Classique 7147

BASELWORLD 2017: BREGUET AT THE WORLD WATCH AND JEWELLERY SHOW

Creativity, innovation and impeccable aesthetics are once again the keynotes of the prestigious models unveiled by Breguet at Baselworld. Loyal to its history, the House honours its founder’s broad range of competencies that proved of ample benefit to watchmaking as well as to navigation and astronomy. Elected a member of the Bureau des longitudes in Paris, and then chronometer maker to the French Royal Navy and a member of the French Academy of Science, A.-L. Breguet conceptualised and developed in the course of his career a wealth of spectacular timepieces including astronomical clocks and marine chronometers. Breguet and its President & CEO, Marc A. Hayek are now reinterpreting his unique heritage. The result is a horological marvel extending an open invitation to travel and discovery, in which sophisticated horological complications rub shoulders with stunning finishing. The flagship model of 2017, this new release redefines and takes the helm of the line it is joining. Breguet offers devotees of Haute Horlogerie an opportunity to discover the fundamentals of this exceptional model through a surprising exhibit combining visual panels and explanations, scale models and interactive modules. Unveiled on Saturday March 25th in a preview showing on the Swatch Group Plaza that will continue until Sunday 26th, this travelling exhibition will then make stopovers in major cities across Europe, Asia and the United States.

In parallel with this exclusive launch, Breguet continues to encourage women’s interest in mechanical watchmaking. The Manufacture is enriching its ladies’ collection with exquisite 2017 variations featuring a stunning array of gems, mother-of-pearl and other precious materials, crafted in the purest artisan-style tradition.

BREGUET CLASSIQUE 7147

The new Classique 7147 is one of those emblematic models, imbued with a blend of classicism and tradition, such as only Breguet is capable of producing. It is distinguished by all the refined details composing the identity of the Manufacture since 1775. As on many historical models, the dial of this new creation is made of “Grand Feu” enamel, a magnificent artistic craft. Although known since ancient times, enamelling was only widely applied to horology from the Renaissance onwards. This extremely complex ornamental technique has remained virtually unchanged since. It is based on a colourless vitreous mixture – called flux – composed of silicic acid, sodium borate, nitre and minium. The flamboyant and ageless colours of enamel are achieved by adding metallic oxides to this combination. The result is subsequently crushed to a powder and humidified to form a paste called barbotine (slip). The latter is applied in successive layers to a metal disc repeatedly fired in a kiln heated to more than 800°C. This process continues until the dial has attained a radiant whiteness and glowing texture. Then comes the transferring of the famous slender, dainty yet legible Breguet numerals, embodying an inestimably precious horological heritage and reminiscent of the early watches and clocks from the House. Hours and minutes are indicated by traditional blued steel Breguet hands with an offset open tip, complemented by the small seconds discreetly sweeping around a 5 o’clock subdial. The splendour of this Classique 7147 is also reflected in its movement, plainly visible through a sapphire crystal caseback and graced with “Côtes de Genève” and “Clous de Paris” hobnailing.

Available in rose gold and white gold versions, this model houses Calibre 502.3SD, equipped with a balance spring in silicon and an inverted in-line lever escapement with horns made of silicon – an extremely light material notably renowned for its non-magnetic properties. It endows the Classique 7147 with remarkable performance and reliability.