WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
April 27, 2015
Breguet | BASELWORLD 2015 Basel World Report | BREGUET
BREGUET | BREGUET
A Heritage Brand Celebrating Its 240th Anniversary
A Flood of Commemorative Models Not to Be Missed in 2015
This year marks 240 years since Abraham-Louis Breguet established his workshop in Paris in 1775. It is also a milestone year for several significant achievements in Breguet's history, with the 10th anniversary of the "Tradition" collection and the 200th anniversary of Abraham-Louis Breguet becoming the official watchmaker to the French Navy, making it a banner year for new releases.
Photographs by NAGASHIMA TohruText by KAWADA Akinori
Tribute Models Born from a Rich Watchmaking Heritage
It is the 240th anniversary of the workshop established in Paris by the genius watchmaker, said to have advanced horology by 200 years. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the "Tradition" collection, which revived the pocket watch conceived by Breguet as a wristwatch.
This year also commemorates 200 years since Breguet became the official watchmaker to the French Navy, with a tribute model appearing in the "Marine" collection, inspired by marine chronometers. The "Queen of Naples" line for ladies has also been expanded, making it a special year where numerous anniversaries converge.
A Model Inspired by Pocket Watches Features a Retrograde Seconds Hand
The "Tradition" collection features models inspired by masterpieces from the pocket watch era, with modern refinements of mechanisms and designs conceived by Breguet, such as the "parachute" shock-absorbing device. It is also popular for allowing a constant appreciation of the movement visible through the open case back.
2015 is also the 10th anniversary of the "Tradition" collection, which has seen the release of numerous complications. Of particular note is the "Tradition Automatic Retrograde Seconds 7097," which integrates a retrograde display, a modern complication.
This model features a distinctive retrograde movement where the hand sweeps back and forth in a fan shape. This mechanism is challenging to implement for a constantly moving hand like a seconds hand. The retrograde seconds hand is positioned at the 10 o'clock position, allowing for enjoyment of its intricate operation alongside the watch's movement. This timepiece, which constantly showcases the fusion of traditional watchmaking and modern technology, is a collection that holds significant value simply by its ownership.
Tradition Automatic
Retrograde Seconds 7097
Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 40mm
Movement | Automatic (Cal.505SR1)
Functions | Retrograde Seconds
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 ATM
Release | Scheduled for Autumn 2015
Estimated Price | ¥3,630,000 (excluding tax)
A Chronograph with Two Power Systems
The "Tradition" series is known as a flagship model for Breguet. A key appeal of this collection is that most of its watchmaking mechanisms are visible from the dial side. From this "Tradition" line, a model equipped with a mechanism that will impress watch enthusiasts has been unveiled: the Tradition Independent Chronograph 7077.
A conventional chronograph has only one power source. However, this "Tradition" model is equipped with separate, independent power sources for time display and time measurement.
The power for the chronograph is stored in a blade (spring) that acts as the power source when the reset button is operated, allowing the chronograph mechanism to function for approximately 20 minutes. This innovative chronograph, a fusion of modern concepts and traditional style, is a fitting model for this milestone year for Breguet and the "Tradition" collection.
Tradition Independent Chronograph 7077
Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 44mm
Movement | Manual-winding (Cal.580DR)
Functions | Chronograph (dedicated power source accumulated via reset button operation, 20-minute counter at the left of the time display; power reserve indicator on the right of the time display)
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 ATM
Release | Scheduled for Autumn 2015
Estimated Price | ¥8,630,000 (excluding tax)
A Special Chronograph Commemorating the Achievements of a Great Watchmaker
It was only natural that Abraham-Louis Breguet, a genius watchmaker, was appointed the maker of marine chronometers for the French Navy in 1815. This model commemorates that historic undertaking 200 years later.
While the "Marine" is a contemporary chronograph, its name and design are inspired by the sea, reflecting Breguet's original role in producing marine chronometers. This commemorative model also features a classical dial with indices and decorations, and coin-edge engraving on the case side, evoking the marine chronometers of the past.
Conversely, it incorporates advanced mechanisms, such as a chronograph seconds hand and a 60-minute counter at the center of the dial. Encased in the finest platinum, it is a fitting tribute to a master watchmaker.
Marine 5823 "Marine 200th Anniversary"
Case | 950 Platinum
Diameter | 42mm
Movement | Automatic (Cal.583Q/1)
Functions | Chronograph (60-minute counter at the center, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock), Date display
Strap | Black Rubber
Water Resistance | 10 ATM
Limited Edition | 200 pieces
Release | Scheduled for Summer 2015
Estimated Price | ¥5,880,000 (excluding tax)
Breguet Boutique Ginza
Tel. +81-3-6254-7211
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