Breguet

Here are some newbie questions: How to interpret the model reference number and watch serial number? Does each digit of a ref. number mean something? How does the serial number get assigned? Can I date a watch by it's serial number? Mine starts with 3xxxx, I cannot imagine there were less than 40 thousand Breguet produced so far.

Thanks,
Barnaby

...the last digit of the Ref. numbers indicates whether the watch has a solid back (0) or whether it has a display back (7).

As per the serial numbers, these are assigned to the watches as they are made, across models/references. Hence you may have watch number 3452 L which is a time only watch, and watch 3453 L which is a tourbillon. Each serial number is shown in an abbreviated form on the dial of the watch (just the three or four digits, as each run goes from about 500 to 5500), and repeated on the back of the watch, followed by a letter. This means that you may find two watches which both have the same number of the dial, however when you look at their backs you will see that the same number is in each case followed by a different letter (i.e. 3452 L and 3452 K).

I hope this helps clarify things a bit...

The 1747 has a solid back!

That watch is an exception, since in that case the 1747 was chosen as Ref. number as it is A.L.Breguet's birth date.

You can find pictures of the watch here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=137856&messageid=1065209124

Thank your Alberto for your reply. If the serial number is assigned in sequence as the watch is being completed, then it should be possible to date a Breguet. Is the factory the only source of information, or are there unauthorized books or websites out there?

My Type XX does not follow this convention, it is all numeric and 5 digit long starting with a 3. If the serial number is indeed assigned in sequence, can it be possible that Breguet made less than 40 thousand watches so far? Using your example (3452 K) equates to 3452*11=34972, also less than 40 thousand. I read an article somewhere that Breguet sold about 13000 watches in 2003, so how can the total production since the company was founded be less than 40K??

Barnaby

I did not realise you were referring to a Type XX watch - I should have read your post more carefully. As far as I know, all the watches in the Type XX/XXI families follow a different, independent numbering schema, and these make up the bulk of Breguet's sales. I do not know exactly how many of these have been made, but 40 to 50 thousand would sound about right to me.

As per the rest of the production, there are roughly 5000 numbers used for each letter of the alphabet, and the first series did not have a letter. Now, though I do not know precisely what letter is being used now, the "Tradition" I took pictures of in Basel this year was number 3175 T. Therefore, presuming that they have finished producing the T series and that they did not skip any letters in the alphabet, we could deduce that Breguet have produced roughly 105,000 watches thus far (5000 + 5000*20), excluding the Type XX/XXI.

I don't know for how long had Breguet been in a "dormant" state (some articles used the word bankrupt), but assuming there is no other special series, the production so far is quite low, or I should say their clientele is quite exclusive

Personally I think the Type XX is one of the best if not the best chrono in the market, considering it has:
A long military history.
Reliable and robust in-house movement with flyback complication.
A case that is WR to 100m, many other so called sport watches are tested only to 50m.
A VERY readable dial, both day and night.
The Breguet name, at a very reasonable price.

I'm also surprised to lean that the Type XX make up the bulk of Breguet's sales. I thought people who wants a Breguet typically will go for the classic style, I know I would if my life style allows a delicate watch.

Barnaby

I found a Breguet pocket watch that I am trying to buy with six digits that are 370207. Can you tell me something about it please?

dave