Classique 7147
Breguet in 2017, time in all its delicacy
This year, the Maison Breguet unveiled a series of pieces whose delicacy and masterful execution is bound to attract collectors both men and women.
By Vincent Daveau
Contributor
Translated from the original French text
For years, Breguet watches have been taking the breath away from casual and professional observers, both men and women. Founded in 1775 the Maison has a rich tradition of classicism and heritage.
The art of the immutable
Among those references having captured a fair amount of attention is the new Classique 7147. The model, which Breguet itself claims embodies the reconciliation between art and tradition, once again expresses the unique watchmaking skills still being done at the manufacture. Like many pieces marking the final years of the Enlightenment, this watch sports a dial in "Grand Feu" enamel, in other words, hand-crafted in the original manner by a master enameller versed in the ancient arts of firing and barbotine, or ceramic slip.
It takes some dexterity to master the correct proportions and obtain a perfectly white enamel. To prevent the delicate surface from bursting into flames, master craftsmen must deposit a counter-enamel, a little of the composite to the back of the metal disc forming the basis of the dial. Once fired, any surplus material must be removed and the final surface delicately polished. Once this perilous operation has been completed, the Arabic numerals and decoration are affixed using an inked gelatin stamp.
The powerful graphics of this piece also derive from its unique construction. It should be noted that this 40 mm reference, available in rose gold, or in white gold, encases classic hands gently jostled by the presence of the small seconds, not at the usual 6 o'clock, but between 5 and 6 o'clock. This eye-catching offset detail is what makes this watch so appealing.
The new Classique 7147 is powered by the 502.3SD calibre with automatic winding. Each movement is individually numbered and bears the Breguet signature. In addition, the piece is outfitted with a silicium balance spring and escapement.
This piece is bound to win the hearts and soul of any aficionado. Fanatics of high precision and fine balance can admire the finishing through the transparent back before placing this remarkable creation on the wrist and securing it firmly by means of the hand-stitched alligator skin strap.
The princely hour
In his lifetime, Abraham-Louis Breguet was the watchmaker of princes, princesses and grandees of this world. His talent for transmuting time into a symbolic jewel was matched only by his ability to breathe life into a pure abstraction of form that would ultimately grace the wearer's wrist for all eternity. Among the iconic timepieces designed by the great watchmaker are a great many gentlemen's watches, as well as a number of beautiful ladies' models. The most distinctive of the later, gave rise to a collection all its own, the line he created for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810. The collection was named after her in an allusion to the aura of nobility enjoyed by the wearer, once he or she had made their choice of wristwatch.
Clearly, 2017 is a celebration of this collection, which now comes in a huge number of variants in both size and finishing. Ladies like to choose and are blessed with the finest powers of distinction, therefore, the Maison Breguet has introduced the curvaceous Reine de Naples Princesse 8965 with guilloché mother-of-pearl dial. The eye-catching treatment lending a sense of depth to this jewel-like creation. Driven by a visible automatic calibre, the new version of the timepiece lives up to the original in terms of reputation, elegance and sophistication.
The Reine de Naples 8918 model takes full advantage of its ovoid curves to enter into a playful dialogue with the dancing numerals embellishing the dial. This highly graphical, bewitching ensemble plays on time and light, its reflections glancing off the faceted diamonds adorning the bezel. The timepiece is powered by an automatic calibre open to view through the transparent case back. The Reine de Naples, sports a Tahitian mother-of-pearl or a guilloché white mother-of-pearl dial, and is available in the smaller Reine de Naples Mini 8928. The watches sport either a satin strap or chain bracelet, the delicately finished model is signed and individually numbered to maintain the unique identity of each piece.
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