Earlier this spring, Watches & Wonders 2024 more than lived up to its name at the Beauregard stand in Palexpo. Having previously launched his own line of high-end jewellery watches aimed at women – including the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève-nominated Lili Bouton – Canadian stone artisan Alexandre Beauregard chose the Geneva showpiece to unveil his first ever men’s watch, Ulysse.
In Greek mythology, Ulysse (in French) or Ulysses (in English) – or Odysseus (in Ancient Greek) – is the courageous king of Ithaca and hero of Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. It’s certainly a fitting name, because Ulysse the watch is a breathtaking piece of poetry for the wrist, one bearing the distinct hallmark of both its creators.
Indeed, while Beauregard oversaw the creation of its stunning aquamarine-set dial, independent watchmaking maestro and friend of the brand Vianney Halter was responsible for the production of its German silver automatic movement.
Created in the brand’s Montreal workshop, Beauregard’s dial features 68 hand-cut aquamarine stones, each chosen for their purity and delicate colour. Each stone is set within a gold latticework that draws inspiration from the design of stained-glass windows. And in a clever move, beneath these stones lies a reflective mother-of-pearl disc that helps bring the whole ensemble to life with a fantastic play of light.
Kindred Spirit
As for Halter’s involvement, the pair had developed a mutual respect for each other’s work and philosophy after striking up a friendship at Baselworld 2019. “It was an instant connection with a kindred spirit,” says Beauregard of the French watchmaker.
Known for his Antiqua perpetual calendar and Deep Space Tourbillon, Halter designed and assembled Ulysse’s self-winding movement at his Sainte-Croix workshop in the Swiss Jura. He chose to use German silver rather than brass for the bridges because of its “superior quality” that in his eyes ensures not only the watch’s longevity but also its easy maintenance.
The Frenchman entrusted his Sainte-Croix neighbour Dzevad Cohadarevic to machine its curvaceous German silver bridges and got Philippe Narbel on board to finely finish these by hand. Based in the Vallée de Joux, Narbel is known for his decoration work on Audemars Piguet’s skeleton watches, and here he has brought his supreme bevelling and polishing skills, among others, to the fore.
In addition to the shapely bridges, the movement features a 3 Hz balance, 56-hour power reserve and 30 functional jewels made from transparent sapphire rather than synthetic ruby in order to keep the movement’s tonality coherent. What’s more, the calibre can be fully admired through the display back thanks to the use of Halter’s signature “mystery” oscillating mass that works peripherally.
To match the gilded latticework, Ulysse’s 41mm round case is crafted in polished 18K rose gold. A domed sapphire crystal covers the spectacular dial, while around the perimeter of the screw-down caseback a blue lacquered engraving matches the hue of the dial-side aquamarines. The watch is paired with a stitchless chestnut alligator leather strap with quick-release mechanism and rose gold pin buckle.
Priced at CHF 110,000 excluding taxes, Ulysse will be limited to just 10 pieces. To find out more, please visit the Beauregard website.
