Breguet Unveils the Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345: A Masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie
In a tribute to the brand’s founder, Breguet has introduced the Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345, a horological masterpiece that blends expert craftsmanship with technical sophistication. This new interpretation of the Double Tourbillon honors the artistic skills nurtured within the Manufacture, showcasing the exceptional complexity and ingenuity of its design.
An Engineering Marvel
The 588N2 movement, comprising 740 components, is encased in a rose gold housing measuring 46 mm in diameter and 16.8 mm thick. This engineering marvel highlights the expertise required to create such a sophisticated timepiece. Observing the watch from the dial side reveals the intricate dance of two tourbillons, integral to the time display.
The two tourbillons, each powered by its own gear train and barrel, complete one full rotation per minute. They are connected by a central differential that regulates the watch’s rate and drives the rotation of the entire mechanism through a third gear train. This complex mechanism also serves as the hours hand, a distinctive feature in the brand’s characteristic style.
Artistic Craftsmanship
The sapphire dial, adorned with Roman numerals and an engraved minutes track, is visually striking. A blue varnish applied to the interstices creates the illusion of a suspended chapter ring. The caseband’s vertical flank is engraved with 12 Roman numeral hour-markers, coated with black varnish to represent the shadows of the chapter ring numerals. The timepiece is complemented by a midnight blue rubber strap embossed with Breguet’s signature.
Celebrating Craftsmanship
This exceptional wristwatch is a testament to the various artistic crafts embodied in its creation. Breguet’s atelier has developed a new guilloché pattern for the watch: radiant flinqué, reminiscent of sound waves. This intricate decoration is applied to the rose gold rotating mainplate and the rhodium-plated gold bridge. Breguet maintains one of the most important guilloché workshops in the industry, preserving and utilizing both historical and modern lathes.
Exquisite Detailing
The timepiece also features impressive decorations on the dial, including mirror polishing on the tourbillon cages, a sunburst pattern on the minutes track, snailing on the differential bridge, circular satin-finish on the gears and barrels, and circular graining on the underside of the rotating mainplate.
Engraving Excellence
The back of the movement is a work of art, requiring over a hundred hours to complete. The hand-engraved depiction features an aerial view of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s workshop at 39 Quai de l’Horloge. Various techniques, including bas-relief engraving, fine line tracing, and galvanic treatment, create detailed and contrasting effects.
Masterful Chamfering
Chamfering, or bevelling, is another hallmark of Breguet’s craftsmanship. Every part of the movement, visible or not, is meticulously chamfered and polished. This process involves filing down the edges of components to highlight their outline and create luminous effects. The artisans at Breguet spend over 100 hours on this process, ensuring each piece has a uniform sheen and precise angles. Breguet is committed to training future chamfering experts to preserve this art form.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345 is not just a timepiece but a celebration of Breguet’s legacy in horology and artistic craftsmanship. It embodies the brand’s dedication to excellence, precision, and innovation, making it a true masterpiece in the world of haute horlogerie.
For more information, please visit Breguet.com.