Introducing the Breguet Baselworld 2015 collection
AnthonyTsai
Since its beginnings in 1775, the Manufacture Breguet has earned the distinction of applying flawless style and technique to the creation of exceptional timepieces. Not content with reproducing the achievements of his predecessors, Abraham-Louis Breguet constantly sought to extend the limits of watchmaking, making an indelible imprint on history with such inventions as the pare-chute shock protection, the raised terminal curve (overcoil) of the balance-spring that takes his name, and of course the tourbillon. Beyond technical research, the company is also distinguished by its pursuit of elegance. Marrying beauty with mechanics, far from being contradictory, makes up a whole dedicated to the pursuit of one single purpose: to produce outstanding creations. Society in Abraham-Louis Breguet’s time recognised this, and with success came prestige. Among his clients were Queen Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and Caroline Murat, queen of Naples. His reputation was such that he became a member of France’s board of longitude and chronometer-maker to the navy.
Over the years, Breguet has striven to perpetuate this creative vision and to pursue the quest for precision that was so important to its founder. Under the leadership of its President and CEO Marc A. Hayek, the company has broken free of horological taboos such as magnetism, by exploring new possibilities and unusual materials. This approach has enabled it to introduce a number of innovations designed to improve the regularity of its mechanisms and to shift horological paradigms. The balance-spring and escapement in silicon, magnetic pivots and research into acoustics and sound propagation were developed in tribute to Breguet’s pioneering spirit by using past experiences to push the existing boundaries.
If technical developments are closely bound up with Breguet’s history, so are its decorative principles. The company’s signature aesthetic codes and the outstanding level of finish done by hand according to age-old techniques permeate all its collections. Breguet is one of the few watch manufacturers that does all its engine-turned engravings in the traditional way, and it has recently expanded its workshops to keep ancient craft skills alive and to unite its artistic crafts in one location. This respect for tradition, constantly reformulated, is expressed in every timepiece. Breguet’s distinguished past is thus frequently revived by its craftsmen and women, who constantly create new timepieces that pay tribute to the past in a contemporary way. Inspired by Breguet’s historical “subscription” watches, the Tradition collection launched in 2005 and back in the spotlight this year, is an admirable example of this approach.
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2015-03-18 18:38:26
Over the years, Breguet has striven to perpetuate this creative vision and to pursue the quest for precision that was so important to its founder. Under the leadership of its President and CEO Marc A. Hayek, the company has broken free of horological taboos such as magnetism, by exploring new possibilities and unusual materials. This approach has enabled it to introduce a number of innovations designed to improve the regularity of its mechanisms and to shift horological paradigms. The balance-spring and escapement in silicon, magnetic pivots and research into acoustics and sound propagation were developed in tribute to Breguet’s pioneering spirit by using past experiences to push the existing boundaries.
If technical developments are closely bound up with Breguet’s history, so are its decorative principles. The company’s signature aesthetic codes and the outstanding level of finish done by hand according to age-old techniques permeate all its collections. Breguet is one of the few watch manufacturers that does all its engine-turned engravings in the traditional way, and it has recently expanded its workshops to keep ancient craft skills alive and to unite its artistic crafts in one location. This respect for tradition, constantly reformulated, is expressed in every timepiece. Breguet’s distinguished past is thus frequently revived by its craftsmen and women, who constantly create new timepieces that pay tribute to the past in a contemporary way. Inspired by Breguet’s historical “subscription” watches, the Tradition collection launched in 2005 and back in the spotlight this year, is an admirable example of this approach.
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2015-03-18 18:38:26
Comments:
AnthonyTsai March 18th, 2015-09:52
Breguet Tradition Automatique Seconde Retrograde 7097 BREGUET TRADITION AUTOMATIQUE SECONDE RÉTROGRADE 7097 In 2005, Breguet launched its iconic Tradition collection with the 7027 model, the first timepiece to showcase the mechanisms of the movement on top of the baseplate. Much imitated but never equalled, ...
ciaca March 18th, 2015-16:48
I don't like... Silicon escapements, i don't like the retrograde seconds intersecting the main dial, i don't like this umpteenth variation of the tradition family Regards
AnthonyTsai March 18th, 2015-09:54
Breguet Tradition Chronographe Independant 7077 BREGUET TRADITION CHRONOGRAPHE INDÉPENDANT 7077 The chronograph occupies a choice position in watchmaking as a complication in its own right. Measuring elapsed times provides immediate visualisation of the desired function, but making it work is an additi...
amanico March 18th, 2015-11:18
This is one I have to see. Not I will like the size, but the aesthetics are quite Appealing, I must say. To be seen in the flesh. Definitely. Best, Nicolas
ciaca March 18th, 2015-16:42
If it was not... For the insane size of the case (44mm! A breguet with the dimensions of a Panerai? C'mon...) it could have been really interesting. Regards
small-luxury-world March 19th, 2015-02:51
Wow, this time they got my attention ... to say the least. I see it is quite big, but maybe for good reasons. Really looking forward to see it some time soon ... :-)
Brandon Skinner March 19th, 2015-14:20
The winner! At SIHH, much of the Harmony collection was the standout. At Basel (from all I have seen thus far), this Breguet 7077 is the winner! So many cool concepts built into a gorgeous timepiece. 44mm is too big for many, but I could definitely enjoy the generous...
ED209 March 19th, 2015-17:42
I like this new variation of the Tradition Would love to see this in person. I like the dial layout and the chrono functions. Nicely done by Breguet. Regards, ED-209
aaronm March 20th, 2015-13:27
Weird little hand at the bottom? There appears to be a short blue hand at the very bottom of the dial...any ideas? A
AnthonyTsai March 18th, 2015-09:56
Breguet Tradition Repetition Minutes Tourbillon 7087 BREGUET TRADITION RÉPÉTITION MINUTES TOURBILLON 7087 The minute-repeater stands alone, even among the more coveted horological complications. Indeed, the transmutation of the passage of time into a series of crystalline notes takes on a poetic aspect and ...
0-10-10
Load More Comments
Next Article
ED209
Breguet Boutique Beverly Hills preview of the Baselworld 2014 Novelties: Part 1
ED209
The PuristSPro Moderator Team recently joined Breguet and several VIP guests to preview the latest novelties unveiled at Baselworld 2014. A reception was held at the Breguet Boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. I still remember the renovation last year when Breguet spent over 2 months remodeling the boutique and debuting the new Breguet retail design concept. The boutique feels more spacious and lighter than before.
© 2017 - WatchProZine