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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/Chronode.
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A dial side tour reveals a plethora of easy-to-read
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 instantly recognizable
thanks to its engraved 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.
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Three dual-purpose crowns on the case band provide
power to, and allow setting of, the proprietary 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 maximized 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.
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The technological and visual feast continues through
to the back of Génie 01. A circular scale engraved around the perimeter
of the caseback provides a scale providing correlations between altitude
and air pressure, as the altitude affects air pressure as well as the
weather.
Through the sapphire crystal display back, it is the vibrantly
oscillating balance wheel that first catches the eye; however a more
carefully inspection unveils yet more 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.
Génie 01 is a limited edition of 55 pieces in white gold and 55 pieces in pink gold.
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