Breguet has launched the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255, marking the fourth chapter of its 250th anniversary celebrations after kicking off the party with the Souscription, Seconde Rétrograde and Type XX Chronograph.
The date here is worthy of note: 26 June marks 224 years to the day that Abraham-Louis Breguet patented his iconic tourbillon.
One of just 50 pieces, each individually numbered, the 41mm case is made from the brand’s proprietary pinkish “Breguet gold,” inspired by 18th-century alloys.
Even after its quarter-of-a-millennium history, the maison is still managing to get some firsts under its belt, and this time, a flying tourbillon was on the agenda. In this new model, it appears to float above the dial thanks to a sapphire lower bridge that makes its support invisible.
Adding to the sense of levitation, a so-called ‘mysterious’ complication makes the tourbillon rotate without any visible connection to the movement, creating a truly magical display.
The attention to detail here is second to none, with the movement decorated by hand with a new guilloché pattern resembling the curves of the Seine river, visible through the sapphire case back.
Raised 2.2mm above the movement, the tourbillon dictates the watch’s 10.2mm thickness, making it the visual centerpiece.
Somewhere underneath all that alchemy is Breguet’s manual-winding caliber 187M1 which operates at 21,600 vibrations/hour with exceptional precision. CEO Kissling points out that this a reinterpretation of the famous Breguet Tourbillon reference 3350, the first Breguet tourbillon wristwatch unveiled in 1990.
Paying tribute to the stars (hence ‘Sidéral’), the dial is crafted from deep blue aventurine enamel – another first for Breguet. Sparkling copper particles evoke a night sky, and each dial is unique due to the handcrafted enamelling process. Gold hour markers and the brand’s traditional hollow “pomme” hands complete the artful face.
CHF 190,000, breguet.com