DWISS Model A1 Incorporates Tapisserie Dial With La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné Movement

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Showcasing a Tapisserie dial alongside a stellar La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné automatic movement, it’s time to review the DWISS Model A1

Summary

With clean architectural looks, Swiss made quality, integrated bracelet and solid Super-LumiNova® C1 X1 BL blocks, this entry-level watch is a highly accessible piece for collectors and enthusiasts.
Established in 2011 by Rafael Simoes Miranda, DWISS focuses on small batch production, technical precision and premium Swiss quality at an attractive price point.
Ideal as an everyday driver or sophisticated dress timepiece, careful thought and high performance is reflected, showcasing a top notch movement, excellent legibility and artisanal craftsmanship.
The eight sided case may have Audemars Piguet Royal Oak slash Gerald Genta vibes, but there are subtle differences, from receiving 27 global design awards to a luminous date aperture, a horological feat, rarely seen in these types of watches.
Available in four dial declinations, blue, black, green and blue, other highlights include 316L stainless steel bracelet, exhibition caseback, scratch resistant sapphire crystal and sublime lustre, in keeping with high-grade Swiss mechanical watchmaking.

When we think of integrated bracelet watches, what springs to mind?

Of course you have the big hitters like the Patek Philippe Nautilus or the legendary Rolex Daytona. You know the one…Paul Newman’s sold for $17.8 million. And both have waitlists as long as the Great Wall of China.

Even longer.

But what if we told you there are independents that are getting in on the act. And for much less? Think Czapek, led by their enigmatic CEO, Xavier de Roquemaurel with the Antarctique, Or a Girard Perregaux Laureato, But what about today’s hot horological contender?

DWISS Model A1

Now, the brand’s owner, Rafael Simoes Miranda, knows a thing or two about designing timepieces, given he’s been the timekeeping master behind a plethora of models previously.

And he has more awards than producer Sheila Nevins, who holds the record number of Emmy wins. Well almost. She has 31, compared to his 27 international design gongs.

With a tapering three-link 316L stainless steel bracelet, classic Tapisserie dial, and high end Swiss production, the hour is upon us, as we review the DWISS Model A1.

Time is of the essence…

Who Are DWISS?

DWISS stands for Design Watch Independent Switzerland, an independent Swiss watch brand founded in 2011 by industrial designer Rafael Simoes Miranda.

Rafael Simoes Miranda founder of DWISS in a workshop

Now in its fourteenth year, the brand’s mission is to “tell time differently,” blending Swiss craftsmanship with creative design innovation.

Yet, the brand isn’t a traditional large luxury house — it’s a design-led microbrand that blends art, engineering, and horology to produce watches that look and feel distinctive.

Rafael Simoes Miranda founder of DWISS in a workshop

The brand has earned multiple international design awards over the years, including the iF Design Award, Good Design Award, European Product Design Award, and many others

Personality Of The DWISS Model A1

“The Model A1 reflects our close relationship with the community. We produce bespoke watches not only for collectors and watch groups, but also for meaningful stories. One A1 edition features real sand from the Al Ain desert in Abu Dhabi, turning a timepiece into a personal and tangible memory.”

Rafael Simoes Miranda, CEO of DWISS speaking exclusively to Chrono Hunter

At first glance, it is both clean and architectural, defined by sharp lines, balanced proportions, and a strong focus on legibility.

DWISS Model A1 watch with green dial being held by 2 hands

This is a strong contender as an ideal everyday piece, to be worn not just for special occasions but between boardroom, bar and late night rendez-vous.

Measuring 40mm x 10.8mm, the slender appearance will be the envy of most wearers with a smooth butterfly clasp alongside 316L stainless steel.

DWISS Model A1 watch strap displayed on a grey fabric

When it comes to size, it’s the same case diameter as a Rolex Day-Date reference 228238 and 0.2mm slimmer than a Vacheron Constantin ref. 4500V/110A-B128.

DWISS Model A1 Watch in the dark displaying aqua colour glow in the dark batons

Throw in solid Super-LumiNova® C1 X1 BL blocks, with 4x luminosity, the formula put down by brand owner Rafael Simoes Miranda is fearsome as 8-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer.

Heck, there’s even lume surrounding the date window which is a world exclusive.

“DWISS was founded with a clear purpose: to tell time differently. The ‘D’ stands for Design, our strongest asset. With over 20 years of design experience, I approach watchmaking as a creative discipline, not a formula. That philosophy has been recognised with more than 30 international design awards.”

Rafael Simoes Miranda, CEO of DWISS, speaking about the brand DNA

But it is the case and the integrated bracelet which shine through. It’s effortless without adding a pop of colour or trying to emulate any best rainbow watch on the market.

Uplclose image of the right side of a DWISS Model A1 Watch

The screw down crown operates nicely, while the 100 metres of water resistance ensures you can enjoy this timepiece in a range of situations such as by flexing by the pool (or in it for that matter), snorkelling, or when on the run trying to avoid the rain.

Upclose image of the DWISS Model A1 watch dial in green with stainless steel case

One cannot forget to highlight the Tapisserie dial that comes in blue, black, green and white with black indices.

“In 2017, DWISS became the first microbrand to introduce a Swiss-made tourbillon in its collection, long before innovation became a buzzword in microbrands…we push boundaries, from creating the world’s first niobium watch case in 2012 to launching the first Watch Design Club in 2019.”

Rafael Simoes Miranda on innovation and first milestones

For those who value originality as much as quality, it is not a brand that tries to follow trends; instead, it confidently presents its own identity.

If you want the conventional then buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak…at twenty times the price of a DWISS Model A1!

On the other hand, if you want Swiss reliability and craftsmanship with highly defined lume, this independent stands out as a bold, thoughtful and more importantly, affordable choice.

Did You Know?

The first ever DWISS Model A1 was a piece unique. Entitled “Ghost”, this one of a kind timepiece (the model was numbered 001) had an all white dial, hands and luminous blocks.

Auctioned via their site for one day only, it sold for three times above retail price at £3,362

Official Specs - DWISS Model A1

Case Diameter	40mm
Case Thickness	10.8mm
Glass	Sapphire crystal
Bracelet Material	316L stainless steel (2-link)
Dial	Tapisserie
Caseback	See through (Exhibition)
Internal Lug Width	18.3mm
Dial Colours	Green Black Blue White
Lug to Lug	45.5mm
AR Coating	Yes
Water Resistance	100 metres / 10ATM / 10bar / Approx 328 feet
Super LumiNova®	C1 X1 BL blocks
Limited Edition	Yes, 500 pieces

La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné Movement

Beating inside the DWSS Model A1 is the high-grade La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné.

Established in 2004, this Swiss-made, automatic mechanical movement is designed and manufactured by La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Close-up of the DWISS A1 automatic watch from the back, featuring a transparent sapphire caseback, visible rotor, engraved markings, and a stainless steel bracelet on a dark background.

It’s a respected movement maker with a long heritage supplying calibres and complications to many top Swiss luxury watch brands and leading independents such as AWAKE.

Regulated in four positions (CH, 3H, 6H, 9H), it is significantly slimmer than the SW200-1 and the ETA 2824-2, leading to a thinner rehaut. In effect, this is the reason why it can manage a slender case thickness of 10.8mm.

There’s Cote de Geneve, blued screws and perlage finishing adding wow factor, while you will find milled stripes located on the rotor. The brand logo is etched on the rotor giving the caseback another interesting visual.

DWISS A1 luxury Swiss automatic wristwatch during hands-on review, showcasing the sapphire exhibition caseback, mechanical movement, and stainless steel construction.

Again this is a level above the norm and benefits from polished blue screws, rhodium plating and refined tungsten rotor

As well balanced as Simone Biles with enough power to give The Hulk a run for his money, the La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné movement offers modern performance and an impressive reserve, while still fitting into widely used case sizes.

Other watches containing this particular movement include;

Zelos Spearfish Diver
Airain Sous Marine
Circula Facet
An Ordain Model 2

As seen above, there’s a good reason many of the best microbrands are using this, aiming at higher finishing and quality.

Official Movement Specs

Country of Manufacture	La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switerland
Movement Diameter	25.6mm
Movement Height	4.45mm
Number of Jewels	24
Rotor Style	Ball bearing
Power Reserve	68 hours
Vph	28,800 (4Hz)
Tungsten Rotor	Yes
Functions	Central hours; central minutes; central sweeping seconds; date at 3:00
Hacking Seconds	Yes
Daily Accuracy	+/- 7 seconds per day (Maximum deviation amounts to 20 seconds per day)

Where Can You Buy A DWISS Model A1?

Limited to 500 individually numbered pieces, you can purchase directly from their official site for £1345

Available in all four declinations (at the time of writing), including green and black. white and blue dial, this design led integrated timepiece has a timeless feel, exact tolerances and is durable to put up with those everyday activities.

What’s Our View?

A great contender if you are getting into the timekeeping game, its clean dial and architectural layout reflect DWISS’s focus on contemporary aesthetics rather than traditional ornamentation.

The epitome of versatility, it’s unfussy in a good way. Kinda like a Longines Heritage but with more pep.

This is largely in part due to the uncluttered architecture, albeit with the standout Tapisserie dial. There are carefully balanced proportions, making it easy to read while still visually striking.

Sure, they haven’t reinvented the horological wheel. Yet, its case design, sharp lines and symmetry give the DWISS Model A1 a refined yet modern presence on the wrist.

Many watch enthusiasts will like this for not only its Swiss craftsmanship and innovative design, but minimalist philosophy, a timepiece that stands out quietly rather than loudly.

Now who said anything about less being more?

Conclusion

Combining design and technology is one matter.

But the DWISS Model A1 is much more than a Royal Oak homage. Much more. There are limited edition runs from a brand that has been responsible for less than run of the mill watches.

Why delving into their back catalogue goes to how they produced all manner of timepieces, like wandering hours complications. Now, a La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné movement is one thing.

But they have added solid Super-LumiNova® C1 X1 BL blocks, giving 4 times the luminosity of standard lume, with tremendous clarity, which is no mean feat.

It should be lauded and applauded.

Well balanced, excellent form for this price point, alongside nice chamfering, it’s no wonder they have won more than 25 Design Awards. In fact, their M3W and R2 models have been recognised with an iF Design Award, ePDA Award, and 2 IDA Awards.

Maybe it’s time to strike a pose and buy a watch with an iconic octagonal case that’s not going to require an Offshore account.

Want to buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Have you ever considered whether it is the moment to sell my Rolex? Then contact ChronoHunter here.

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Images: Unless otherwise specified

DWISS