In the world of haute horlogerie, there are figures who do not simply create watches, but help rewrite the rules. Dominique Renaud is one of them. A designer and inventor, he has played a key role behind the scenes of some of the most important complications developed for leading maisons, becoming a reference in the industry thanks to the legendary Renaud Papimanufacture, later integrated into Audemars Piguet.
His approach has never been that of a simple executor, but rather a true experimenter, observing, questioning, collaborating and building together. A method rooted in constant exchange, testing and research, which over the years has led him to develop a deeply personal vision of watchmaking. A vision that now takes shape in the new Dominique Renaud brand, unveiled in 2026 as part of HHDR. This is not just a debut, but the most accomplished expression of his work as an inventor, a project designed to move beyond existing codes and establish an entirely new language where function defines form.
A NEW BRAND BETWEEN MINIMALISM AND DISRUPTION
The language of the Dominique Renaud brand is immediate and unmistakable, minimalist, radical and essential, yet deeply technical. Every element is designed to eliminate the superfluous and leave space for a clear reading of the mechanics, creating an aesthetic that feels almost inevitable, as if it could not exist in any other form.
Rather than reinterpreting what already exists, the brand moves beyond it, giving life to an exploratory approach to watchmaking that prioritises total coherence between function and design. The movement architecture, the display of time and the case construction all become part of a single narrative, making each creation instantly recognisable. It is an approach that breaks with traditional conventions and perfectly reflects the nonconformist nature of its founder.
PULSE 60: A NEW WAY TO MEASURE TIME
The first chapter of this new journey is called Pulse60, a name that already encapsulates its philosophy, 60 oscillations per minute, the same rhythm as a resting human heart. This is where Dominique Renaud begins his radical reflection on time, choosing to approach one of watchmaking’s most complex topics, frequency, from an entirely different perspective.
After exploring extremely high frequencies in the past, this time the choice is radically different, 1 Hz, or one oscillation per second. This is not merely a technical decision, but a true shift in thinking. Where high frequency seeks precision by multiplying events, here stability is achieved through mastering rhythm. Time becomes something closer to human experience, less abstract and more tangible, unfolding in a slow and controlled rhythm, almost like breathing.
THE HEART OF THE PULSE 60: A MOVEMENT BEYOND CONVENTIONS
At the core of the Pulse60 lies the new BUA2024 calibre, Balancier Ultra Amplitude, developed from 2024 and designed around this low frequency approach. By drastically reducing the number of impulses within the escapement, the movement limits the disturbances that typically interfere with the balance’s oscillation, improving overall stability.
To make this possible, Dominique Renaud introduces a key element, a 20 mm balance wheel, an extraordinary size for a wristwatch. Its high inertia allows it to maintain motion with remarkable stability, absorbing micro variations and minimising the impact of shocks. This principle recalls marine chronometers, where the mass of the balance plays a crucial role in timekeeping stability. The result is a sense of time that does not accelerate or tick abruptly, but unfolds in a smooth and controlled rhythm.
ULTRA AMPLITUDE AND STABILITY: BEYOND TRADITIONAL LIMITS
One of the most innovative aspects of the Pulse60 is the complete rethinking of the regulating organ. Dominique Renaud overcomes one of watchmaking’s classic limitations, allowing the balance to operate with an amplitude greater than 360° without encountering the phenomenon known as knocking. In theory, it can reach around 700°, a range never previously exploited in a traditional wristwatch.
This means the movement operates well away from its limits, much like an engine running far from its redline. Within this broader and more controlled range, the balance can oscillate more freely, reducing the influence of escapement impulses and improving rate stability. The result is greater regularity and improved timekeeping across different positions, thanks to a more natural and less constrained dynamic.
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE: MECHANICS AS THE MAIN CHARACTER
The design of the Pulse60 is conceived to make this technical revolution fully visible. The case is built around the idea of continuity, the bezel and lugs disappear, giving way to a fluid form that integrates seamlessly with the strap. Its construction is composed of three elements, with a central container and side sections directly connected to the strap, reinforcing the coherence between function and form.
The dial layout also breaks traditional codes, with hours and minutes positioned at 12 o’clock, a seconds counter at 9 o’clock featuring a natural dead half second made possible by the 1 Hz frequency, and a torque indicator at 3 o’clock connected directly to the barrel. The true centrepiece, however, is the balance wheel, left completely unobstructed thanks to a patented regulation system positioned outside the balance, allowing a clear and uninterrupted view of its motion.
The open caseback completes the narrative, presenting a streamlined architecture built from simple forms, circles, half circles and straight lines, that highlight both the movement’s structure and its distinctive double roller system.
MATERIALS, VERSIONS AND AVAILABILITY
The Pulse60 is available in two configurations, a Grade 5 titanium version, offered with grey or black opaline dials featuring cut out openings, and a bi material version in pink gold and titanium, distinguished by a guilloché dial reinterpreted in a modern way. The case measures 40 x 44 mm with a thickness of 12 mm and is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal with anti reflective treatment, while the caseback is also sapphire.
The movement delivers a 4 day power reserve, and the integrated rubber strap features an invisible and easy to use interchangeable system. Water resistance is rated at 30 metres.
The launch is scheduled for April 2026, with a price of CHF 49,000 for the titanium version and CHF 59,000 for the pink gold and titanium version, excluding taxes.
By Jacopo Giudici