Tour of cutting-edge watches

MANILA, Philippines - Breguet recently mounted an exhibition of groundbreaking Twin Rotating Tourbillon watches in Manila, along with their history.

Nicolas G Hayek, president of Breguet, explained that the Tourbillon demonstrates skill in fine and complicated watch-making, adding that Breguet keeps alive its cultural heritage in a modern and innovative way.

Martin Ganz, Breguet’s vice president for Greater China who also covers the Philippine market, noted that quite a number of people in the Philippines want Breguet watches. “The Tourbillion watches showcase Breguet’s cultural heritage in a modern and innovative way. These timepieces also show perfection at work. Breguet watches gain value from the labor and artistry involved in its making.”

The Tourbillon was established in 1795 by the company founder Abraham-Louis Breguet. The high art and craft of watch- and clock-making received greater advancement as Abraham-Louis Breguet made 35 Tourbillon watches during his lifetime. Since its acquisition by the Swatch Group in September 1999, the Breguet Company has enjoyed the substantial support of the world’s largest watch manufacturer.

Breguet’s Classique Grande Complication 5347

This model is equipped with twin rotating Tourbillions actioned by a hand-wound mechanical movement to form an undisputed masterpiece of the technology and design. This timepiece uniquely features an original winding system, more than one regulating system, and differential gearing. It contains more than 570 parts and components painstakingly assembled by teams of Breguet master watchmakers.

The two Tourbillions work independently. These are coupled with differential gears and mounted on a rotating center plate, resulting in a complete revolution in 12 hours. The current hour is shown via the bridge that connects the two Tourbillions which doubles as an hour hand. The minutes, meanwhile, are indicated by a standard minute hand at the center.      

The Classique Tourbillon Mesidor

This model salutes the master’s ingenious invention which he patented, according to the French Revolutionary calendar, on “7 Messidor Year IX (June 26, 1801).” Driven by a hand-wound movement and lodged in a spacious-looking carriage, this uncluttered Tourbillon design adds its distinctive character to the watch’s already fascinating personality.

Its slim, horologically-elegant design features curving, swirling bridges and bars further add an unexpected look to the composition. Its discreet sapphire crystal stresses the entire design’s airy construction, providing a transparent background for the steady pace of the blued Breguet hands. The overall effect is grace and harmony floating serenely through space in step with the Tourbillon’s circular dance, an array of meticulously finished parts lovingly polished, chamfered, chased and scored with parallel decorative strokes by the most versatile of all instruments, the human hand.

The Marine 5837 Tourbillon Chronograph

This model is also back in the news with its new specifications that incorporate the latest advanced horological technology. Its striking design is an epitome of creative verve, innovation and refinement. It drives a spectacular Tourbillon regulator at 12 o’clock on the dial whose totally original carriage boasts an upper bridge and pillars made of titanium. A pink gold bracelet or black rubber strap with gold clasp completes this timepiece that combines multiple cultural references and a dash of contemporary spirit.

The Tradition 7047 Grande Complucation – Fusee Tourbillon

It features a spectacular fuse Tourbillion mechanism and comes with the technically sophisticated hand-wound Breguet caliber 569. Positioned opposite 10 o’clock on the dial, it features a reducer differential construction enabling the power reserve to be displayed on the barrel drum. This timepiece’s yellow gold case holds centuries of invaluable horological expertise while its slim bezel provides a distinctive frame for the tourbillion carriage. Tradition 7047 features an upper bridge will be in titanium and a Breguet-shaped bar in nonmagnetic steel, while its basic design evokes Abraham-Louis Breguet’s earliest sketches.

Show comments