Limited to just 55 pieces, the Breva Génie 01 is the world’s first wristwatch with time, altimeter, barometer (for forecasting the weather) and power reserve indications provided by a fully mechanical movement, much of which is on display through the open dial and display back. The proprietary movement of the Génie 01 was developed exclusively for Breva by Jean-François Mojon of Chronode.

A complex watch by any standards, there are a series of indications to keep the wearer fully informed about current time, altitude, remaining power in the mainspring, and a weather forecasting barometer. Hours and minutes are displayed on a semi-transparent smoky-sapphire sub dial at 8 o’clock, with small seconds below 12 o’clock. A scale displaying altitude arcs around the top perimeter of the dial. Barometric pressure is indicated on a second semi-transparent smoky-sapphire sub dial at 2 o’clock, with icons providing scientifically based forecasts of likely weather conditions to come. A 65-hour power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock is recognisable via the compass rose, an icon found throughout Génie 01.

At 6 o’clock, an anaerobic capsule measuring air pressure dominates the lower section, with another identical anaerobic capsule underneath it to maximize sensitivity to the slightest change in air pressure. Three dual-purpose crowns on the case band provide power to, and allow setting of, the  Breva movement.

On the left at 9 o’clock, a two-position crown is dedicated to winding the watch and setting the time. On the top right at 2 o’clock, a knurled exterior ring adjusts the barometric pressure scale, while an inner pusher adjusts the position of the altitude indication. At 4 o’clock, a second crown on the right has a knurled locking ring that rotates 90° to lock/unlock an air valve.

When unlocked, the valve opens and allows a small amount of air to equalize air pressure inside the case with the exterior air pressure. Longevity and reliability of the timepiece are maximised by means of an osmotic Teflon membrane that filters any moisture from any air before it enters the movement. Just above the crown, a red indicator on the dial marked “SEALED” warns when the valve is unlocked. Meanwhile on the caseback of the Génie 01, there’s a circular scale engraved around the perimeter which provides a scale pertaining to correlations between altitude and air pressure, as the altitude affects air pressure as well as the weather.

Through the sapphire crystal display back, can be viewed the balance wheel that first catches the eye; and on closer inspection a view of the beautifully finished movement. When winding the movement you can see compass roses rotating on the cap of the mainspring barrel.

The name “Breva” is inspired by “La Breva”, a warm southern wind that contributes to the agreeably mild microclimate around Lake Como in northern Italy. Breva Watches breathes a refreshing breeze through the often-stuffy world of Swiss haute horlogerie.