Yonger & Bresson is a name in French watchmaking that has been around since 1975 and they’re back with a new watch called Le Singulier, which will be launching on Kickstarter next week. If you’re looking for haute horological design at accessible prices, look no further, because Le Singulier was designed in collaboration with the exceptional design team partnering with Franck Muller.
Franck Muller’s influence is immediately noticeable in the steel tonneau case measuring 36mm x 49mm, highly reminiscent of watches like the Vanguard and Skafander. The sides are gently rounded so that it sits on the wrist very comfortably and the brushed finish helps to soften the shape visually, meaning the case doesn’t distract from the dial. It’s also worth noting that the case is available in three colours: silver, gold and black.
The dial itself is a fusion of skeletonization and geometric, quasi-Art Deco style. In the centre of the display there is a large, circular window that reveals the movement below, but overlayed on top is a steel outline of several key components and gears. The overlay helps to provide a more solid backdrop for the hands, so that it has less issues with legibility. It’s as extravagant as you’d expect from the design team partnering with Franck Muller while also being uniquely Yonger & Bresson.
However, while it’s a skeleton, the movement on display isn’t exactly one of the horological greats. It’s the Japanese Miyota 8N24, an automatic calibre with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per day. It would be nice to see it with a Swiss movement, but on the positive side it does keep the price down.
Speaking of which, the pre-launch of Le SINGULIER starts on October 15th from the Yonger & Bresson Kickstarter page from which you can receive the early bird, half-price discount. That means the watch will cost an insanely accessible €249 (approx. £212), although if you miss out on the discount then the full retail price is only €499 (approx. £427). For a quality French watch with a funky skeleton dial and a Franck Muller edge that seems like a bit of a no brainer.
Price & Specs:
Model: Yonger & Bresson Le Singulier
Case/Dial: 36mm x 49mm diameter x 12mm to 15mm height, stainless steel case in silver, gold or black, skeleton dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: MIYOTA 8N24 calibre, automatic, 21 jewels
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 42h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Black silicon rubber or black/brown leather
Price/availability: €249 (approx. £212) Kickstarter early-bird price when ordered between October 15th – 30th, €499 (approx. £427) full retail price
More details at Yonger & Bresson.
