Breguet Marine Royale Alarm: Unloved Beast Case

quattro · 2025-05-29T08:35:59Z

Explore the Breguet Marine Royale Alarm Ref. 5847, a 45mm alarm diver. Discover why this 'unloved beast' with its guilloché dial and 300m water resistance deserves collector attention.

quattro

WPS member · Breguet forum

30 replies3263 views31 photos

Emmanuel (quattro) makes a compelling case for the Breguet Marine Royale Alarm Ref. 5847, a timepiece often overlooked since its 2009 launch. He challenges the prevailing sentiment that its substantial dimensions and bold design deviate too far from Breguet's traditional aesthetic, instead highlighting its unique blend of classic hallmarks and modern horological ambition. This article explores why this 'unloved beast' deserves a second look from collectors.

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Launched in 2009, this beast of an Alarm Diver ref. 5847 didn't receive much love.

Far too big (45 x 17.5 x 56.6 mm and 23 mm lug width) and not enough "Breguet".

But, guess what: I like it! The guilloché dial and "nautilus" or seashell rotor, the incredibly strong and modern design (with incredible lume) incorporating many on the traditional hallmarks (Breguet hands, Roman numerals, coin edged case flank): I really like all these elements.

If I was a big guy (obviously this watch would look ridiculous on my smallish wrist), an "Offshore" kind of guy, I'd really bee attracted to this reference.

Just look at the photos and watch the reviews by Tim Mosso and maybe you'll end up liking it too.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ Ref. 5847BR/Z2/5ZV in Rose Gold

Self-winding Alarm Cal. 514R & 300m water resistance

credit: watch club London (1-8), Monaco watch company & @dauri.club (two last photos)

B/ Ref. 5847BB/12/5ZV in White Gold

credit: wrzeciono czasu

C/ Ref. 5847BR/32/5ZV in Rose Gold

credit: chrono10:10 (1), @diyarsaat (2) & @prestigewatch (3)

Key Points from the Discussion

The Breguet Marine Royale Alarm is a polarizing piece, with some appreciating Breguet's 'wild' departure from its typically civilized brand image, while others find it 'nouveau riche' or too loud.
The white gold version of the Ref. 5847 is particularly striking, even for those who might not typically choose a watch with its specific complications.
The design of the Marine Royale Alarm, with its bold and over-the-top elements, appears to draw inspiration from other robust luxury sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor, and even Breguet's own Marine Regatta.
Some perceive the watch as having a 'nouveau riche' aesthetic, contrasting with the more understated elegance typically associated with Breguet, especially when compared to previous generation Marine models.
The watch's aesthetic also evokes comparisons to brands known for their bold and distinctive designs, such as Roger Dubuis.

The Discussion

May 29, 2025

New to me and quite appealing. I would wear the WG watch in a New York minute!

Thanks for bringing this one to our attention Emmanuel. M4

quattro

May 29, 2025

Thanks for looking.

It's a polarising piece, but I like how Breguet went a bit wild here, trying to emulate the Offshore, the Master Compressor and also the Marine Regatta, btw. Best, Emmanuel

May 30, 2025

And right on cue, there's a white gold Marine Royal Alarm currently on auction at Christie's in NY.

jlux

May 29, 2025

As much as I like Breguet,this watch is a big NO from my side !

Too big,too "loud",too much "nouveau rich". From someone who likes his previous generation Marine Big Date 😌 Best, Gerard

quattro

May 29, 2025

I certainly understand why, Gerard.

It's definitely a polarising piece, but I personally like how this very civilised brand went a bit wild here. At least on paper: I've never seen one for real. I tend to see it as bold or over-the-top rather than "nouveau rich" (would such people care for such a watch?), but I might be completely wrong. Best, Emmanuel

ZSHSZ

May 29, 2025

While I see the Breguet DNA all over this reference, I think it’s way to loud and over the top for me.

The first two people who came to mind when I saw this watch was Johnny Deep, or Lenny Kravitz ))