Breguet, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, is celebrating a monumental milestone with the unveiling of four exquisite timepieces. This year marks the 225th anniversary of the tourbillon, an invention that revolutionized watchmaking. Abraham-Louis Breguet, the brand's founder, was granted a patent for this groundbreaking mechanism on June 26, 1801. Breguet's dedication to honoring this achievement is evident in the latest collection, which showcases the brand's rich history and innovation.
The first model, the Classique Tourbillon 7357, is a tribute to Breguet's early modern tourbillon wristwatch. It features a new movement, Calibre 187B, which is 4.85 mm thick and 30 mm in diameter. This caliber retains the frequency of 2.5 Hz from its predecessor while boasting an extended power reserve of 60 hours. The movement is antimagnetic, allowing for the use of gold on the hands, and its accuracy is enhanced with a balance-spring and silicon pallet-lever. The design is inspired by the Dent de Vaulion mountain in the Vallée de Joux, adding a touch of Breguet's Swiss heritage. The watch comes in two variations: platinum and silvered 18-karat Breguet gold, retailing for $203,300 and $184,800, respectively.
The second model, the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255, is a limited-edition piece that pays homage to Breguet's first flying tourbillon wristwatch. With a 38 mm platinum case and a black aventurine enamel dial, it offers a unique color palette. The movement, Calibre 187M1, features a 'mystery' design, where the gears connected to the caliber's cage appear invisible, a feature not used by Breguet in nearly 20 years. This model retails for $294,400.
The Marine Tourbillon Équation Marchante is the largest watch in the collection, measuring 43.9 mm. It celebrates Breguet's connection to the French Royal Navy and is a limited-edition platinum masterpiece. The watch features a hand-painted sapphire dial depicting the night sky, which can be customized with the owner's chosen location, date, and time. The caseback showcases a hand-engraved depiction of the 18th-century ship Royal Louis. The movement, with an 80-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz, includes a perpetual calendar and an equation of time display. This bold timepiece retails for $385,900.
Lastly, the Tradition Tourbillon is a technical marvel with a blue makeover. The glacier-blue hue on the sandblasted mainplate, bleu de France on the bridges and chain, and a Grand Feu Bleu de France enamel dial create a striking contrast. The model features Calibre 569, which combines the tourbillon with Leonardo da Vinci's fusee-and-chain mechanism. Limited to 25 pieces, the 41 mm watch has a 55-hour power reserve and retails for $325,200.
These timepieces not only showcase Breguet's craftsmanship and attention to detail but also reflect the brand's commitment to innovation and heritage. As Breguet continues to celebrate its rich history, these watches will undoubtedly become sought-after collectibles for watch enthusiasts worldwide.
