Undeniably, the two representative works brought by Breguet last year did make the watch industry once again have a new understanding of the brand’s watchmaking dedication, so there has been a sense of anticipation for this year’s new works. Perhaps due to the pandemic, when Breguet officially revealed the new Classique series, it not only received a warm response, but discussions have not stopped since the watch was unveiled with all the details. As summer arrives, after much anticipation, the watch is finally officially released, and the actual product has arrived in Hong Kong.
New Classique Series
As the brand’s most iconic series, every launch of the Classique series is sure to be the highlight. This year, Breguet reinterprets the Classique 7137 and 7337 moon phase watches, both designed with the brand’s famous traditional engine-turned guilloche craftsmanship for these two new collector’s pieces.
From the surface, whether it is the Classique 7137 or the Classique 7337, the dials are decorated with “checkerboard pattern (damier)” and the “Paris nail pattern (Clous de Paris)” within the main dial area. The power reserve display position of the Classique 7137 is embellished with “mesh pattern (panier maillé)”, while the bezel of the Classique 7337 is adorned with a very delicate circular “barleycorn pattern (grain d’orge)” to complement the entire dial.
One of the highlights of the new Classique series must be the moon phase function. If you pay close attention, the highly thoughtful gem setting has been uniquely handled for the moon phase display, with craftsmen using hammering techniques to create a realistic texture resembling the surface of the moon. A close look can be described as quite special and exquisite.
This time, Breguet has launched two new models of the Classique series moon phase watches, featuring silver-gold and “Breguet blue” gold dials, paired with rose gold and platinum 39mm diameter cases. The sides of the case also showcase delicate coin patterns. For the sub-dials, Breguet uses a hollowed-out design for the hands, with Roman and Arabic numerals as markers, ensuring that even with an off-center design, the watch remains clear and easy to read. Additionally, in line with the brand’s tradition from the late 18th century, the watch dial continues to feature the watch’s unique serial number and hidden signature.
Finally, of course, we cannot ignore the movements used in Classique 7137 and 7337. Both watches are equipped with the in-house ultra-thin 502.3 movement, featuring a hand-engraved gold rotor. However, to give more significance to the two new pieces, Breguet revealed that the Classique 7137 is a tribute to Mr. Breguet’s No.5 self-winding watch produced in 1794, with its oscillating weight automatic winding device being a classic in watchmaking history. The Classique 7337, on the other hand, takes its design inspiration from the No. 3833 watch sold decades later in 1823, thus both new pieces carry a very high historical value.
In addition to the two new models mentioned above, this year the Classique series also introduces another topic – the new Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 watch, made using the traditional “Grand Feu” enamel craftsmanship.
Although last year’s chamfered horizontal bar tourbillon Exra-Plat 5367 also used the “Grand Feu” technique, up to now, in Breguet’s self-established enamel workshop, only a few people can consistently master this extremely rigorous and patient traditional “Grand Feu” enamel craft. With the launch of the new version of the Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 watch, Breguet hopes to continue this craft, allowing enamel to embellish the dial and showcase the craftsmen’s skills. Moreover, the color scheme used on the dial this year is considered the most transparent and layered blue tone in recent years, which must be appreciated in person to feel its intricacy.
The new version of the Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 watch is equipped with the thinnest tourbillon movement 581 movement from Breguet, with Breguet’s famous hidden signature above the tourbillon frame, paired with an exclusive blue alligator leather strap. Moreover, the new Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 is only available at Breguet boutiques worldwide.
