Lyrique

Lyrique is one of the most unusual propositions in contemporary Swiss watchmaking — not a brand in the conventional sense but an international collective of 51 watch enthusiasts from 16 countries and five continents who banded together to commission and co-own exceptional timepieces that would otherwise be beyond the reach of any individual member. The model draws direct inspiration from Abraham-Louis Breguet's Souscription system of 1794, in which Breguet pre-sold watches by subscription to fund their production — democratising access to fine horology in his era. Lyrique does the same in the 21st century: by pooling resources and acting as a group patron, its members can commission watches from the finest makers in Switzerland — Agenhor for movements, Voutilainen & Cattin SA for cases, Comblémine SA for guilloché dials, Fiedler SA for hands — achieving a level of quality and supplier access that no single collector could replicate alone. The group works directly with top watchmakers and designers, supporting the development of creative watches, movements, and techniques that are grounded in the centuries-old craft traditions of Swiss watchmaking. Each reference is its own étude — a French musical term meaning a study or exercise, used here to describe a piece that deepens the group's engagement with horology one reference at a time.

The Étude N°1 launched in July 2022 — the first output of the Lyrique group and a statement of intent. At its heart is the AGH-6801 calibre, a hand-wound movement designed and produced entirely by Agenhor, the Geneva movement engineering firm founded by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and known for developing complications and calibres for some of the world's most respected watch brands. The AGH-6801 incorporates two Agenhor proprietary innovations: the AgenEse® gear, which provides smooth and continuous movement of the eccentric small seconds hand without the stepwise motion of a conventional escapement; and the AgenPit® regulator, which allows precise adjustment of the hairspring frequency and beat without collets or a regulation lever — a refinement that simplifies adjustment while improving accuracy. The movement operates at 21,600 A/h (3Hz) with a 40-hour power reserve. The case — a teardrop-belted design by Matthieu Allégre — is produced by Voutilainen & Cattin SA, the respected Swiss case manufacturer that also produces cases for Voutilainen himself. Hands are Observatorie-style pieces by Fiedler SA. The white lacquer dial with black Arabic numerals is by Metalem, with the small seconds subdial at 8:30. The handcrafted calfskin strap is by Protexo with a Boucledor buckle. The 39mm × 9.75mm stainless steel case is water resistant to 30 metres. Reference LE50-1 is limited to 70 pieces.

The Étude N°2: Guilloché (April 2024, CHF 29,000, Reference LE100-2) adds a dimension of artisanal visual depth that the Étude N°1 deliberately reserved for its successor. The dial is the work of Comblémine SA (Cadrans et projets horlogers SA) — the prestigious Swiss dial manufacturer — using an original design by Matthieu Allégre. The guilloché pattern is described as 'a swirl of Burgundy wine in a crystal glass surrounded by chandeliers and candles' — a deeply atmospheric evocation rendered in engine-turned metal, available in Burgundy (95 pieces) and a rare Light Rose variant (5 pieces only). A brushed hour chapter ring provides a visual base for raised applied Arabic numerals in gold. The movement is the AGH-6802 — an updated version of the AGH-6801 incorporating a Straumann® balance spring (one of the finest available), a new balance wheel designed by Agenhor and produced by Precision Engineering AG (the same company that produces hairsprings for H. Moser & Cie.), an improved balance wheel bridge for long-term structural integrity, and modified base plates for greater anchor security. The AGH-6802 retains the AgenEse® eccentric seconds and AgenPit® regulator from its predecessor. The case gains brushed sides as a visual counterpoint to the polished teardrop belt, at 39mm × 10.45mm in stainless steel. The ostrich leather strap is handmade by Protexo; the buckle by Boucledor. All suppliers across the Étude N°2 — Agenhor, Voutilainen & Cattin, Comblémine, Fiedler, Boucledor, Protexo, and Lucrin Geneva — engage in sustainable practices and use sustainable materials.