Breguet Watches: Simple Design Review

Key Points from the Discussion

• The 35mm case of the Breguet Classique ref. 5157BR/11/9V6 contributes to a shorter lug-to-lug distance, enhancing wearability for various wrist sizes. An alternative hand-wound dual barrel movement with a power reserve indicator visible on the movement side, though featuring a seconds subdial, is also noted.
• The original author expresses a preference for a two-hand only dial on such a classic model, finding the sub-seconds less appealing. He also notes that the shape of the movement bridges appears somewhat unusual.
• Another collector agrees that a manual winding movement would be preferable and finds the unbalanced look of the offset rotor on the caseback to be a design drawback.
• The dial, hands, and movement are generally appreciated, but there's a consensus that slightly different lug designs could improve wearability across a broader range of wrist shapes and sizes.
• A hand-wound variant with a more intricate guilloché dial is suggested as an alternative, highlighting the diversity within Breguet's Classique collection.
• The author also tried a date/center seconds variant (likely ref. 5177), but found its movement less appealing, specifically noting the straight cut of the rotor's guillochage without anglage.
• The Breguet 5917BA is presented as another reference for comparison within the Classique line.
• A potential issue with the movement is identified as the lack of a barrel housing for the mainspring, which could potentially release 'grit' into the movement.