Breguet Pens A New Chapter In Its Classique Collection

The Breguet Classique 5177 and 7787 models blend platinum’s regal presence with the intricate artistry of “Grand Feu” enamel. These iconic timepieces not only highlight Abraham-Louis Breguet’s commitment to legibility and simplicity but also carry forward the brand's heritage of technical excellence and sophisticated design. Let's dive into the specifics of what makes these models special:

For the first time, the Classique collection includes watches crafted in platinum—a metal renowned for its durability, hypoallergenic properties, and unique silvery luster. Known as the "metal of kings," platinum elevates the Classique 5177 and 7787 models, offering collectors both elegance and robustness. Both models share platinum’s visual appeal, but they also display contrasting characteristics: the Classique 5177 emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic, while the 7787 brings additional complications like a moon-phase display and power-reserve indicator.

The Allure of "Grand Feu" Enamel

"Grand Feu" enamel, an art form that endures in high horology, is integral to these Classique models. Enamel, prized for its resistance to fading, is applied to the dials in a labor-intensive process that involves multiple firings at temperatures exceeding 800°C. In this collection, the deep black enamel surface—a color notoriously challenging to perfect—provides a bold contrast for the powdered silver Breguet Arabic numerals and delicate, rhodium-plated hands. This combination of platinum and enamel gives the Classique models an enduring brilliance that defies time.

A.-L. Breguet introduced an aesthetic that emphasized clarity over excess. Rather than elaborate decoration, he chose refined elements like slender Breguet hands and guilloché engravings, creating a design philosophy that would become synonymous with his name. Today’s Classique collection honors this legacy, balancing historical influences with modern craftsmanship, including elements like Breguet's trademark fluted case sides and knurled crown.

Distinguishing Features of the Classique 5177 and 7787

Each model offers unique complications. The Classique 5177 is an elegant time-only model, complete with a discreet date display at 3 o’clock. In contrast, the 7787 includes a romantic moon-phase indicator, capturing lunar phases on a delicate hammered gold disc against a blue starry backdrop, along with a power-reserve indicator at the base of the dial.

Precision-Driven Movements: Calibres 777 Q and 591 DRL

Both watches are powered by advanced self-winding movements visible through their sapphire crystal casebacks, crafted in Breguet’s Swiss Vallée de Joux workshop. The 777 Q calibre, used in the Classique 5177, operates at 4 Hz and provides up to 55 hours of power reserve with a silicon balance-spring. Known for its resilience against wear, magnetism, and corrosion, silicon enhances the longevity of the movement. The oscillating weight, crafted in 18k rhodium-plated gold and engraved with a “starry mosaic,” adds a final luxurious touch.

The Classique 7787’s 591 DRL calibre is notable for its moon-phase accuracy, which deviates by just a day after 348.7 years—thanks to a meticulously calibrated pinion. With a power reserve of 38 hours, the 591 DRL also boasts a hand-engraved 22k gold rotor adorned with a “barley grain” guilloché pattern.

With platinum cases and "Grand Feu" enamel dials, the Classique 5177 and 7787 unite Breguet’s artistry with technical precision, delivering watches designed to last for generations. These pieces reflect Breguet’s ethos of timeless beauty, serving as a tribute to the enduring artistry and mechanical ingenuity that define the brand. The Classique collection, through these models, continues to offer collectors a slice of horological history, anchored by its founder’s vision and commitment to watchmaking excellence.