The "Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327" Adds a New Arrangement to the Perpetual Calendar

BREGUET | BREGUET

Two Gold Models Added to the "Classique" Collection

Breguet introduces two new gold models to its "Classique" collection, featuring a fresh take on the perpetual calendar. This expands the "Classique" collection.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

A Piece Combining High Technology and Aesthetic Sensibility

The Maison's founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, gained high acclaim in the 1780s for his "Perpétuelle" timepieces, which featured a mechanism where the rotor would oscillate in response to the wearer's body movements, automatically winding the mainspring. Many models incorporated calendar functions, and it was around this time that Breguet also produced his first guilloché-engraved silver dial.

The "Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327" Adds a New Arrangement to the Perpetual Calendar | BREGUET

The perpetual calendar, which accurately displays the date by calculating the differing lengths of each month and accounting for leap years, is a testament to Breguet's sophisticated craftsmanship. It comprises 294 individual components.

Despite its intricate construction, the watch achieves a light and comfortable feel, a notable feature of this model. This is made possible by Caliber 502, which includes the calendar mechanism. Caliber 502.3.P, measuring a mere 4.5mm in thickness, is one of Breguet's thinnest movements.

The barrel without a cover contributes to its slimness while ensuring stable power delivery and ample power reserve. The gold rotor is offset to occupy the largest possible space within the movement's main plate, integrated to minimize thickness.

The rhodium-plated automatic movement features a balance frequency of 3Hz and a power reserve of 45 hours. Silicon is used for the balance spring and the pallets of the inverted straight-line lever escapement. Silicon offers numerous advantages, including resistance to corrosion and wear, and immunity to magnetic fields, enhancing the watch's functionality.

Housed within is an elegant case crafted from gold. The sapphire case back offers a view of the decorated movement. The rotor, adorned with hand-engraved circular barleycorn patterns (Clous de Paris), the bridges embellished with Côtes de Genève, and various other components showcase the Maison's exceptional craftsmanship.

The dial features a decorative Clous de Paris hobnail pattern. The moon phase indicator, positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock, is designed for realism, with the moon motif finished by hand-hammering. The blue lacquer of the night sky is mixed with sequins, creating a subtle sparkle of stars that shifts with the watch's angle.

The displays for the day, date, and four-year leap year cycle are balanced at the lower part of the dial. The 12-month display is shown by a retrograde hand that sweeps along an arc from 10 to 12 o'clock. For the hour and minute hands, traditional Breguet hands in blued steel are used. The secret signature of Breguet, created by the founder, is also engraved between 11 and 12 o'clock, and between 12 and 1 o'clock.

The case is available in two versions: 18K white gold and rose gold. The white gold model is paired with a midnight blue alligator leather strap, while the rose gold model comes with a mysterious brown alligator leather strap.

The perpetual function has been a cornerstone of the Maison's heritage and evolution for many years. In 2004, inspired by historical creations, the "Classique Quantième Perpétuel 5327" was introduced as a wristwatch adaptation. The new 2023 release faithfully preserves the strong identity of the "Classique" line while incorporating contemporary, elegant details, resulting in a model that embodies both history and technology.