Pre-Baselworld 2014: Breguet Classique “Grande Complication” Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic 5377

Breguet just announced the Classique Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic in platinum. It is one of the thinnest tourbillon watches in the world, AND it is an automatic. The off-centre tourbillon has a titanium cage (patented) and features a silicon balance spring and other parts of the escapement are made in ‘anti-magnetic steel’. A stunning dress watch that is sleek and comfortable on the wrist, and has the anti-magnetic properties that modern times demand.

All-together the Classique Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic, reference 5377, isn’t as ‘classique’ as it’s name makes us believe. Classic looks, yes, however ‘under the hood’ is a modern ultra-thin tourbillon, featuring modern materials. Moreover it runs at a (relatively) fast 28,800 vph (4Hz), which is rare among tourbillon watches. The faster a balance swings, the more precise it (theoretically) can be adjusted, however it also causes the movement to consume more energy. Breguet was ahead of that problem and thanks to the patented ‘high-energy’ main spring barrel, the reference 5377 provides 90 hours of running time.

The 18k rose gold version was released last year, and is a stunner, however we’re very much looking forward to Baselworld, in order to get some hands-on time with this gem. Just look at how ‘stealthy’ the long straight tourbillon bridge looks and the titanium tourbillon cage, and the juxtaposition with the classic techniques of the hand-made guilloche dial.

The movement, Breguet caliber 581DR, measuers just 3 mm in height and in the platinum case, with the ‘thick’ hand-made guilloche dial, it measures a total of just 7 mm in height.  We say ‘thick’ because the hand-made guilloche dial is always thinker than most other dials, maybe with the exception of a enamel dial.

The dial on this reference 5377 features four different patterns: a hobnail pattern for the hours and minutes chapter, a barleycorn surround, a straight chevron pattern for the power-reserve indicator at 8:30 and a cross-hatching to outline each feature. And at the center of the tourbillon bridge, instead of the usual ruby jewel, is a blue sapphire. The platinum case measures a contemporary 42 mm in diameter.

Some specifications:

• Case: platinum, 42 mm in diameter, 7 mm in height, iconic Breguet fluted caseband, sapphire-crystal caseback, water resistant to 3 bar (30m).
• Dial: 18k gold, silvered and engine-turned in four different patterns, individually numbered and signed, Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel
• Movement: self-winding extra-thin tourbillon movement, small seconds on the tourbillon, numbered and signed, caliber 581DR, 42 jewels, power reserve of 90 hours with an indicator at 8:30, main spring barrel on roller bearings, lateral lever escapement in silicon and anti-magnetic steel, silicon balance spring, 4Hz frequency and adjusted in six (6) positions

More info: www.breguet.com