For over 150 years, Bernhard H. Mayer quality has been synonymous with superior craftsmanship and luxury. Established in Pforzheim, Germany, in 1871, the brand has evolved from a humble family business to one of the most distinguished names in luxury horology.
But what exactly makes a Bernhard H. Mayer watch stand out?
Swiss Craftsmanship
QNET’s Bernhard H. Mayer watches are all handmade at the brand’s ateliers in the watchmaking district of Biel, Switzerland. There, master artisans meticulously assembled each timepiece, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with the latest horological advancements.
This means that everyone who purchases a Bernhard H. Mayer watch is assured of exquisite artistry and unparalleled excellence in design.
Masterful Watch Movements
Bernhard H. Mayer also upholds the practices of Swiss luxury watchmaking by offering a variety of movements that fit different preferences.
Watch movement or “calibre” is its heart or internal engine, and in Bernhard H. Mayer’s case, the brand is particularly renowned for its mechanical movement watches.
A mechanical movement runs on an intricate system of interconnected components and utilises energy from a wound spring for power. Watches featuring this mechanism are also typically assembled by hand. It’s important to note, though, that there are two main types of mechanical watch movements these days: manual and automatic.
Manual movements are the foundation of traditional horology, requiring wearers to wind the crown periodically. Prized for their simplicity, refined elegance, and link to the past, mechanical movement watches are highly sought after. A standout example is the exquisite Mecanique Rose Gold, which features a vintage ETA/Unitas 6497 movement, clean lines and a stunning see-through case back.
Automatic movement watches, meanwhile, function just like manual movement watches, but are “self-winding”, harnessing kinetic energy from a wearer’s wrist motion. Automatic watches are very popular due to their convenience, heft and durability. Case in point: the ruggedly elegant Wave Breaker, which is powered by a Sellita SW300 automatic Swiss movement.
The above notwithstanding, several Bernhard H. Mayer watches also feature quartz movements, i.e., systems powered by battery and quartz crystals. Quartz watches typically require less maintenance and are more accurate. Notable examples utilising quartz movements include timepieces in the OMNI and Lurve collections.
Functionality and Aesthetics
The brand also emphasises functionality and visual appeal, which is why Bernhard H. Mayer timepieces are built to be both reliable and reflect a wearer’s taste. There is, thus, a diverse selection of styles on offer, ranging from daily watches to high-performance sports chronographs.
Daily watches, sometimes called “beaters” or “everyday-wearers”, are crafted for comfort and durability. They’re also versatile and can be both classic in design or modern, like the race-inspired Drift Racer.
Dress watches, on the other hand, are tailored for formal events. These are typically slim and feature minimalist dials and leather straps. The key here is sophistication and chic, as exemplified by the Muses Ladies – Black Leather Strap, which boasts a printed croco leather strap and a stainless steel case with full-cut diamonds.
Sports watches are perfect for those who want to balance elegance with rugged durability. A prime example is the Powermaster Chronograph, a bold stainless steel timepiece with superior functionality.
There’s also the option of dive watches, which are built for underwater use but can be worn just about anywhere. Case in point: the sturdy Wave Rider, which features a rotating bezel, luminous dial indexes and hands, and a robust case built for all adventures and occasions.
Premium Materials
Just as important to luxury horology are the materials used in watchmaking, which is why Bernhard H. Mayer is dedicated to utilising only the finest.
For instance, the brand incorporates a lot of stainless steel, long a staple of luxury watching, into its designs. The metal, especially 316L stainless steel, is tough, corrosion-resistant and durable. Plus, it provides a refined aesthetic, and looks good in both formal and casual settings.
Gold is another classic material used in Bernhard H. Mayer watches. Whether in a full gold case or plated finish, like the Le Classique Chronograph Rose Gold, gold’s intrinsic lustre and timeless allure adds prestige to any timepiece.
Ceramic, as featured in the Alto Ceramic collection, meanwhile, is relatively new to the game. However, it has quickly gained popularity for its lightweight yet robust nature that’s resistant to scratches and ultraviolet rays.
Beyond case materials, every Bernhard H. Mayer watch is protected by sapphire crystal, a premium scratch-resistant crystal made of synthetic sapphire. As the “window” to a timepiece, a watch’s crystal is often subjected to a lot, which is why durability is a priority.
A Legacy of Timekeeping Excellence
The bottom line is that Bernhard H. Mayer watches are more than just accessories for telling time. They’re symbols of an enduring legacy of fine craftsmanship and precision. So, whether one is drawn to the artistic simplicity of mechanical watch movements or the sophistication of premium metals, every Bernhard H. Mayer watch is built to stand the test of time.
