Breguet Classique Moonphase Ref. 7787 Review
Review

Breguet Classique Moonphase Ref. 7787 Review

By WHL · Sep 29, 2012 · 8 replies
WHL
WPS member · Breguet forum
8 replies15165 views7 photos
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WHL presents an insightful review of the Breguet Classique Moonphase Ref. 7787, highlighting Breguet's mastery in mid-range complications. The article explores the watch's design elements, from its distinctive case features to the choice between enamel and guilloché dials, and delves into the technical aspects of its modern movement.

While most famous for their tourbillon designs, and also making beautifully conceived and executed simple watches, Breguet, to my eyes and like no other brand, excels at designing and manufacturing mid-range complicated timepieces. Some classic designs, like references 3137 and 3337, are based on historic pocket watches made by A.L. Breguet, and have recently been updated with larger case sizes and dial designs for the 7137 and 7337, respectively. Others, like the reference 5207 with retrograding seconds and power reserve displays, and the new Hora Mundi world time watch, channel the spirit of A.L. Breguet while showcasing contemporary complications.

My focus here is on the newly released Classique reference 7787, a mid-complication watch featuring power reserve and moon phase, and which comes with two dial options that are also Breguet specialties, enamel and guilloche.







The Case

A lot of watch designers must envy the defining limitations that go into making a Breguet Classique case. It must have: a coin edge finish on the sides; soldered straight lugs (and the screws that hold the strap are actually functional), and a polished bezel of minimal thickness. For the 7787, the dimensions are 39mm in diameter and 10.2 mm in thickness, an excellent size for a contemporary dress watch.





For the record, there is a version (Reference 7788, with diamond set bezel and lugs)


The Dial

The enamel dial, made by the traditional grande feu technique, has a cutout for the moon phase at 12 o’clock, and the moon has the classical face which lends character to the watch  Like all enamel Breguet dials, it features Breguet numbers for the hours and a script Breguet signature. There is even the secret signature. The power reserve hand is at 3 o’clock, and the arc indicating remaining power brings a captivating asymmetry to the dial.





The guilloche dial features a gold base plate that the standard guilloche pattern for Breguet is applied by hand with a rose engine and then silvered





The Breguet style hands are blued steel, and the tail on the center seconds hand distinguished by having a very long tail.

The Movement

The Breguet calibre 591 DRL powers the watch. This double barrel self-winding movement has the Lemania 8810 as its ancestor, but it is notable for the use of silicium for the escape wheel, Swiss lever, and free-sprung balance spring. I love the mix of old and new.





The finishing is excellent, with a beautiful guilloche pattern on the gold rotor (either white or rose, depending on the case color), nice beveling and anglage on the countersinks and bridges, and high polish on the steel parts.






Conclusion

For those who would prefer a slightly smaller case, there is the 36 mm reference 8787, on which Kong shared some fabulous photographs earlier this year:

breguet.watchprosite.com

and a diamond bezel/lug reference 8788.

Breguet has another successful mid-complication in its catalog with the 7787. I most prefer the combination of the rose gold case with the enamel dial, on which the blued hands are vivid, but would be happy with any option on my wrist. And an 8787 for my wife... smile


Bill

About the Breguet Tradition Retrograde Seconds Ref. 7787

The Breguet Classique Moon Phases reference 7787 is a modern interpretation of Breguet's traditional aesthetic, featuring a prominent moon phase display and a small seconds sub-dial. This reference is characterized by its balanced dial layout and the brand's signature design elements, such as the fluted caseband and welded lugs. It represents Breguet's commitment to classical watchmaking, offering a refined complication within a contemporary case size. The watch is positioned as a dress watch, emphasizing legibility and traditional horological artistry. Its design is consistent with the Classique collection's focus on understated elegance and technical precision.

The 7787 is housed in an 18k rose gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter. It is powered by the automatic caliber 505SR, which provides a power reserve of 40 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing for appreciation of its finishing. The dial is silver, featuring Breguet numerals and hands, and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for swimming or diving. The fixed bezel is also crafted from 18k rose gold, complementing the case material.

This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate Breguet's historical design codes combined with a practical complication. Its moon phase display is a central feature, executed with clarity and precision. The 7787 fits within the Classique collection as a model that highlights a specific astronomical complication while maintaining the collection's overall aesthetic. Variants typically involve different case materials or dial finishes, but the core design and complication remain consistent across the reference.

Specifications

Caliber
505SR
Case
18k Rose Gold
Diameter
40 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Sep 30, 2012

Simple, dressy, elegant, these are some fundamentals which are dear to my heart when I think " Breguet ". And in 36mm, this is just sublime! Thanks for this very interesting post, Bill. Though, I don't knwo which dial I prefer... I would give a very slight preference for the enamel dial, I think. Best, Nicolas

KP
kpk
Oct 1, 2012

one with the Guilloche Dial in Gold. At 39mm, perfect size as well.

FO
foversta
Oct 2, 2012

This watch was on my wish list... but sadly, the use of silicium was for me an obstacle. Fx

JW
JWM
Oct 4, 2012

I am curious what is the draw back in your mind of using silicon parts? It is my understanding that the pros out weight the cons. thanks for your insight

NI
nitediver
Oct 7, 2012

i find this one of the most attrative Breguets out there (and there are so many wonderful pieces in their collection) I saw it in metal and was completetly mesmirized by the enamel dial version. The 39 mm is a perfect size as well. Thanks for the great pictures Bill, Best, Stefan

PA
Pawel MC
Dec 11, 2012

The enamel version is one of the most beautiful watches I’ve ever seen! Brequet achieved magical balance with the dial design – something that’s missing for me in some other pieces by the brand. Every detail makes sense! Perfect harmony without centering the layout. Wow! I don’t think I will ever loose excitement of looking at it! J Brilliant masterpiece of classical design! Great piece to review. Thx.

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