The watch
There is an aura of perfect serenity and order to this timepiece. Not a minute marker is out of place. Its 36 mm coin case is fashioned from white gold, a version of the watch that is seldom seen and is much rarer than the yellow gold version of the watch. The white gold also gives neat uniformity to the piece, sitting in perfect balance with the silver elements of the dial.
The edge of the case and the signed winding crown are finely fluted, a consistent characteristic of the Classique line of Breguet timepieces to which this 3330 belongs. Three delicate correcting push pieces are located at 10, 2 and 4 o'clock on the fluted edge of the case, one for each of the watch functions: date display, day of the week display and moon-phase display. A fine wave engraving covers the entire perimeter of the caseback and encloses further engravings including 'Automatic' and Breguet reference numbers.
Straight, downturned scalloped lugs contrast with and extend from the perfectly round case. The smooth, polished bezel holds the sapphire crystal that protects the cream-couloured dial, which is a true work of art. Different forms of hand-turned guilloché decoration are combined, Clou de Paris in the centre of the hour chapter ring and Grain d'orge in the arch that is formed above the hour chapter ring. Aesthetically beautiful but also serving a function. This combination of varying patterns stems from the time of Abraham-Louis Breguet, who had initially been drawn to the use of guilloché for its ability to create clear distinction between the varying zones of the dial.
The silver, satin brushed hour chapter ring is completed with black, printed Roman numerals. On the minute marker, just below the 6, 'Swiss' is printed. This is a further indicator of the early provenance of the piece, as on later pieces the inscription 'Swiss Guilloché Main' is found.
The dial is completed with champagne, wing-esque apertures at 10 and 2 o'clock for the day (provided in English) and date functions, while the hemispherical moon-phase dial sits at 12. The champagne colour of the apertures recalls the moon and stars of the moon-phase dial, and in turn, the deep blue sky on the moon-phase dial recalls the blued Breguet hands of the hour chapter ring. All elements of the watch are in perfect tune with each other, the watch is in perfect harmony.
Movement
It is the automatic Calibre 502 that powers this Breguet 3330. The movement is based upon the Frederic Piguet Calibre 71 and has a power reserve of 45 hours, while its balance vibrates at a rate of 21,600 times per hour.
How it wears
With a case measuring 36 mm in diameter, the presence on the wrist is refined. Add to this the decoration of the piece - the fluted case, the guilloché dial - and the watch becomes elegant, too. Add the champagne wing apertures, the intricately decorated moon-phase dial and the watch becomes intriguing. Refined, elegant and intriguing yet also steeped in history, which it carries and wears so well.
The set & condition
This classic timepiece from Breguet is in excellent condition and comes with its original, signed folding buckle.
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