Breguet, at the Crossroads of Culture and Innovation

A symbol of historical and cultural heritage and technological avant-garde, Breguet has consistently exercised a powerful fascination through its capacity for innovation. From the tourbillon to the gong spring, a number of inventions by A.-L. Breguet have made an indelible imprint on the history of Fine Watchmaking since 1775.

To this day, the Manufacture faithfully perpetuates the exceptional heritage bequeathed by its founder, as it continues to offer ever more fascinating timepieces combining technical complications and pure, refined aesthetics. By way of example, in 2011 Breguet launched the Classique Hora Mundi 5717, the first mechanical watch in horological history to feature an instant-jump time-zone display.

In 2013, the Manufacture presented the Classique Chronométrie 7727, the first mechanical watch equipped with a magnetic pivot. With components in silicon and a high frequency, this exceptional discovery enables to reach an impressive precision. 2014 brought the launch of the 5377 Classique Tourbillon extra-thin automatic, which thus joined the ranks of the brand’s masterpieces.

An absolute benchmark in the field of Haute Horlogerie, Breguet is further reinforcing its position as an essential stakeholder in the watch industry, particularly through pursuing the vertical integration of its entire range of production activities. 2011 thus saw the incorporation of the Favre et Perret watch case manufacturer which was duly renamed Montres Breguet, Manufacture de boîtes. Moreover, the brand is steadily extending its network of boutiques currently comprising around 30 points of sale located in over 20 of the world’s most prestigious cities.

Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot and Omega hold an extraordinary position in the history of the watchmaking industry. All of them are part of Swatch Group. Each of them derives strength and prestige from its own unique history, and reinvents complications and high-end complications with supreme excellence. They specialize in designing, manufacturing and selling mechanical watches, the quintessence of the art of watchmaking, and are located at the very highest end of the market.

The Group’s net sales were up 3.6% to CHF 4 248 million at constant exchange rates or 2.2% to CHF 4 192 million at current rates. Calculated in euros, the Group grew by 18.7% during H1 2015. In the Watches & Jewelry segment, including Production, the Swatch Group grew by 3.4% at constant exchange rates in comparison with the declining export of wrist watches of the Swiss Watch Industry of –1.1% at the end of May.

Breguet recently unveiled its newest boutique in the SKP mall in Beijing. With an area of 19 square meters, its uniqueness is in the décor of the glass facades exposing Breguet’s exquisite timepieces in a nearly transparent environment for its clientele. Situated in the core of the Central Business District of Beijing, this salon is the eighth Breguet location in China.

There you can find the latest Breguet auditions like the 7087. Case in 18-carat rose gold with delicately fluted case band. Double-paned sapphire-crystal case back. 44mm diameter. Welded lugs with screw bars.  Dial in silvered 18-carat gold, engine-turned and offset at 1:30. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals. Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel.

Self-winding movement with minute-repeater and 60-second tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Numbered and signed Breguet. Titanium baseplate and bridges. Cal. 565DR. 16 lignes, 60 jewels. Magnetic strike governor. 80 hours power reserve indicator in an aperture at 12 o’clock. Bi-directional platinum winding rotor on the periphery of the movement. Tourbillon bridge in titanium. Inverted lateral lever escapement with silicon pallets. Breguet balance-wheel on a Breguet silicon spring. Balance frequency 4Hz. Adjusted in six positions.

For her, Breguet presents the Reine de Naples 9808. Case in 18-carat rose gold, cambered ovoid with a delicately fluted case band. Crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0,15 ct). Attachment set with 16 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0,08 ct). Sapphire-crystal case back. Dimensions 32.7 x 27.3mm. Water resistant to 3 bar (30m). Dial in Tahitian mother-of-pearl. Off-centre chapter ring at 6 o’clock with Roman numerals in Tahitian mother-of-pearl marquetry. Self-winding movement. Cal. 586/1. 38 hours power reserve. In-line Swiss lever escapement. Breguet balance on a silicon spring. Balance frequency 3Hz.