The Golden Ratio In Horology: Decoding The Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345's Aesthetic Perfection

On June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the tourbillon, a revolutionary mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on pocket watch movements. Over two centuries later, in June 2024, Breguet unveiled the Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345, a timepiece that not only pays homage to this invention but also pushes the boundaries of modern watchmaking. 

The Breguet 5345 is not merely a timepiece; it is a celebration of heritage. Introduced in June 2024, this horological marvel pays homage to Abraham-Louis Breguet's groundbreaking invention of the tourbillon on June 26, 1801. The watch's very name, "Quai de l'Horloge," references the location of Breguet's original workshop at 39 Quai de l'Horloge in Paris, where the foundations of modern watchmaking were laid over two centuries ago.

The 5345's design is a masterclass in horological aesthetics, potentially embodying the principles of the Golden Ratio. This mathematical concept, approximately equal to 1.618, has been associated with pleasing and harmonious proportions in art and architecture for millennia. While we cannot definitively state that Breguet's designers explicitly used the Golden Ratio in the 5345's creation, an analysis of its proportions reveals a striking harmony that aligns with these classical principles of beauty. The watch's case, measuring 46 mm in diameter and 16.8 mm in thickness, creates a balanced profile that is both substantial and elegant. The ratio between these dimensions approaches the Golden Ratio, contributing to the watch's visual appeal and wearability despite its complex mechanism.

The dial layout further exemplifies aesthetic perfection. The two tourbillons, positioned symmetrically on either side of the dial, create a visual fulcrum that draws the eye. Their placement, in conjunction with the central rotating mainplate that serves as the hour hand, forms a triangular composition that is both dynamic and harmonious.

The 5345 is not just a triumph of engineering but also a showcase of Breguet's mastery of various artistic crafts. The watch features an entirely new guilloché pattern called "radiant flinqué," reminiscent of regular sound waves. This decoration, applied to the rose gold rotating mainplate and rhodium-plated gold bridge, demonstrates Breguet's commitment to innovation within traditional techniques.

The engraving on the movement's back is a tour de force, requiring over 100 hours of meticulous handwork. It depicts an aerial view of Breguet's historic workshop, employing various techniques to create depth and perspective on a gold plate. This intricate artistry serves as a visual link between the watch's cutting-edge technology and its rich heritage.

The attention to detail extends to every component of the 588N2 movement. Hand-chamfering, a hallmark of haute horlogerie, is applied extensively, with over 100 hours dedicated to creating perfect angles and finishes on even the smallest, unseen parts. This level of craftsmanship elevates the 5345 from a mere timekeeping device to a wearable work of art.

At the heart of the 5345's aesthetic appeal lies its innovative double tourbillon mechanism. The two independent tourbillons, each making one full rotation per minute, are connected to a central differential that regulates the watch's rate. This complex system is not only a technical marvel but also a visual spectacle, with the tourbillon bridges serving as hour indicators. The sapphire dial, with its engraved Roman numerals and minutes track filled with blue varnish, creates an illusion of depth and suspension above the mechanism. This design choice enhances the watch's three-dimensional quality, inviting the wearer to explore its intricacies from various angles.

While the 5345 stands out for its complexity and artistry, it shares DNA with other Breguet models. The brand's signature guilloché work, blued steel hands, and Roman numerals are present across the Classique line. However, the 5345 takes these elements to new heights, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mechanical watchmaking.

The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345 represents the pinnacle of horological aesthetics and craftsmanship. Its design, potentially informed by principles akin to the Golden Ratio, creates a harmonious blend of form and function. By marrying cutting-edge technology with time-honored artistic techniques, Breguet has created a timepiece that not only tells time but also tells a story—a story of innovation, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in watchmaking.

As Lionel a Marca, CEO of Montres Breguet, aptly puts it, the goal is "to continue to intrigue people as well as make them dream." The 5345 achieves this goal, serving as a testament to Breguet's enduring legacy and its position at the forefront of haute horlogerie.