mechanism is particularly clever, utilizing two separate kinematic chains, each with its own cam. The information from these cams is transferred to the hands via two rack-and-pinion levers, with twin balance springs ensuring constant and seamless contact throughout their operation.



The level of decoration on the movement is consistent with the standards of haute horlogerie. The bridges are rhodium-plated and decorated with Côtes de Genève, and their edges are meticulously beveled and polished by hand. Other finishing techniques include perlage (circular graining), microblasting, and straight graining. Even components like the ratchet wheels are beautifully finished with a snail pattern on their top surface and polished bevels. This commitment to decorating every component, seen or unseen, is a hallmark of high-end Swiss watchmaking.



A deep appreciation for traditional craft is evident in every aspect of the Segreto di Lario watches. The creation of each timepiece involves skilled artisans who apply time-honored techniques to decorate the case, dial, and movement. This high level of finishing is what separates independent, low-production watchmaking from mass manufacturing and is a key appeal for seasoned collectors. The combination of different decorative styles creates a rich tapestry of textures and light play.



On the dial, the hand-finished vertical satin brushing contrasts beautifully with the industrial precision of the rhodium-plated Côtes de Genève. The polished bevels on the dial appliques and hands require a steady hand and a keen eye to execute perfectly. These details, along with intricate engravings and miniature paintings, transform the dial into a small work of art that captures the poetic ambiance of Lake Como.



The movement decoration is equally impressive. The broad Geneva stripes on the bridges provide a classic foundation, while the hand-beveled edges (anglage) demonstrate a high degree of skill, as this process is extremely time-consuming. Sandblasted engravings provide a modern, crisp contrast, and the polished bevels on the ratchet wheel add a flash of brilliance to the mechanism. This comprehensive approach to finishing underscores the quality of the work and the brand's commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.



The choice of strap for each model is carefully curated to match its specific character. The Segreto di Lario Sunset comes fitted with a handmade taupe suede leather strap, reinforcing its warm, casual persona. The Segreto di Lario Slate Grey is paired with a classic handmade black alligator leather strap, lending it a more formal and versatile quality. Both straps are available in three sizes to ensure a perfect fit and are secured with a Grade 5 titanium pin buckle engraved with the Breva logo.



These two new additions to the Breva Genève Segreto di Lario collection are produced in very limited quantities, in keeping with the brand's focus on exclusivity. They became available for pre-order in June 2025. The price for both the Sunset and the Slate Grey titanium models is set at 46,000 CHF, excluding taxes.



Case: Titanium grade 5, cushion-shaped, 41 mm diameter x 11.10 mm height. Double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystals. Water resistance to 50 meters. Finishes include circular satin-brushing, polished bevels, and a microblasted case back.

Movement: Exclusive manual-wound mechanical movement developed by Jean-François Mojon/Chronode. Features a triple retrograde display, 7-day power reserve from 2 barrels, 29 jewels, and a frequency of 3 Hz. Functions include hours, minutes, small retrograde second, and a special double retrograde 7-day power-reserve indicator.

Dial: Available in "Sunset" (copper/salmon) or "Slate Grey". Features a central satin-finished section, a lower section with vertical Côtes de Genève and diamond-polished chamfers, and a rhodium-plated retrograde applique. Displays a retrograde small seconds and a unique crossed-hands double retrograde power reserve.

Strap: Sunset model features a handmade taupe suede leather strap. Slate Grey model features a handmade black alligator leather strap. Both are secured with a Titanium grade 5 pin buckle with an engraved logo.

Price: 46,000 CHF (before taxes).

Notes: The watch features a rare triple retrograde display for the small seconds, and a unique dual-scale power reserve indicator. The collection is inspired by the different times of day on Italy's Lake Como.