Breguet

The Breguet Expérimentale 1, ref. E001BH/S9/5ZV features an innovative constant-force magnetic escapement and a tourbillon with a fast 10-hertz balance wheel ensuring maximum accuracy (precision certified in the scientific class: +/- 1s/day).



The legibility of the regulator display does not seem to be optimal.





The design of the regulator display is inspired by the pocket watch ref. 3448.



According to Andrew Hildreth, in his article for i-m-magazine, the design is also reminiscent of the Montre produced by ex-Breguet artisan watchmaker Jean-Baptiste Viot.



The Breguet gold case measures 43.50 x 13.30 mm.



Here's the front face of the movement, calibre 7250, in a technical display version, without the crystal.



And here's the back side of the movement.



Here, the back of the movement with the case back of the watch.



The coin edged case profile.



And one last wristshot.


credit: Fratello, Monochrome, Swisswatches Magazine, A Collected Man (J-B Viot's watch) & @chers_d_œuvre_horlogers

The hands are very difficult to see, a lighter dial would help.

From a horological perspective, this is probably one of the most interesting watches of the past few decades. Unfortunately, it would only have received truly extensive coverage in the press if it had come from Patek or Rolex.

When a less “hot” brand brings something exceptional to market, it somehow seems to be treated as less important. And that’s a shame, because this is objectively exceptional.

That said, on a personal level… the looks are absolutely not for me. I simply find it ugly. Far too modern, and it doesn’t suit the brand at all. The case doesn’t appeal to me, and the movement’s aesthetics? Nope, not my thing either.

Cutting edge, new looks for the dial etc. So why not continue to do so instead of always going back to the past? Although not a watch ch for me, I’m very happy with the direction taken!

but the result isn’t always fully convincing. And remaining faithful to tradition has also its importance, imo.
Best, Emmanuel

As it turns out from my personal observations here and real life talks with collectors, we all demand “something different from the beaten path” but in actuality we like classic designs and we vote with our wallets for the same exact classic looking watches.
This are novelties that few will ever buy, let alone wear!
I played with most of this new anniversary pieces and the one that actually impressed me was the 7235 technically as well as esthetically!







Now as for this one, it’s just not a watch I will ever have a place to wear
Legibility is also very poor and the case size very large, I think…
When I see such watches, can’t stop myself from thinking, what was the point of investing in RND, tooling and manufacturing?
Nevertheless, apologies for the bad pictures, but I made them at the time for my internal view…

Very interesting and I must say I agree with you on all counts (except that I have only seen in person the Souscription and the Type XX)...
Best, Emmanuel

It easily puts the modern Breguet on the same plane with the Master himself innovation-wise, which to me was always unthinkable. For this reason alone I want to have this piece.

and this timepiece seems to be both very interesting and beautiful if one likes a mix of modern and traditional aesthetic. Legibility could apparently be better, but the problem might be less noticeable in real life.
I’m looking forward to seeing your photos if you end up getting one.
Best, Emmanuel

I like the idea of getting this innovative Breguet more than getting the Montblanc (that timepiece is masterfully done, but leans heavily towards decoration whereas I value the technical aspect more in watches) but I have formally asked Montblanc for the allocation and if it comes through I will have to honor my committment. Should probably have full info by the end of the next month...

Let's wait and see how things turn out: Whatever the outcome, it will be something exceptional.

Engjoying the Chopard a lot, but to my surprise it runs slower than permitted under the COSC standards - depending on the state of winding and the position it gives me from minus 5 to minus 7 seconds per day. Not a huge deal but I will probably send it back to the factory for regulation at some point.

because they are very concerned with precision.

It must have left the factory with the regulator positioned like that, as even in case of a shock it could have hardly moved by itself as it is regulated by a screw and swan neck system. But if this is how they set the regulator in the factory, how did the watch pass the COSC tests? Accidental move of the regulator during the assembly? But the watch runs healthy in all other aspects so this, I am sure, is a minor thing.

I will take it with me next time I am going to Switzerland, in the meantime will continue enjoying it!

I love the case. If they release a simplified/less pricey smaller variant I am probably getting one. 

Let’s wait and see if they do a smaller version in the future.

Wishing you a merry Christmas if you celebrate.

Best, Emmanuel