Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXIII

1 0 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he Breguet Classique collection has always been one of the strongest and most desirable lines of this renowned watchMaison. Breguet has been creating extraordinary timepieces in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland since 1775 and the new Classique 7147 continues the fine tradition in style. In the early days of horology, many elements of watch decoration were primarily functional and the Classique collection celebrates this heritage via the meticulously created motifs on the dial, which were originally devised to delay the onset of colour degradation and to bolster the durability of fragile surfaces. In this new watch, which supersedes the Breguet Classique 5140, we see the epitome of fine engine-turning on the dial, a technically demanding decorative craft in which Breguet have longstanding fine form. The dial on this understated and sophisticated model is entirely made of engine-turned solid gold, which is then silver plated. The main dial motif is clous de Paris hobnailing, and this is complimented by the small seconds sub-dial at 5 o’clock, with its fine cross hatch pattern. Altogether there are four different decorative designs used: the aforementioned clous de Paris in the centre, cross hatching in the small seconds and circular graining for the tracks, which are all separated by a fourth stippling pattern. It should go without saying that the dials are hand-crafted by highly trained and talented craftsmen. Unsurprisingly, and essentially, we have blued steel Breguet hands sweeping over a chapter ring of Roman numerals. The Breguet secret signature, a token of authenticity, is engraved on both sides of the 12 o’clock numeral. This fine dress watch is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 502.3SD with an off-centred oscillating weight visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. While this stunning watch oozes traditional elegance, it also has one foot firmly in the future with its use of progressive newmaterials such as silicon. This versatile material is used for the balance-spring and escapement, ideal due its anti-magnetic and corrosion resistant qualities, not to mention the fact that no lubricant is required. Measuring in at 40mm and available in 18-carat rose or white gold versions, the Breguet Classique 7147 has recently become available in reputable stockists of Breguet worldwide.