Breguet is among the few luxury watchmakers with a long history. After all, Abraham-Louis Breguet, regarded as one of the most prominent watchmakers of all time, established it in 1775. His commitments to horology and inventions are remarkable, and he alters the trajectory of craftsmanship as we know it. The Breguet the gong for repeater watches, balance spring, and the famous tourbillon mechanism were all inventions by him. He also created many quintessential watch design elements that are still used today, such as Breguet-style hands and numerals.
A.L. Breguet was also responsible for some of the most well-known watches ever made. Some of them are the world’s first wristwatch purchased by the Queen of Naples in 1810 and the iconic “Marie-Antoinette” supercomplication pocket watch that took almost four decades to finish. Breguet watches are among the leaders in the market, with everything from vintage pieces to diverse complications to sporty luxury watches.
1. Breguet Classique 3337
The Classique collection, as its title implies, pays homage to classic aesthetics and watchmaking heritage, with multiple horological complications. The sophisticated 35.8mm 18k yellow gold case of this Breguet Classique 3337 is embellished with intricate fluting on the watch case sides. Hand-decorated with rose-engine applied guilloche, the dial is a masterpiece. The dial of this Breguet Watch has a moon phase indicator, an off-centered subdial displaying the hours and minutes, a day window, and a date window in a well-balanced composition. When you turn the watch over, you’ll see Breguet Caliber 502 automatic movement, which has an off-center rotor.
2. Breguet Type XXI 3810
Breguet also makes aviation watches, which are on the opposite end of the spectrum from traditional and classic dress watches. Breguet aviation timepieces made for the French naval air army in the 1950s spurred the Type XXI collection.
This automatic Breguet Type XXI 3810 from the existing collection features a 42 mm stainless steel case and flyback chronograph function. The rotating bezel has Arabic numerals engraved on it, and the dial has three subdials that display am/pm indicator, running seconds, and a 12-hour totalizer. It also features a date window at 6 o’clock and a brown dial and leather strap that combine to emphasize the watch’s vintage appeal.
3. Double Tourbillon 5347
The 5347 Double Tourbillon is a true collector’s item. A Grande Complication wristwatch in 18-carat rose gold with two independent tourbillons attached by a bridge to a center plate that rotates in 12 hours has a fine taste. It’s simply outstanding in terms of technology. The guilloche silver dial is elegant and has a good display. In four different versions, the 44 mm case is available in rose gold or platinum. The hand-wound Cal. 588 movement has a 50-hour power reserve, which is remarkable for a double tourbillon.
4. Breguet Marine Chronograph
Another set of luxury sports watches is the Marine. The Marine timepieces are inspired by A.L. Breguet’s chronometers for the French Navy and are designed to appeal to contemporary tastes. This Breguet Marine Chronograph 5827 integrates sportiness and ultra-luxury with its solid 18k rose gold bracelet and 18k rose gold 42mm case. Two sub-dials, a date window, and a center hand are set against a chocolate guilloché dial. The automatic Breguet Caliber 583, visible through the sapphire caseback, drives the watch. This specific design also comes with two additional straps: a super sporty rubber strap and a classic leather one with an 18k rose gold deployant buckle for maximum support.
5. Breguet Tradition 7057
The Tradition collection pays homage to A.L. Breguet’s original works, especially his “Souscription Watches.” The souscription, French for subscription, watches were a creative way for A.L. Breguet to raise money by requiring customers to pay a deposit to reserve a timepiece, with the balance due upon finalization.
The 40mm 18k white gold case of the Breguet Tradition 7057 is complemented by a gorgeous blue leather strap. The sapphire exhibition caseback, together with the astonishing open-worked dial, provides a better sight of the manual-wound Breguet Caliber 507 DR1 inside. An off-centered dial houses the power reserve indicator and the hour and minute hands on the watch’s face. The blue Breguet style hands and the hand-engraved engine guilloché dial are distinctive Breguet hallmarks on the subdial.
6. Breguet Classique 5140
This vintage wristwatch features a self-winding movement with a seconds sub-dial and is made of 18-carat white gold. The technology is highly operational, with a silicon balance spring and lever. It also has a fine 40 mm case in both white and other gold variants and is water-resistant to 30 meters. There are four technical versions, each with significant differences in hour markers, Roman and Arabic style. The enamel dial, on the other hand, is consistent, as are the iconic Breguet lugs. They meet the criteria for a classic collection and look great with a leather strap.
In a Nutshell
Breguet watches are appealing because they can display technical mastery and design hallmarks from the company’s illustrious founder’s era while still complying with modern sensibilities. These are timepieces that effortlessly combine modern expectations with old-world charm. Having one will really give you satisfaction and contentment.