Breguet introduces two new versions of its Tourbillon within the Classique collection.
In the first model, crafted in white gold, the observer is transported into the realm of starry nights. A mesmerizing shower of diamonds seems to gracefully traverse the pearled and varnished midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial. Adding depth and enchantment, a constellation of gold stars graces the dial, some adorned with precious diamonds, all painstakingly sandblasted and polished. The off-centred chapter ring at the 12 o’clock position, featuring Arabic numerals and rhodium-plated gold Breguet hands, reflects the brand’s heritage, while the serial number discreetly resides at 4 o’clock.
The dial unfolds like a polished, curved arena at 6 o’clock, unveiling the splendid tourbillon. A striking shooting star-shaped bar, adorned with 45 snow-set diamonds, elegantly traverses the tourbillon. At its heart, a blue spinel serves as the pivotal point for the tourbillon carriage, captivatingly observable from both the front and back of the timepiece. The sapphire case-back reveals a meticulously engraved hammered baseplate bearing Breguet’s name and the unique reference number of the movement. To further enhance its brilliance, diamonds adorn the bezel and lugs, and the crown sparkles with a rose-cut diamond.
The second model, presented in rose gold, encases a dial bedecked with 281 dazzling diamonds. The diamonds between 3 and 9 o’clock form graceful curves, while those within the chapter ring are meticulously set using the snow-setting technique. The mother-of-pearl chapter ring at 12 o’clock complements the Arabic numerals and hands, staying true to Breguet’s distinctive aesthetic, conceived by its founder. The majestic tourbillon, positioned at the base of the dial, elegantly resides within a curved, polished oval-shaped aperture, accentuated by a rounded gold bar adorned with 14 diamonds. To accentuate the tourbillon’s captivating mechanism, its components play with contrasting shades of grey and pink. The bezel and lugs are also embellished with diamonds, and the crown features a rose-cut diamond. The rose gold model’s sapphire case-back offers a glimpse of the beautifully hammered and hand-engraved decoration.
Both models are powered by the 187 D movement, housed within a 35 mm case that can withstand water up to 30 meters deep. This hand-wound movement boasts a 50-hour power reserve and features a steel Breguet balance-spring with a meticulously crafted Breguet terminal curve, renowned for its precision and durability. Both versions are equipped with glossy alligator leather straps, with the white gold version donning a midnight blue strap and the rose gold counterpart featuring a rich crimson red strap.
The tourbillon, an invention born from the visionary mind of Abraham-Louis Breguet on June 26, 1801, was conceived to counteract the disruptive effects of Earth’s gravity on watch movements. By housing the entire escapement inside a mobile carriage that completed one full rotation per minute, Breguet ensured that errors caused by gravity were consistently reproduced and canceled out. This ingenious concept marked the birth of the tourbillon.
The Classique collection pays homage to Breguet’s rich heritage, blending purity and elegance in its design. Abraham-Louis Breguet was not only a master watchmaker and inventor but also a pioneer in design, shaping the neoclassical style in watchmaking. This aesthetic vision brought forth avant-garde dial designs while enhancing the legibility of watch indications. The two new Classique Tourbillon models eloquently uphold the brand’s iconic style.