The 2020 Editions of the Breguet Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve

Creating a fine, classic design watch that is recognizable at first glance is not an easy task. This is what Breguet has achieved with its Classique collection, cultivating unmistakable signs that are as many hallmarks of the brand’s timepieces. In this respect, the new versions of the reference 7137 with their new dials – new patterns for the engine-turned motifs and the addition of a blue version – are Breguet through and through. Let’s take a closer look at them, in the metal.

The Breguet Classique 7137 is one of the finest examples of the brand’s enduring capacity to maintain an understated yet distinctive design. Inspired by a pocket watch from 1794 – the Breguet Perpetuelle N°5 – the reference was available in four different versions with silvered dials, in white and yellow gold. Two new references now join the family, refreshed with new handcrafted engined-turned “guilloché” dials.

The first of these new Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve is presented in pink gold with a silver-plated dial that bears all the distinctive hallmarks that make a Breguet unique. Elegant and highly legible, the guilloché dials, made from a solid gold plate, combine several patterns that make all essential indications clear and well organised. 

The off-centred subsidiary indications create a harmonious balance: a power reserve in an elegant fan-shaped display (basket-weave guilloché pattern); phases of the moon in a crescent-shaped opening, with a blue background and a gold insert for the Moon; and a circular sub-dial for the date (chequerboard pattern). These are framed by softly brushed metallic surfaces. The same concept applies for the chapter ring, featuring elegant Roman numerals, and a cartouche for the Breguet name and the watch’s individual number. The brand’s secret signature is engraved twice, framing the numeral at 12 o’clock. As you would expect, it is paired with blued ‘eccentric moon tip’ Breguet hands. All of this is handcrafted to a level that is rarely seen and one can only admire the work of Breguet’s craftsmen.

The second Breguet Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve translates this elegant design into a contemporary and unapologetically elegant white gold and blue dial combination, a new visual expression for the brand. The blue colour greatly contrasts with the silvered indications and this combination of cold shades – blue and silver – brings a new dimension to this watch. More casual, more modern, a bit bolder too but with the usual restraint you’d expect from Breguet. This version features silvered hands and moon – which has now a more modern realistic surface and not a “face” like the previous versions of the 7137.

Besides the dial, these new watches retain all the traditional features of the Reference 7137. The white or pink gold cases are 39mm in diameter with a slender profile of 8.65mm. The caseband is finely fluted, as with all Classique Breguet models. Elegant, rounded welded lugs with screw bars extend the case. A corrector allows you to adjust the moonphase indication. The watch is water-resistant to 30m.

Turning the watch over, the engraved sapphire crystal caseback reveals the immaculately hand-finished automatic calibre 502.3. The hand-guilloché gold rotor is slightly off-centred, which is an original and nice touch. With 256 components and 35 jewels, it operates at a frequency of 3Hz and boasts 45 hours of power reserve. It is regulated by a free-sprung balance working in conjunction with a balance-spring and pallet horns in silicon. Displaying the hours, the minutes, the phases and the age of the Moon, the power reserve and the date, the movement is just 3.65mm thick. 

The 2020 Breguet Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve is presented on a blue or brown alligator strap with folding buckle in the shape of the Breguet B logo. On the wrist, the watch is supremely elegant. Surprisingly, it is understated but asserts a distinctive personality at the same time. Last but not least, it is superbly crafted: perfection is in the details and the 7137 impresses in every aspect.

The retail price for both the pink and white gold versions is set at EUR 39,000 and the watches are now available from boutiques and retailers. More details at breguet.com.