The independent Swiss watch manufacturer, inspired by Lake Como, unveiled a new model on March 26 during Geneva Watch Week 2026. Breva Genève presents its “Segreto di Lario” model with a powder-gold dial.
Founded in 2010 by Vincent Dupontreué, Breva Genève stands out in the watchmaking world in more ways than one.
First, because after establishing itself in the niche segment of measuring instruments (barometers, altimeters, retractable speedometers, etc.), the brand went dormant for a time before being revived under the leadership of Julien Haenny, a professional who previously worked at HYT, The Fine Watch Club, Anonimo, Vulcain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and TechnoMarine.
Second, because the Swiss manufacturer is not only independent—a rarity in an industry accustomed to takeovers—but also deeply inspired by the Italian Dolce Vita.
Its latest iteration of the “Segreto di Lario”, its iconic model with a cushion-shaped gold dial, continues the brand’s ambition. Namely, to appeal to connoisseurs of the exceptional who wish to wear more than just a watch—a piece of history, craftsmanship, and dreams.
Golden Hours on the Lake
With its classic shape, the “Segreto di Lario”—the secret of Lake Como in Italian—is nonetheless stunningly elegant.
This timepiece, which has lost none of its nautical inspiration and still features an original power reserve indicator, now sports a gold dial.
This distinctive “powdered gold” hue, with a slightly matte finish, is inspired by the patina of scientific instruments such as brass sextants and compasses that have guided generations of explorers.
The hue also evokesnickel silver, the alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel chosen by traditional watchmakers for the manufacture of bridges and plates. A particularly hard and resistant metal, it is recognized as being far more resistant to corrosion than brass.
“In the Segreto di Lario collection, each shade represents a moment or an atmosphere. The Meridian Gold model introduces a defining moment: the hour of orientation, when one sets a course. Within our new model, every design element dialogues with the original function of these instruments: to orient, calibrate, and navigate,” explains Julien Haenny, CEO of Breva Genève.
The invitation to travel is also evident in the presence of a compass rose at 12 o’clock and crossed scales for the retrograde indicators, evoking scientific readings.
The exclusive Breva Genève movement with a triple retrograde complication, notably indicating a 7-day power reserve, is housed in a 41mm-diameter, 11.10mm-thick Grade 5 titanium cushion case that is water-resistant to 50 meters.
“This piece marks an important milestone in our journey, a refined expression of our vision for contemporary mechanical timepieces,” stated the current CEO.
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Featured photo: Breva Genève
