SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

9 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S ince its beginnings in 1775, Breguet has endeavoured to apply watchmaking excellence to a range of exceptional and exclusive timepieces. Today the Breguet name stands for innovation, classic elegance and the quest for stylistic and technical perfection in beautifully engineered and crafted timepieces, as it has always done. Breguet has earned its reputation throughout the rich history of watchmaking with such inventions as the pare-chute shock protection, the Breguet balance spring with its innovative “overcoil” terminal curve, and of course the tourbillon – considered one of its finest inventions and still exerting its influence in the wider world of watchmaking across the globe. Breguet’s craftsmen and craftswomen have, through the generations, always steered against the “easy way out” in terms of design and manufacture to purposefully extend the upper limits of time measurement with such exceptional innovations as the silicon balance spring and escapement or the magnetic pivot. It is this kind of technical research and development that personifies the deeply entrenched beliefs of a commitment to excellence and evolution. Outside of purely technical research, this iconic company is also distinguished by its continued pursuit of elegance under the direction of its president and CEO, Marc A. Hayek. The history of the company is repeatedly delineated by well-designed timepieces with refined lines, like the 4691 pocket watch, recently acquired at auction, or the Classique 5377, the thinnest self-winding tourbillon wristwatch in existence. Breguet’s craftspeople are not content just to show their unswerving allegiance to the classic style: they constantly strive to reinvent it. Its beauty is particularly conveyed by the company’s traditional stylistic features and the outstanding finishes achieved by the incredibly skilled hands of its master- craftsmen. Breguet is in fact one of the few manufacturers that does all its engine-turned engravings in the established and traditional way, and it has expanded its workshops at L’Orient to keep ancient craft skills alive in the contemporary world. This investment not only demonstrates Breguet’s attachment to its roots, but also its intention to face the future with equanimity while maintaining the traditional work ethic of bygone independent watchmakers. First seen in 2013, Breguet’s Classique Tourbillon Extra-plat Automatique 5377 returns to the stage nobly dressed in stylish platinum. Its looks are matched by its ingenuity, for this extra-thin watch houses one of the more spectacular horological inventions: an off-centred tourbillion housed in a titanium carriage (which is protected by a number of patents). The movement of this piece is also fitted with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring and an escapement made of silicon and non-magnetic steel. This does not imply any loss of power reserve, for the patented high-energy barrel keeps the timepiece going for almost one hundred hours off the wrist. To keep the thickness of the movement down to 3 mm in a 7 mm-high case, Breguet has designed a peripheral rotor, also in platinum, winding in both directions of spin. This technical achievement makes the 5377 the thinnest self-winding tourbillion in the world, an incredible feat of engineering excellence and creative, innovative design and manufacture. The stylistic features of the dial of this tremendous and striking wristwatch include four different engine-turned patterns executed by hand as a mark of respect for the old traditions of supreme workmanship, and a flawless finish. The hours and minutes chapter is enhanced by a hobnail pattern edged by a barleycorn motif. The power-reserve indicator at 8.30 is decorated with engine-turned straight chevrons, while each element has a cross-hatched border. The look and feel of this watch is both classical and succinct, with the pale hues of metal and 18k gold dial contrasting delightfully against the organic, comfortable, but entirely practical leather strap, which features a strong and reliable triple blade folding clasp for added security and positioning on the wrist. A beautiful blue sapphire set into the centre of the tourbillon bridge draws the eye to the hands. This new self-winding, extra-thin Tourbillon shows off its class as a pure Breguet creation, combining timeless styling and cutting- edge technology to develop a timepiece that oozes class and refinement, whilst simultaneously containing the cutting edge, world leading innovation and expertise that have become synonymous with the Breguet company.