A Legacy of Innovation
The tourbillon has become a symbol of horological excellence, embraced by high-end watchmakers to showcase their craftsmanship. Among these brands, none are as closely linked to the tourbillon as Breguet. The brand’s founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, received a patent for the tourbillon on June 26, 1801. Consequently, Breguet commemorates this innovation annually on June 26, known as Tourbillon Day. This year’s celebration features the stunning new Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” Ref. 5345 in rose gold.
Design and Aesthetics
While not a completely new release, this rose gold iteration builds upon the platinum model introduced in 2020. The watch boasts a substantial 46mm diameter and a thickness of 16.8mm. Breguet’s signature design elements are instantly recognizable, including the fluted caseband, straight soldered lugs, and an ultra-slim bezel. The dramatically domed sapphire crystal provides an expansive view of the intricate dial.
The Intricate Dial
The “dial” of this watch is not conventional but serves as a platform for Breguet’s decorative and mechanical artistry. The central feature is the bridge securing the two tourbillons, attached to a mainplate that rotates every 12 hours. A blue steel bridge, fashioned to resemble Breguet’s iconic moon-tipped hands, functions as the hour hand. Both the hour and minute hands sweep around to indicate time on blue Roman numerals and a minute track on the sapphire ring.
Mechanical Mastery
The twin tourbillons, positioned opposite each other, complete one revolution every minute. Each tourbillon has its own gear train, and their outputs are averaged by a differential to maintain a single average rate. Additionally, a third gear train drives the entire movement’s rotation. The tourbillons draw power from individual mainsprings, each supported by ornate “B” shaped bridges. The heart of this timepiece is the 2.5 Hz Caliber 588N2 manual-winding movement, offering a 60-hour power reserve.
Artistic Craftsmanship
Beyond mechanical excellence, the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon is a testament to traditional artistry. The rotating mainplate features a new guilloché pattern called radiant flinqué, mimicking sound waves. The back of the movement showcases an engraved depiction of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s workshop, crafted with intricate engraving techniques over more than a hundred hours. Each part of the movement, even the hidden components, is meticulously chamfered and polished by hand, resulting in exceptional finishes.
Modern Appeal
Despite tourbillons no longer being essential for watch accuracy, they remain a fascination in horology. Lionel a Marca, CEO of Montres Breguet, explains, “The dominant factor lies in the art of horological beauty, the technical skill behind it, as well as the fascination. Observing a tourbillon in action is like watching a heartbeat. A timepiece is an object of desire, and our aim is to continue to intrigue people as well as make them dream.”
A Unique Presentation
Interestingly, the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon is paired with a midnight blue rubber strap, embossed with the Breguet name, diverging from the traditional leather strap. This choice adds a sporty touch to the ornate timepiece.
Pricing and Availability
The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” Ref. 5345BR/1S/5XU in rose gold is priced at $735,100 USD, reflecting its blend of mechanical prowess and artistic beauty.