Watch & Jewelry
March 25, 2015
Breguet | Birth of the Breguet "Classique "Musical""
BREGUET
Transparent Tones Played by New Technology
Introducing the "Classique Musicale"
Carrying on the tradition and innovation of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the 18th-century genius watchmaker who is said to have advanced watchmaking by 200 years.Breguethas unveiled the "Classique Musicale," a watch that plays a melody using new technology.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
An Artistry Expressing Breguet's Essence in Every Detail
Breguet watches were cherished by numerous musicians, including Rossini and Rachmaninoff. The "Classique Musicale," embodying this tradition and deeply intertwined with the arts, was born from the rich artistic culture of Europe.
The "Classique Musicale" is developed based on a new automatic movement that uses silicon for the escapement and balance spring. Furthermore, through a musical mechanism researched over many years and currently patent-pending, a push-button at the 10 o'clock position, or a pre-set time, triggers the clear melody of Rossini's "The Thieving Magpie."
This melody is not produced by a traditional music box cylinder, but by a rotating disk with pins plucking 15 metal combs. A resonant membrane made of liquid metal, decorated with the hand-engraved guilloché that is a hallmark of Breguet, assists this musical mechanism, amplifying the frequencies needed to transmit the melody's sound.
Breguet has long conducted advanced research in acoustics. Several holes are also made in the gold case back, which protects the liquid metal membrane, to allow the sound to escape. Moreover, for the first time in watchmaking history, a governor (speed regulator) using magnets has been incorporated to ensure the melody sounds beautiful and clear. This patented Breguet system, which integrates independent magnets within a cage, eliminates the noise that typically occurs during operation and also prevents the wear associated with traditional regulators. In terms of design, the case band of the 18K yellow gold case features delicate engravings of musical staves, showcasing Breguet's signature aesthetic refinement.
The box housing this special watch is also noteworthy. It is crafted from spruce wood, sourced from the forests of the Swiss Jura Valley where Breguet is based. This wood, chosen by instrument makers for its ability to amplify string vibrations, enhances the melody played by the "Classique Musicale."
The "Classique Musicale" is a work of art that embodies Breguet's characteristics—a refined, elegant, and understated design, coupled with innovative and highly complex technology. One longs to listen to its unprecedentedly beautiful tones.
"Classique Musicale"
Movement | Automatic, Caliber 0900
Jewels | 55
Case | 48mm, 18K yellow gold or 18K white gold
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Power Reserve | 55 hours
Price | 18K yellow gold ¥9,219,000, 18K white gold ¥9,324,000
Breguet Boutique Ginza
Tel. 03-6254-7211
http://www.breguet.com

