Simply Abu Dhabi XI

9 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I B oasting a fascinating heritage and historical admirers such as Queen Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, Breguet is one of the world’s most illustrious watch manufacturers. Established by Abraham-Louis Breguet in Paris in 1775, this superlative watch brand is credited with a raft of accomplishments, not least of which is producing the world’s first wristwatch in the year 1810, as ordered by the Queen of Naples. Abraham-Louis Breguet is also the pioneer who created one of the most notable watch technologies, the tourbillon. The company was led for many years by succeeding generations, and in 1976 the entire operations of the company moved to the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, a cradle of watchmaking in the Swiss mountains. The company was acquired by The Swatch Group in 1999, just in time for the momentous occasion of the 225th anniversary of the House of Breguet in 2000. The following year the company also celebrated the 200th anniversary of the tourbillon. Since then the company has continued to innovate, recording new patents and continuing their long established tradition of the utmost excellence in watchmaking. This year at the annual Baselworld watch and jewellery exhibition, Breguet unveiled more typically exceptional watches, of which we have selected three to look at in detail. A braham-Louis Breguet place in horological history is assured through many things – the fact his name remains a touchstone for refinement and expertise hundreds of years after he founded his business is testament to that. But when he invented the tourbillon, Breguet gave the watchmaking world one of its finest horological devices. Since then, the Breguet Company has gone to great lengths to honour this groundbreaking invention with timepieces that strive to exceed expectations. The 5377 Classique Tourbillon extra thin automatic in pink gold or platinum is for tourbillon admirers who wish to wear as thin a watch as possible. This newmodel is now one of the world’s thinnest tourbillons. Bearing all the hallmarks of a Breguet product, such as an engine-turned dial and open-tipped Breguet hands, welded lugs, fine fluting on the caseband and a unique number and secret signature. Yet once again it is the combination of elegance and efficiency that makes it a thoroughbred Breguet. This extremely complicated watch is distinguished by an off-centre tourbillon, which is protected by several patents. The tourbillon carriage and the balance are in titanium while the balance-spring is made of silicon and the escapement is in silicon and anti- magnetic steel. The new calibre 581DR fitted into this timepiece has a barrel that provides 90 hours of running time. This newmovement is a real work of art with fine engraving and superb workmanship that can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback. A blue sapphire crowns the centre of the Tourbillon Bridge to draw the eye down from the hands. Water resistant and mounted on a leather strap, this watch is at the pinnacle of tourbillon craftsmanship. Breguet Classique Tourbillon extra-thin automatic 5377

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