BREGUET | 2013 New Watch Releases: Basel Report

Breguet: Baselworld 2013 New Watch Report

New Models Harness Magnetism, Once the Mechanical Watch's Greatest Foe

The watch maison "Breguet," founded by the singular genius watchmaker Abraham-LouisBreguet, has marked a significant step in the history of mechanical watches. At this year'sBaselworld, they unveiled numerous new creations. Among them, two models stand out: the "Classique Chronométrie 7727," which has turned magnetism—once the mechanical watch's greatest adversary—into an ally, and the "Classique La Musicale 7800," featuring a redesigned dial and a rose gold case. In 2013, Breguet is set to revolutionize the watchmaking world once again.

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

Abraham-Louis Breguet Himself Would Approve!?

Founded in Paris in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, revered as "the greatest genius watchmaker in history," the Breguet maison is today not only a legendary brand but also the pinnacle of the Swatch Group's manufacturing prowess, dedicated to the pursuit of technology and luxury.

Breguet invented every innovative and complex mechanism in mechanical watchmaking, becoming the darling of the industry. Even after his passing, Breguet's passion and achievements in technological innovation have remained exceptional, with advancements since 2000 being particularly remarkable. In 2006, they released models incorporating silicon-based hairsprings and escapements, demonstrating a consistent integration of cutting-edge technology within classic designs.

And this year, 2013, Breguet has once again made a significant stride in the history of mechanical watches. They have announced two groundbreaking new models that harness the power of magnetism:Classique Chronométrie 7727andClassique La Musicale 7800.

Classique Chronometrie 7727 | クラシッククロノメトリー 7727

Classique Chronométrie 7727

Classique La Musicale 7800

The "Chronométrie 7727" beats at an ultra-high frequency of 72,000 vibrations per hour (10 Hz), twice the speed of a conventional high-beat model. Its balance staff is supported by a system featuring a miniature micro-magnet, which uses magnetic force to automatically ensure the staff remains centered in its pivot.

Even if the watch is subjected to shock and the staff becomes misaligned, the magnetic force realigns it to the center. This results in a dramatic improvement in timekeeping accuracy.

Meanwhile, the "Classique La Musicale 7800," an alarm watch that chimes a melody at the set time, incorporates the world's first magnetic governor in its musical mechanism.

Unlike conventional governors that rely on mechanical contact, this newly developed mechanism uses magnetic force to regulate rotational speed without physical contact. Consequently, it eliminates the typical "whirring" sound, allowing the disc music box melody to resonate beautifully.

It is common knowledge among those who repair mechanical watches that magnetism is the "greatest foe" of these timepieces. Magnetization of parts or the case is a major cause of operational errors such as running fast or slow. In fact, watch repairers typically begin their work by demagnetizing the watch above all else.

The Breguet maison, the pinnacle of the Swatch Group, was founded in Paris in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, hailed as "the greatest genius watchmaker in history."

However, Breguet has now turned this "greatest foe" of mechanical watches into an ally. If Abraham-Louis Breguet himself, who lived from the late 18th to the early 19th century, were to be resurrected today, he would undoubtedly applaud this invention by his successors.