Breguet

One of the most notable introductions from Breguet at Baselworld this year was the Classique Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic 5377. Available in a 42 mm diameter 18K rose gold or platinum case that measures a mere 7 mm thick, the 5377 Extra-Thin is currently the world’s thinnest tourbillon.

The dial is in 18K gold and is silvered as well as engine turned in four different patterns. The tourbillon, which rotates once every minute and displays small seconds, sits off-center at 5 o’clock. Positioned asymmetrically, the frosted chapter ring has Roman numeral hour markers, with minute dots on the outermost part of the ring. The hour and minute hands are open tipped Bregeut style in polished stainless steel which has been blued. A power reserve indicator, which indicates from 0-90 hours via a straight blued hand, is located in between 8 and 9 ‘clock. Each piece is individually numbered and signed Breguet.

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I recently visited the NYC Breguet boutique on Madison Avenue, which has a wide assortment of the best Breguet timepieces currently available for sale. There was only one that I knew had to try on, though, the Breguet Tradition 7047BR Tourbillon Fusee and Chain. Originally introduced at Baselworld in 2012, the 7047BR movement has a very unique configuration, it is exposed on the dial side of the watch as opposed to the case back side. Furthermore, it is protected by a tall domed sapphire crystal, which looks amazing.

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Fobis Clock, Pierre de Fobis (1506-1575)

I recently had a chance to view the “Precision and Splendor: Clocks and Watches at The Frick Collection” an exhibit that runs from January 23, 2013, through February 2, 2014 in the Portico Gallery at the Frick Collection Museum in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. If you are into historical clocks and timepieces, then this exhibit is a must see. You can visit the museum in person, or there is a virtual tour online HERE.

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The Breguet Type XXII, which was first introduced in stainless steel at Baselworld 2010, will be offered this year in 18K rose gold. Inside, is the caliber 589F, which runs at an amazingly high 10Hz (72,000 vph). It is self-winding chronograph with flyback function and second time-zone. It has 27 jewels, a 40-hour power-reserve, a high frequency silicon escapement, Breguet balance-wheel with regulating screws and a flat silicon balance-spring.The new 18K rose gold case is 44 mm in diameter, with a fluted caseband, a bi-directional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale and round-ended horns. The dial is brown, with luminous hands and hour markers. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date, flyback chronograph and second time zone.

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Last Wednesday, Carnegie Hall opened its 2012-2013 season with a gala benefit concert featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Riccardo Muti performing Carl Orff’s powerful choral work Carmina Burana. The performance also featured the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Chicago Children’s Choir with soloists, soprano Rosa Feola, countertenor Antonio Giovannini, and baritone Audun Iversen. The gala, which was attended by more than 500 guests, raised nearly $2.7 million in support of Carnegie Hall’s artistic and education programming.

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Breguet is currently hosting an exhibit that focuses on the brand's background in aviation timepieces and instruments. On display are a variety of historical aviation timepieces including the original Breguet Type XX, as well as current models such as the chronometrically significant Type XXII Flyback Chronograph GMT 10Hz. If you are interested in seeing this exhibit, it is open to the public at the Breguet Boutique on Rodeo Drive until August 19th, 2012.

This is a Breguet Ref. 5930 Automatic, made in 2002, that is coming up for sale at the Antiquorum - Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces - auction June 12th in New York.

It is presented in a 36 mm by 8 mm thick 18K white gold polished case (No. 3086) with reeded band, rounded stepped lugs with screw bars, a domed sapphire crystal and a snap-on case back. The beautiful silver dial features hand made guilloche-work and a frosted Breguet treatment, with painted black radial Roma numerals and secret Breguet signature on a plain reserve. The outer chapter ring displays dot minute divisions and an aperture at 6 o'clock displays the date. Blued Breguet hands. It is powered by caliber 517.1, a rhodium-plated, 28 jewel, manually wound movement. It features a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, shock absorber, and a self compensating flat balance spring. Black alligator strap with white gold clasp.

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