Breguet Unveils Classique Double Tourbillon Quai De L’Horloge Watch

Swiss watch brand Breguet has a long and storied past in the world of haute horlogerie. This year, the brand celebrates its innovative spirit by unveiling a new interpretation of its beloved Double Tourbillon timepiece: the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge.”

Swiss watchmaking has been defined by many prestigious names, but few hold a place of honor like Breguet. Founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, a pioneering horologist, the brand has made significant contributions to the art and science of watchmaking. Among Breguet’s many inventions, the tourbillon stands out as a revolutionary escapement mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s accuracy. This groundbreaking innovation was introduced on June 26, 1801, and has since become a hallmark of precision in the world of haute horlogerie.

Celebrating Tourbillon Day with the Double Tourbillon

In tribute to this pivotal invention, Breguet annually celebrates Tourbillon Day. This year’s celebration is marked by the introduction of the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge.” This timepiece is a true testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, complexity, and artistic expression.

A Masterpiece of Horological Art

The new Double Tourbillon is fully skeletonized, allowing admirers to appreciate its intricate mechanics from the top side. It is powered by the brand’s 588N2 movement, comprising an astounding 740 individually hand-finished and hand-assembled parts. The movement is housed in a 46mm case crafted from 18-karat rose gold, a metal known for its timeless beauty and durability.

On the “dial” side, two constantly moving tourbillon escapements, each adorned with a stylized B logo, take center stage. These tourbillons are attached to a central mainplate that rotates every 12 hours, with each tourbillon making a full rotation every minute. The absence of a traditional dial enhances the visual spectacle, with a small sapphire dial featuring Roman numerals and an engraved outer minutes track providing a subtle reference for time reading.

Exceptional Craftsmanship

The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” is a showcase of exceptional craftsmanship. The rose gold mainplate and many individual parts feature hand guilloche work, performed by master artisans using an 18th-century rose-turning engine. This meticulous handwork, combined with the brand’s extensive collection of vintage machines housed in its Vallée de Joux workshops, ensures each piece is a unique work of art. Breguet’s commitment to preserving traditional techniques is further exemplified by its in-house training program for artisans, ensuring that these skills are passed down through generations.

The watch also boasts an intricately engraved movement back, depicting an aerial view of Breguet’s workshop, and hand-chamfered barrel bridges that display stunning angles, facets, and sheens. These elements highlight the dedication to detail and the high level of expertise required to produce such a masterpiece.

Limited Edition Luxury

The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” (Ref. 5345BR/1S/5Xu) is a rare gem in the world of luxury watches. Due to the immense time and craftsmanship involved in creating each piece, it will be produced in extremely limited numbers. This exclusive timepiece is priced at approximately $758,000, making it a coveted addition to any discerning collector’s portfolio.