(This article by Roberta Naas first appeared on Forbes.com.)
Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de’l’Horloge
Swiss watch brand Breguet has a long and storied past in the world of haute horlogerie. After all, founding father Abraham-Louis Breguet was the inventor of the tourbillon – an escapement that compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity when a watch is in certain positions. That particular invention by Breguet, occurring on June 26, 1801, was not the only one, but certainly was one of the most important in horological history. As such, the brand celebrates tourbillon day annually. This year, it does so by unveiling a new interpretation of its beloved Double Tourbillon timepiece: Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge.”
Artistically crafted and incredibly complicated, the new timepiece – fully skeletonized and on view from the top side due to the lack of a dial – is powered by the brand’s 588N2 movement with an incredibly 740 individually hand-finished and hand-assembled parts.
A host of generations-old craftsmanship techniques are used in the new Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de’l’Horloge watch.
Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, the 46mm case holds the complex hand-winding caliber that features two constantly moving tourbillon escapements on the “dial” side, each with a stylized B logo. The bar of the two tourbillons is attached to a central mainplate that rotates every 12 hours, but each tourbillon makes a full turn every minute.
As mentioned, the watch is devoid of a traditional dial so that onlookers can view the superb mechanics. Just a small sapphire dial with Roman numerals is used, along with an engrave outer minutes track.
The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de’l’Horloge watch retails for approximately $758,000.
The exceptional craftsmanship inherent in this timepiece runs the gamut from hand guilloche work on the rose gold mainplate and on many of the individual parts – created by master artisans on an 18th century rose-turning engine. Breguet is one of the few brands that boasts a significant number of these vintage machines in its workshops in Vallee de Joux, and theirs is definitely among the largest. The brand also trains its own artisans in house for this artistic craft – one passed on from generation to generation.
Additionally, engraving of the movement back is a highlight of this watch, which depicts an aerial view of Breguet’s workshop. Hand chamfering of the barrel bridges and other important parts to achieve stunning angles, facets and sheens is also key.
The newest Double Tourbillon (Ref. 5345BR/1S/5Xu) will be made in extremely limited numbers due the amount of time and craftsmanship it takes to create just one watch. It retails for approximately $758,000.
The making of the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de’l’Horloge watch is a time-consuming and meticulous feat.
