Alexandre Beauregard, a name increasingly synonymous with the intricate artistry of independent watchmaking, has once again captivated the horological world with the introduction of the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg. This second iteration of his Ulysse Collection, presented at Geneva Watch Days 2026, represents a significant evolution, blending Beauregard’s profound expertise as a jeweler and gemologist with the technical prowess of the esteemed independent watchmaker Vianney Halter. While Beauregard has long been a respected figure in Montreal’s high jewelry scene, his foray into watchmaking, particularly for men, has been a carefully orchestrated progression. The Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg stands as a testament to this journey, drawing inspiration from the opulent grandeur of Imperial Russia and the timeless elegance of Fabergé’s masterpieces.
A Symphony of Gems and Horological Innovation
The Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg is immediately distinguished by its breathtaking dial, a vibrant tapestry meticulously crafted within Beauregard’s Montreal atelier. This dial is not merely a backdrop but a work of art in itself, featuring a delicate rose gold lacework forming an intricate floral composition. This framework cradles no fewer than 85 meticulously hand-carved and set colored gemstones. The selection and arrangement evoke the lavish splendor of the bygone Imperial Russian court, a direct homage to the collection’s muse. The gemstones themselves form a chromatic masterpiece: four rock crystals, twelve amethysts, thirteen fanta opals, twelve fire opals, twelve topazes, twelve yellow opals, and twenty peridots. Each stone has been precisely shaped and placed, transforming the dial into what can be described as a precious stained-glass window.
This unique assembly possesses a dynamic quality, its character shifting with every movement of the wearer’s wrist. The translucent nature of the gemstones, combined with a subtle mother-of-pearl disc positioned beneath them, allows the dial to capture and refract light in an utterly captivating manner. This interplay of light and color is further enhanced by an ingenious display of time. Eschewing conventional central mounting, the hour and minute hands are positioned unconventionally, following the unique architecture of the dial. This innovative approach was realized through a specialized mechanism developed in partnership with Vianney Halter, a collaboration that underscores the fusion of haute joaillerie and high watchmaking.
The Genesis of a Collaborative Vision
The journey of Alexandre Beauregard into the world of watchmaking began with a focus on ladies’ timepieces. However, his ambition to create a men’s watch culminated in 2024 with the debut of the first Ulysse model, a project made possible through the crucial support of Vianney Halter. This initial collaboration laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg. Beauregard’s background as a master jeweler and gemologist, honed over years at his Montreal workshop, provided the artistic vision and the unparalleled skill in gem selection and setting. His understanding of precious stones and their aesthetic potential is deeply embedded in the DNA of his watch creations.
Geneva Watch Days, a prominent event in the luxury watch calendar, served as the ideal platform for the unveiling of the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg. Held annually in late August or early September, the event draws a global audience of collectors, retailers, and media, celebrating the innovation and craftsmanship of independent watch brands. The 2026 edition of Geneva Watch Days provided a fitting stage for Beauregard and Halter to showcase their collaborative achievement, further solidifying their presence within the elite circle of independent watchmakers.
Vianney Halter’s Technical Mastery at Play
While the dazzling gemstone dial is undoubtedly the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg’s most striking visual feature, the horological heart of the watch owes its sophisticated functionality to Vianney Halter. The movement is based on the SA-30 architecture from UhrTeil AG, the renowned movement-making company founded by Andreas Strehler. This robust and elegant platform has previously been utilized in notable timepieces, including models from Strehler himself, Christiaan van der Klaauw (CvdK), and Grönefeld. For the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg, Halter, a celebrated independent watchmaker known for his distinctive designs and technical ingenuity, has further refined and adapted this movement.
The technical partnership with Halter was essential for realizing the unique time display. The development of an innovative mechanism to drive the hour and minute hands from two discs with internal peripheral gearing was a significant undertaking. This ingenuity is a hallmark of Halter’s work, where form and function are seamlessly integrated. The movement’s elegant architecture is visible through the exhibition caseback, a sapphire crystal that offers a clear view of its intricate workings. Adding another layer of sophistication, the movement is equipped with Halter’s signature "mysterious winding system." This system features a transparent sapphire disc that serves as the central rotor, ingeniously connected to a substantial peripheral weight. This design not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the watch’s efficient self-winding capability.
A Glimpse into the Movement’s Refinements
The self-winding mechanical movement powering the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). It boasts a power reserve of approximately 56 hours, providing ample autonomy for daily wear. The finishing of the movement, while sober and elegant, is distinctly modern and elaborate, reflecting the high standards of both Beauregard and Halter. The rotor itself is a canvas for celebrating the collaboration, engraved with the names of Alexandre Beauregard and Vianney Halter, symbolizing their shared vision and friendship. It also bears the Latin maxim "Vulnerant omnes, ultima necat," which translates to "They all wound; the last one kills." This philosophical inscription adds a layer of depth and intrigue, perhaps alluding to the ephemeral nature of time or the ultimate finality of life’s journey.
The Case and Wearability
The refined calibre is encased in a round 18k pink gold case measuring 41mm in diameter. The case features a harmonious blend of brushed and polished surfaces, adding subtle visual complexity. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the elaborately adorned dial, while a sapphire caseback offers an unobstructed view of the movement. The crown is elegantly set with a peridot, a nod to Beauregard’s gemological expertise and the watch’s overall theme. Despite its 41mm diameter, the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg wears comfortably on the wrist. This is largely due to its relatively short lug-to-lug measurement of 45.5mm, a thoughtful design choice that ensures wearability for a wider range of wrist sizes. The watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters, sufficient for everyday wear and protection against accidental splashes.
Presentation and Limited Availability
The Beauregard Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg is presented on a distinguished chestnut alligator strap, notable for its lack of stitching, which contributes to its sleek and contemporary aesthetic. The strap is secured by an 18k pink gold pin buckle. Production of this exceptional timepiece is strictly limited to only 10 pieces worldwide, underscoring its exclusivity and collectible status. The retail price for this remarkable fusion of jewelry art and horological engineering is set at CHF 148,000 (excluding taxes). This price point reflects the extensive use of precious materials, the complexity of the gem-setting, the unique movement development, and the limited production numbers.
Broader Implications for Independent Watchmaking
The collaboration between Alexandre Beauregard and Vianney Halter on the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg serves as a compelling example of the evolving landscape of independent watchmaking. It demonstrates how established expertise in one luxury sector, such as high jewelry, can be successfully integrated with the demanding technical world of watchmaking. The project highlights the increasing willingness of independent watchmakers to collaborate, pooling their diverse skills to create unique and boundary-pushing timepieces.
Furthermore, the Ulysse Saint-Petersbourg’s success at Geneva Watch Days 2026 suggests a growing market appreciation for watches that transcend traditional categories, blending artistry, gemology, and mechanical complexity. This trend indicates a discerning clientele eager for timepieces that offer not just precision and functionality, but also profound aesthetic appeal and a compelling narrative. The watch’s ability to spark conversation, as noted by observers, is a testament to its distinctive character and the successful execution of its ambitious design concept. The continued success of such projects is likely to encourage further cross-disciplinary collaborations within the high-end watchmaking industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and offering collectors ever more extraordinary creations.
Technical Specifications
Case:
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 9.35mm
- Lug-to-lug: 45.5mm
- Material: 18k pink gold
- Finishing: Brushed and polished surfaces
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Caseback: Sapphire crystal exhibition caseback
- Crown: Adorned with a peridot
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
Dial:
- Construction: 18K pink gold lacework
- Gemstones: 85 hand-carved gems including 4 rock crystals, 12 amethysts, 13 fanta opals, 12 fire opals, 12 topazes, 12 yellow opals, and 20 peridots.
- Hands: Solid 18K rose gold hands with light blue translucent lacquer.
- Craftsmanship: Entirely made in Beauregard Montreal’s workshop.
Movement:
- Type: Self-winding mechanical
- Architecture: Developed with Vianney Halter on an UhrTeil AG SA-30 Strehler base
- Winding System: Mysterious automatic winding with peripheral rotor
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
- Balance Wheel: Screw balance wheel
- Power Reserve: Approximately 56 hours
- Jewels: 30 transparent functional rubies
- Indications: Hours and minutes
Strap:
- Material: Chestnut alligator leather
- Finishing: Without stitching
- Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle
Availability:
- Limited edition of 10 pieces.
Price:
- CHF 148,000 (excluding taxes).
For further details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website at www.beauregard.ch.
