Breguet Classique 1808 Grande Complication Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie

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The tourbillon regulator ranks among the inventions that have immortalised the genius of Breguet, earning the brand the title of the founder of modern watchmaking.

Carved in pink gold, the Breguet CLASSIQUE 1808 pays tribute to this invention, which was patented on 7 Messidor year IX (June 26, 1801), according to the French revolutionary calendar. Powered by a manually wound movement the tourbillon is hidden behind a precious cover that takes on a brilliance worthy of the complication.

Breguet Classique 1808 Grande Complication Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie watch

A sparkling cloud of 706 diamonds illuminates the lugs and cover of the case. The cover opens on a majestic face of pink gold, which provides a choice canvas for fine workmanship.

The contrast of colours and embellishments purifies the display of time. Hours and minutes take flight at 12 o’clock on a dial of black rhodium, engine turned in a hobnail pattern. Its sombre hues counteract the soft and radiant tones of the gold baseplate, which is entirely engraved by hand.

The pink-gold hands with their openwork points shimmer on a darkened stage. Opposite, the tourbillon reveals its charms in a carriage of polished steel. With it circles a small seconds hand.

The sapphire-crystal caseback obscures nothing of the beauty of the manually wound mechanism which has a power reserve of 50 hours. A strap of matt, brown leather, stitched with threads of gold, reflects its nobility on the watch.

Technical details

Model: Breguet Classique 1808 Grande Complication Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie
Ref. 1808BR/92/9W6 DD00

Case
Round in 18-carat rose gold with finely fluted caseband. Coverlid inscribed with the word “TOURBILLON” and set with 706 diamonds (approx. 4.7 cts). Rounded horns welded to the case with screw -pins to secure the strap. Diameter 40.5 mm. Sapphire -crystal caseback. Water-resistant to 30 metres.

Dial
Black rhodium on 18-carat gold hand-engraved on a rose engine. Individually numbered and signed BREGUET. Chapter ring with Roman numerals. Open-tipped BREGUET hands in 18-carat pink gold. Small seconds on the tourbillon carriage at 6 o’clock. Rose -gilt bottom plate entirely engraved by hand.

Movement
Hand-wound mechanical, with tourbillon. Individually numbered and signed BREGUET. 13½ lines. 21 jewels. Cal. 557. Lever escapement on the side. 2.5 Hz balance-wheel with load-screws. Breguet overcoil. Adjusted in 6 positions