A GENTLEMAN’S PURSUIT
The exquisitely timeless Classique collection faithfully upholds the technical prowess, horological artistry and traditional values BREGUET is so renowned for
exemplifying the watchmaking ideals of precision, clarity and elegant lines, Breguet’s Classique collection honours the art of living a true gentleman’s lifestyle. These timepieces are a magnificent distillation of the attributes distinguishing the Swiss watchmaker, whose innate refinement has charmed watch lovers in search of pure elegance since 1775.
The Breguet Classique 7147 is one of those emblematic models, imbued with a blend of classicism and tradition, such as only Breguet is capable of producing. It is distinguished by all the refined details composing the identity of the manufacture. As on many historical models, the dial of this creation is made of either grand feu enamel or “engine-turned” silvered gold dial – both of which are magnificent artistic crafts.
Although known since ancient times, enamelling was only widely applied to horology from the Renaissance period onwards. This extremely complex ornamental technique has remained virtually unchanged since. It is based on a colourless vitreous mixture – called “flux” – composed of silicic acid, sodium borate, nitre and minium. The flamboyant and ageless colours of enamel are achieved by adding metallic oxides to this combination.
The result is subsequently crushed to a powder and humidified to form a paste called barbotine (slip). The latter is applied in successive layers to a metal disc repeatedly fired in a kiln heated to more than 800°C. This process
continues until the dial has attained a radiant whiteness and glowing texture. Then comes the transferring of the famous slender, dainty yet legible Breguet numerals, embodying an inestimably precious horological heritage and reminiscent of the early watches and clocks from the House.
Hours and minutes are indicated by traditional blued steel Breguet hands with an offset open tip, complemented by the small seconds discreetly sweeping around a 5 o’clock subdial. The splendour of the Classique 7147 is also reflected in its movement, plainly visible through a sapphire crystal caseback and graced with “Côtes de Genève” and “Clous de Paris” hobnailing. Available in rose gold and white gold versions, it houses the Calibre 502.3SD, equipped with a balance spring in silicon and an inverted in-line lever escapement with horns made of silicon – an extremely light material notably renowned for its non-magnetic properties. It endows the Classique 7147 with remarkable performance and reliability.
REF 7147BB/12/9WU in engine-turned silver gold dial has an 18K white gold case with delicately fluted caseband, a sapphire-crystal caseback, welded lugs with screw bars and 3 bar (30 metres) water-resistance. It is fitted with a self-winding movement and boasts a 45-hour power-reserve in 40mm diameter. Rounding off this uber-elegant timepiece is an alligator leather strap with gold pin buckle. It is also available in rose gold.
Another newcomer with grand feu enamel dial, the REF 7147BB/29/9WU in 18k white gold (it’s also available in 18k rose gold in REF 7147BR/29/9WU) are also other exceptional timepieces which represent another perfect interpretation of modern-classic. Timeless aesthetics combine with horological savoir-faire to create a timepiece that says as much about the wearer than it does about the watch itself.
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