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Baselworld 2018: Breguet at the World watch and Jewellery show

Breguet has consistently displayed an ability to reinvent itself through its countless innovations that have forged its success for more than 240 years.

Early in his career, Abraham-Louis Breguet’s talent earned him some of the highest distinctions in his field, including the official title of chronometer maker to the French Royal Navy, the most prestigious to which a horologist could aspire. Throughout his life, he tirelessly conceived and developed impressive timepieces that would leave an indelible imprint on watchmaking history. In the wake of this unique heritage and driven by the same constant determination to excel, Breguet unveiled last year a horological masterpiece: the Marine Équation Marchante. In addition to its impressive complications, this model symbolises a new generation of Marine timepieces distinguished by a modern and dynamic aesthetic. In 2018, Breguet is continuing to redesign this line through three new creations, which are notably interpreted in titanium variations – a first for this collection.

Baselworld 2018 also brings the announcement of an exclusive partnership relating to the Marine line. In the presence – and under the impetus – of its President, Marc A. Hayek, Breguet plans to unveil a new chapter in its history, illustrated in part through its seventh travelling exhibition, on Saturday March 24th at 11am on the Swatch Group Plaza.

Alongside the new models enlivening the Marine collection, Breguet will be introducing several horological marvels in the Classique and Reine de Naples lines, including an exquisitely poetic creation. Subtly mingling a rose gold case with a dial partially crafted from Tahitian mother-of-pearl, the Reine de Naples 8908 is sure to appeal to even the most discerning women.

Breguet Marine 5517

In 2017, Breguet gave a new face to its Marine line through a revamped aesthetic style, combining a sense of modernity and dynamism: an original bracelet lug, reworked fluting, as well as a crown surrounded by a wave decor and adorned with a wider “B.”

Symbolising this new generation, the Marine 5517 displays the date at 3 o’clock, housed in an hours chapter with Roman numerals. The latter are coated with a luminescent material, as are the minutes markings and the Breguet hands. The maritime world is evoked by the seconds hand bearing a “B” in a reinterpreted version of the corresponding maritime signal flag.

Breguet is offering several variations for its Marine 5517 – in white gold, rose gold and titanium. The latter material was chosen for its remarkable properties as well as its resistance to both salty air and corrosion. It is also a light and particularly robust material. The titanium version features a sunburst slate grey dial. The faces of the white gold and rose gold models both bear an engine-tuned “wave” motif that leaves no doubt as to the collection they are joining. The maritime spirit of this self-winding model continues on the back with a singular oscillating weight featuring a design inspired by a ship’s rudder. The movement visible through the sapphire crystal caseback is engine-turned and reminiscent of boat decks.

For each of these timepieces, Breguet offers various strap options. Depending on the model, a brown or blue leather strap is available, while devotees of a more sporty style can choose a rubber version.

Breguet Marine 5517
Specifications of the Watch
REF. 5517TI/G2/9ZU

Case in titanium with fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 40mm diameter. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m).

Sunburst slate grey dial in gold. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals and luminescent dots. Facetted Breguet hands in gold with luminescent material. Central seconds hand inspired by maritime codes. Date at 3 o’clock.
Mechanical self-winding movement, Cal. 777A. 15 lignes. 26 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 55-hour power reserve. Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns. Frequency 4 Hz. Balance spring in silicon.
Bracelet in leather.

Also available with a rubber strap:
Reference 5517TI/G2/5ZU
Also available in white gold with a blue dial in gold:
Reference 5517BB/Y2/9ZU
Also available in rose gold with a silvered gold dial:
Reference 5517BR/12/9ZU

Breguet Marine Chronographe 5527

Abraham-Louis Breguet was the brains behind countless inventions in the watchmaking world. In addition to the tourbillon and the pare-chute shock protection device, to mention only two, we also owe to him the split-seconds chronograph, a complication that will soon be celebrating two centuries of existence. Not only did he produce certain timepieces equipped with a seconds hand that could be started and stopped on demand before 1810, but A.-L. Breguet subsequently created an ingenious inking chronograph with his pupil Fatton, then went even further by developing a “chronomètre à doubles secondes, dit d’observation” from 1820 onwards, the undisputed ancestor of all split-seconds chronographs. Breguet’s work inspired the entire watchmaking profession in all fields, and notably that of chronographs.

Endowed with the graphic codes of the new-generation Marine models presented last year, this 42.3mm timepiece sets the tone. The measurement of the time occurs through a central chronograph hand, distinguished by a subtle maritime detail and completed by two distinct subdials at 3 o’clock for the minutes and at 6 o’clock for the hours. The small seconds is indicated at 9 o’clock. A date indication between 4 and 5 o’clock sets the final touch to this sporty-looking creation.

Keen to offer a broad palette of possibilities, Breguet is interpreting this new model in several versions. The first combines a white gold case with a blue dial in gold, on which the wave-motif engine-turned pattern echoes the collection’s origins. A variation in rose gold is also available with a silvered gold dial. Breguet also offers its Marine Chronograph 5527 in titanium, a novelty for the collection. The Manufacture also offers the wearer the choice of opting for a leather or rubber strap.

Breguet Marine Chronographe 5527
Specifications of the Watch
REF. 5527BB/Y2/5WV

Case in 18k white gold with fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 42.3mm diameter. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m).
Blue dial in gold, engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals and luminescent dots. Minutes counter at 3 o’clock, hours counter at 6 o’clock for the chronograph. Small seconds at 9 o’clock. Date in a window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Facetted Breguet hands in gold with luminescent material. Central chronograph hand inspired by maritime codes.
Mechanical self-winding movement, Cal. 582QA. 14½ lignes. 28 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 48-hour power reserve. Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns. Frequency 4 Hz. Balance spring in silicon.
Rubber strap with folding clasp.

Also available with a leather strap:
Reference 5527BB/Y2/9WV
Also available in rose gold with a silvered gold dial:
Reference 5527BR/12/5WV
Also available in titanium with a sunburst slate grey dial in gold:
Reference 5527TI/G2/5WV

Breguet Marine Alarme Musicale 5547

Breguet is enriching its new generation of Marine watches with a creation housing no less than three horological complications. In addition to an alarm, the Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 displays a second time zone as well as the date.
The alarm is a multi-purpose function suited to a number of daily requirements, including wake-up calls and reminders of appointments or events. When the striking mechanism is triggered, a ship’s bell appears through an opening at 12 o’clock, a subtle nod to the maritime world of the collection. The alarm and second time-zone indications appear in two separate subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock. The striking mechanism power reserve is discreetly visible between 9 and 12 o’clock. When the model is fully wound, the arrow points to the all-red indication at 9 o’clock. The Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 also features a date display at 6 o’clock. Its luminescent hands and markings ensure easy reading of the time by day or night.

Breguet presents this new creation in several versions. The model with a white gold case is fitted with a blue dial, while the rose gold model has a silvered dial. The two faces bear a fine wave-like engine-turned pattern. 2018 also sees this line welcome a new material: titanium. This light and particularly sturdy metal also appeals for its resistance to salty air and corrosion. The titanium version features a slate grey dial. Breguet complements this model with a choice of a leather or rubber strap.

Breguet Marine Alarme Musicale 5547
Specifications of the Watch
REF. 5547TI/G2/9ZU

Case in titanium with fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 40mm diameter. Water-resistant to 5 bar (50 m).

Sunburst slate grey dial in gold. Numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals and luminescent dots. Alarm subdial at 3 o’clock and time-zone display at 9 o’clock. Alarm-activation indication in an aperture at 12 o’clock and date at 6 o’clock. Striking mechanism power reserve indicated between 9 and 12 o’clock. Facetted Breguet hands with luminescent material. Central seconds hand inspired by maritime codes.

Self-winding movement, Cal. 519F/1. 12 lignes. 36 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 45-hour power reserve. Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns. Frequency 4 Hz. Balance spring in silicon.
Alligator leather strap with folding clasp.

Also available with a rubber strap:
Reference 5547TI/G2/5ZU
Also available in white gold with a blue dial in gold:
Reference 5547BB/Y2/9ZU
Also available in rose gold with a silvered gold dial:
Reference 5547BR/12/9ZU

Breguet8908 2

Breguet Classique Extra-Plate 5157

The models composing the Classique collection are distinguished by their timeless aesthetic that symbolise the ultimate Breguet style. The new rose gold Classique Extra-Plate 5157 is a perfect example. Its self-winding movement with silicon balance spring is housed in a 5.45mm case with delicate fluting on the caseband, reflecting the grace of the motifs from timepieces of A.-L. Breguet’s era. Its silvered gold engine-turned dial bears the traditional “Clous de Paris” hobnail style. Engine-turning is an engraving technique favoured by master watchmakers from the 16th century onwards. Initially used to enhance watch cases, it was soon adopted by A.-L. Breguet for dials. Transformed into authentic works of art, the latter testify to infinite patience devoted to serving impressive technical mastery.

They are hand-crafted according to ancestral methods, and the finesse of the resulting details still stems from jealously kept production secrets. Engine-turning is done as it was in yesteryear on a rose engine (for circular decoration) or a “straight-line” engine (for linear motifs), and is undoubtedly still a distinctive hallmark of a Breguet timepiece. On this Classique Extra-Plate watch in rose gold, the time is shown by the traditional Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel designed by Breguet in 1783. Their slender elegance soon won over watchmakers, to the point where the term “Breguet hands” is now part of standard industry vocabulary.

Another characteristic attribute is Breguet’s secret signature, engraved on either side of the 12 o’clock numeral. A.-L. Breguet introduced it when he realised that his creations were being counterfeited. This signature remains a true token of authenticity.

Breguet Classique Extra-Plate 5157
Specifications of the Watch
REF. 5157BR/11/9V6

Case in 18k rose gold with delicately fluted caseband, extra-thin (5.45mm). Sapphire-crystal caseback. 38mm diameter. Welded lugs with screw bars. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m).
Dial in silvered gold, engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals. Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel.
Self-winding movement, Cal. 502.3. 12 lignes. 35 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 45-hour power reserve. Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns. Frequency 3 Hz. Balance spring in silicon.
Alligator leather strap with pin buckle.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367

In 2018, Breguet enriches its Grandes Complications collection with a long-awaited addition, since this line had thus far not been graced with a “Grand Feu” enamel dial. This new Classique Grandes Complications 5367 provides a beautifully simple interpretation of the tourbillon, which reigns supreme on a minimalist dial. The information has been deliberately pared down to essentials in order to give the mechanism the full attention it deserves. Contrary to reference 5377 presented in 2013, this 2018 edition has no power-reserve indicator. In order to draw the gaze to the key element, Breguet has opted for a graphic hand-bevelled tourbillon bar, topped by a spinel. The likewise blue Breguet hands strike a powerful contrast with the immaculate whiteness of the traditional enamel, thereby ensuring perfect legibility of the hours and minutes. The chapter ring with Breguet Arabic numerals is off-centred at 11 o’clock and thus directly facing the tourbillon at 5 o’clock. This display layout is reminiscent of the watches created by A.-L. Breguet, who revelled in revolutionising the aesthetic conventions governing the timepieces of his era.

While the appearance of this Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique model is extremely understated on the front, its movement is nonetheless richly decorated. The bridges, barrel and oscillating weight are hand-engraved. Crafted in platinum for greater inertia, the latter rotates on the periphery of the calibre, thus providing a clearer view of the movement as well as ensuring its slimness. The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 measures a mere 7.45mm thick and its movement just 3mm. Calibre 581 powering this timepiece comprises a balance oscillating at a frequency of 4 Hz while maintaining a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. This distinctive performance is enabled by a “high-energy” barrel, whose patented construction serves to increase the number of coils of its spring and hence augment energy storage.

The new Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 with its “Grand Feu” enamel dial is available in rose gold or platinum versions, respectively fitted with a mahogany brown or blue alligator strap and both featuring a rhodium-plated movement.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367
Specifications of the Watch
Ref. 5367BR/29/9WU

Case in 18k rose gold with a finely fluted caseband. Sapphire crystal caseback. Diameter 42mm. Welded lugs with screw-secured bars. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 m).
Dial in “Grand Feu” enamel, signed Breguet. Chapter ring with Breguet Arabic numerals. Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel.
Movement mechanical self-winding, extra-thin (3mm), Cal. 581. 16 lignes. 33 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 80-hour power reserve. Barrel mounted on roller bearings. Inverted lateral lever escapement with silicon horns. Frequency 4 Hz. Silicon balance spring. Tourbillon with titanium carriage. Small seconds on the tourbillon axis.
Strap in alligator leather with gold folding clasp.

Also available in platinum:
Reference 5367PT/29/9WU

Breguet Reine de Naples 8908

This year, Breguet is presenting a new interpretation of its Reine de Naples 8908 model, the first timepiece of the eponymous collection launched in 2002. This new version is distinguished by an association between a rose gold case set with 128 diamonds and a dial partially crafted from Tahitian mother-of-pearl. It effectively enhances the main attributes of the original model, namely the moon phases and the power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock; along with the offset hours chapter and small seconds at 6 and 7 o’clock respectively. The layout of these functions is inspired by the first ever wristwatch, created by A.-L. Breguet between 1810 and 1812 for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. According to the historical records, stored in the Breguet Museum (Place Vendôme, Paris), model No 2639 was an oblong-shaped repeater watch fitted with a dainty wristlet. It featured a detached lever escapement and was equipped with a thermometer and fast/slow indicator off the dial – replaced on reference 8908 by a moon phase and a power-reserve indicator. When delivered on December 21, 1812, it had an engine-tuned silver dial with Arabic numerals.
With its new Reine de Naples 8908, Breguet is reinterpreting this fabulous portion of its watchmaking history, while also enriching its range of ladies’ watches. Like the timepiece ordered by Caroline Murat, the Manufacture now offers women a distinctive watch that is as beautiful as it is technical, equipped with a self-winding calibre specially developed with them in mind.

Breguet Reine de Naples 8908
Specifications of the Watch
REF. 8908BR/5T/864 D00D

Case in 18k rose gold, ovoid with delicately fluted caseband. Bezel and dial flange set with 128 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.77 ct). Crown set with a cabochon-cut ruby (approx. 0.27 ct). Sapphire-crystal caseback. Dimensions 36.50 x 28.45mm. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m).

Dial in Tahitian mother-of-pearl and in silvered gold, engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals. Open-tipped Breguet hands in blued steel. Small seconds offset at 7 o’clock. Indication of moon phases and power reserve at 12 o’clock.

Self-winding movement, Cal. 537 DRL2. 8¾ lignes. 28 jewels. Numbered and signed Breguet. 45-hour power reserve, with indicator. Silicon escape-wheel and in-line lever escapement. Frequency 3.5 Hz. Breguet balance wheel. Balance spring in silicon. Small seconds and moon-phase indicator.

Black satin strap with diamond-set folding clasp.

Also available with a rose gold bracelet:
Reference 8908BR/5T/J20 D000

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