Today, I want to introduce a brand that holds a special place in my heart: Beauregard. Why this brand, you may ask? In 2021, Alexandre Beauregard was one of my first interactions with the world of independent watchmaking. He immediately drew me into his universe at a time when I knew very little about this world. Before presenting the first masculine creation of his brand, which he had wanted to realize for years, let me take you through the unique journey of this Canadian visionary who many initially thought was crazy.
Although Alexandre debuted his first feminine collection, Dahlia, in 2018, he embarked on his grand horological adventure back in 2011. A lover of gemology and watches, Alexandre started from scratch, being neither born into the industry nor based in Switzerland. His fortunes changed when he met Yves Saint-Pierre, a master of creating sculptures from stones using an unprecedented cutting technique. As his mentor, Saint-Pierre introduced Alexandre to the Tucson Gem Show in Arizona, the largest gemstone exhibition in the world. But it was in Switzerland, during his many trips to attend events like the EPHJ, that he made his first connections with movement manufacturers, watchmakers, machining specialists, and the broader horological industry.
Since its inception, Beauregard has been known to watch enthusiasts for its feminine creations, emphasizing the use of precious stones that Alexandre himself cut in a workshop behind his kitchen in Montreal. For his latest project, Beauregard teamed up with the legendary independent watchmaker Vianney Halter, whom he met at Baselworld in 2019. After years of research and a three-year development phase, this project was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024. Now, let’s explore the Beauregard Ulysse.
What are the features of the Beauregard Ulysse?
Case
The Beauregard Ulysse features a 41mm case in 18K rose gold, with a sapphire crystal that has an anti-reflective coating on both sides and a crown adorned with an aquamarine. Although it initially feels heavy due to the gold and gemstones, the case sits comfortably on the wrist, thanks to the well-considered curve of the case back and lugs.
Dial
The Beauregard Ulysse is decorated with a dial made of 0.3mm rose gold lace and 68 hand-cut aquamarine components of flawless quality, selected for their purity and delicate color. Entirely crafted in the Montreal workshop with a small team before being assembled in Switzerland, the dial takes inspiration from stained glass. Each stone uniquely reflects light due to a mother-of-pearl disc placed beneath the gem. The hands, curved to follow the dial’s contour, are tipped with Super-LumiNova and appear to dance above this miniature mosaic masterpiece.
Movement
Inside the Beauregard Ulysse is a movement developed by Vianney Halter, based on Andreas Strehler’s SA-30. The movement’s architecture has been reimagined with custom complications to reposition the hands, featuring Halter’s signature “mysterious” winding rotor. Additional bridges with wave patterns and decorative elements were designed by Beauregard. The components were machined by Dzevad Cohadarevic in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, before being decorated by Philippe Narbel and his team at Manufactor in L’Abbaye. Finally, they were returned to Sainte-Croix, where Vianney Halter assembled the movement.
With a 21,600 VpH (vibrations per hour) beat rate, the movement boasts a power reserve of 56 hours. Its design provides an exceptional view of the finishing and decorations, including German silver bridges, engravings, 30 transparent jewels, and meticulously beveled angles.
Strap
The Beauregard Ulysse comes with a brown, seamless alligator leather strap with a rose gold pin buckle, crafted by Atelier du Bracelet in Geneva.
How much does the Beauregard Ulysse?
The Beauregard Ulysse is a limited edition of 10 pieces and is priced at CHF 110’000 equivalent to AED 443’000 (excluding VAT).
Beauregard Ulysse: A Timepiece that Blends Organic Beauty and Mechanical Precision
More than just a watch, the Beauregard Ulysse is a work of art for the wrist, an aesthetic inspiration that draws from the Art Deco school and the organic beauty of the marine world, showcasing perfectly flawless aquamarines. The result of several years of research and a three-year development phase, this timepiece represents a human adventure, a friendly and horological odyssey.
I find this watch to be a great success, both aesthetically and mechanically. From a movement perspective, it has the potential to accommodate additional complications, perhaps even a tourbillon in the future.
I would like to thank Alexandre and his wife for the engaging conversation we had during the Geneva Watch Days 2024. They are humble and approachable individuals.
Beauregard Ulysse – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Beauregard
- Model: Ulysse
- Case : 18K Rose Gold
- Dial: 18K Rose Gold Lacework, 68 Aquamarine Components of Flawless Quality
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Movement: Developed and Manufactured by Vianney Halter in his Sainte-Croix workshop, Decorated and Finished under the Creative Impulse of Alexandre Beauregard, Self-Winding, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz) and 30 jewels
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 41 mm (Diameter)
- Strap: Chestnut Alligator with 18K Rose Gold Pin Buckle
- Availability: Limited Edition of 10 pieces
- Retail Price: CHF 110’000 equivalent to AED 443’000 (Excluding VAT)
What do you think of this watch? Do you enjoy poetic timepieces like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information about Beauregard, click here.
