In the realm of watchmaking, Breguet often stands as an unsung titan, overlooked despite its rich legacy of mechanical innovations and iconic design elements. Few brands can boast the array of contributions Breguet has brought to the industry, from their signature Breguet hands and numerals to the ingenious tourbillon and the remarkable Breguet overcoil. The Classique Day-Date Moon Phase Ref. 3337, which is also the watch offered here today, serves as a shining emblem of Breguet's enduring commitment to excellence in modern watchmaking.
When we delve into the Classique 3337's design, it promptly lives up to its name, it is, as its name suggests, classically styled. A gracefully svelte 36mm circular case, crowned with a domed bezel and embellished with meticulously worked coin-edge detailing along the mid-case, interrupted only by delicate pushers, showcases an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and sophistication. With a mere 7.3mm height, this watch not only exudes elegance but also pays homage to the design aesthetics of eras gone by.
Turning our attention onto the dial, a radiant silver canvas is adorned with a captivating Clous de Paris pattern- an intricate hand-engraving technique achieved using a rose lathe. At its centre, a hobnail pattern adds further depth and texture. The dial, meticulously crafted from a solid gold plate, undergoes a galvanization process to achieve its resplendent silver finish. Marked with a concentric satin-brushed hour-and-minute chapter ring and a semi-circular moon phase indicator, the dial creates a visually compelling and truly three-dimensional masterpiece. Building on this visual feast, the Classique's dial features day and month apertures at 10 and 2 o'clock respectively. These are thoughtfully sunken into the dial and framed with smooth edges, providing a clean contrast to the intricate guilloché and satin finishes. To top everything off, the blued steel Breguet hands inject a subtle touch of colour against the silver dial, striking a harmonious contrast with the warm 18-carat yellow gold case.
While the dial and case alone are enough to win hearts over, the true enchantment of the Classique unfolds when the watch is turned over to reveal the Breguet Cal. 502 movement. This immaculate movement boasts a ¾ off-centre winding rotor, fully engraved and displayed in stunning 18-carat yellow gold, showcasing a labyrinthine architecture that pushes the boundaries of fine finishing to new heights. The movement, perfectly sized to fit the 36mm case, features skeletonized components, including its winding rotor, beautifully bridging the worlds of Haute Horlogerie and contemporary marvel. With black polished screws, intricate hand-applied engravings, and impeccable anglage throughout, this movement is a masterpiece worthy of an exceptional watch. Indeed, it has found its ideal counterpart in the Breguet Classique Day-Date Moon Phase Ref. 3337.
