This new model shows that the company has reached its objectives and set a new level in the search for perfection.
The watch, in white gold is fitted with the new Hand-wound calibre 574DR, which takes advantage of the latest developments from the workshops to deliver impressive rating results. This achievement was mainly due to its balance frequency of 10Hz.
However, the major innovation of this Classique Chronométrie model is without doubt the use of magnetic pivots. It is likely that the impact of this invention will not be felt for a few years yet. With the magnetic pivot, Breguet not only controls the negative effects of magnetism in a watch, but also uses magnetic force to improve the pivoting, rotation and stability of the balance staff. Breguet’s watchmakers have designed a stable system using two endstones incorporating powerful micro-magnets (approx. 1.3 teslas) that keep the balance staff centred and self-adjusting. One of the magnets is stronger than the other to create a magnetic gradient. A magnetic flux, generated within the balance-staff induces a magnetic attraction that keeps the end of the pivot in contact with the endstone.
Held in an artificial gravitational force, the balance staff is unaffected by the different positions of the watch and the conditions at each pivot remain unchanged. If a shock knocks the balance staff sideways, the system acts like a pare-chute to return it to its position, except that magnetic forces re-centre the staff to regain maximum magnetic flux. The result is a balance that is insensitive to gravity, more stable and resistant to shocks. These innovations bring the reference 7727’s average rate to -1/+3 seconds a day, well within the COSC chronometer standard of -4/+6 seconds a day. More importantly, the difference in rate between the six positions has been brought down to -2/+4 seconds a day (maximum wind).
No fewer than six patents protect these technical achievements, which represent the excellence of Breguet’s watchmaking.
In tribute to the major inventions realised in the calibre 574DR, a great deal of attention has been given to the appearance of this Classique Chronométrie watch.
Technical data
Classique Chronométrie 7727, white gold
RÉF. 7727BB/12/9WU
Case in 18-carat white gold with a finely fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 41mm diameter. Welded lugs with screw bars. Water resistant to 3 bar (30m).
Dial in 18-carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in six different patterns. Individually numbered and signed BREGUET. Hours chapter with Roman numerals. Small seconds at 12 o'clock and 10ths of a second at 1 o'clock. Breguet open-tipped hands in polished steel.
Hand-wound movement with stop seconds. Numbered and signed BREGUET. Cal. 574DR, 14 lignes, 45 jewels. Power reserve of 60 hours with an indicator at 5 o'clock. Double barrel. In-line Swiss lever escapement in silicon. Double silicon balance-springs at 180°. 10Hz frequency. Magnetic pivots. Adjusted in six positions.
Leather strap with a triple-blade folding clasp.
