Does the French name “Classique” say it all ? Far from it ! While the line is indeed timeless, with or without complications, the 2017 vintage of this model launched in 2016 features strikingly elegant contrasts and a proudly vaunted contemporary note. On the splendid yet understated Grand Feu enamel dial of the Classique 7147, last year’s Roman numerals have made way for subtly curved Breguet Arabic numerals. Another distinctive feature immediately identifiable by brand connoisseurs and aficionados, the hollow-tipped blued steel Breguet hands appeal as much by their rigorous lines as by their off-centered round bulge. The result is an irresistible pair that would doubt- less have pleased Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The shadow of the noble sombrero indeed slips beneath the small hand that is also a delightful sky blue. What impressive expertise is required to ensure a smooth and uniform finish across a hollowed dial!
The minute circle around the rim is punctuated by tiny stars and stylized fleurs de lys, standing out against the immaculate sobriety of the white enamel. Even a side view of the super-slim gold case clearly reveals the DNA expressed through its finely fluted sides, not to mention the raised “B” initial adorning the crown. The slenderness of the case also reflects the technical mastery required to accommodate within it a necessarily extra- thin (2.4mm) mechanical self-winding movement that may be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback. Nurtured by almost two and a half centuries of a proud heritage, the talent cultivated by the Breguet watchmakers has also equipped this in-house caliber with a silicon balance-spring (first introduced by Breguet in 2006) and an inverted in-line Swiss lever escapement with silicon pallets. Modesty and passion are still very much alive, and can indeed be worn on the wrist.
Classique Reference 7147BB/29/9WU
Case : 18K white gold (available in rose gold), delicately fluted caseband, welded lugs with screw bars, sapphire-crystal caseback, water-resistant to 30m, 40mm in diameter
Movement : extra- thin mechanical self-winding (Caliber 502.3SD, 2.4mm thick, 45h power reserve), numbered and signed Breguet, inverted in-line Swiss lever escapement with silicon pallets and silicon balance- spring
Functions : hours, minutes, small seconds
Dial : white Grand Feu enamel, blued steel Breguet hands
Strap : alligator leather strap, gold pin buckle
