This year at Baselworld 2016, we see the release of the Breguet Classique 7147. On first look, we think the Classique 7147 is aesthetically pleasing, simple and elegant, making it an ideal dress watch to have. The watches belonging to the collection are Breguet must-haves as their design and aesthetics exemplifies the watchmaking ideals of Breguet, precision, clarity and elegant lines.
When compared to its predecessor, the Breguet Classique 7147’s design may appear to look somewhat similar to the 5140 and it can be seen as a facelifted version of it. Among the differences spotted, we see a huge change in the dimension of the watch. Measuring at 6.1 mm, the Breguet Classique 7147 sports a significantly thinner profile when compared to the 5140 which measures at 10.8 mm.
One of the biggest selling points of the Classique collection is the uniquely slim profile of the watch. There are watches out there as slim or even slimmer than a Breguet Classique but most do not run on an automatic movement given the challenge to house one within thus, turning to a quartz or manual-wind movement to achieve the dimensions. Hence, being able to do what Breguet did with the Classique collection is certainly outstanding and remarkable we must say.
The Classique 7147 with a slimmer profile, excellent for a dress watch!
Case, Dial and Hands
The Breguet Classique 7147 comes in two options, 18-carat rose gold or 18-carat white gold. The diameter of the case measures at 40 mm and it features welded lugs with screw bars that makes the watch look seamless and elegant in design. One of the main drawers of the watch is the design of the dial and the decorations on it. When one takes a look at a Classique timepiece, it is not solely the aesthetics of the motif that draws but rather, its the underlying history or tradition embodied by the design that really appeals to a collector.
However contemporary the motifs adorning the Classique timepiece, they are in fact inspired by the decorative codes applied in the early days of horology. In the past, watch decorations served a different purpose which was to add to the functionality of the watch. The decorations served to avoid premature tarnishing and strengthened the inherently fragile nature of clear or polished surfaces eminently vulnerable to nicks, scratches or other external attacks. However, in today’s context, Breguet makes a point of honour of reproducing these decorative techniques and in particular, engine-turning on dials, a field in which the Manufacture enjoys considerable historical legitimacy.
The white gold version of the Classique 7147. The main dial motif sports the “clou de Paris” along with its subdial being enhanced by a cross weave pattern.
The aforementioned can clearly be seen in the Classique 7147, the elegance of the watch is being brought out by its remarkably designed engine-turned silvered gold dial. Similar to its predecessor, the 7147 sports a hobnailed dial with the main dial motif being the “clou de Paris” and we can also see the offset small seconds subdial at the 5 o’clock position being enhanced by a cross weave pattern. The hours and minutes of the dial are read off by blued steel Breguet hands that sweep over a chapter ring bearing Roman numerals.
Last but not least, we see Breguet’s secret signature, a token of authenticity being engraved on either side of the 12 o’clock numeral and the individual number of the watch is printed on the dial at the 12 o’clock position. When compared to the 5140, the refinements made are very subtle, both the chapter rings and the small seconds subdial have been slightly widened and the changes have helped Breguet to retain that modern look.
The Classique 7147 sports a wider chapter ring and subdial as compared to its predecessor
The Movement
The Classique 7147 is powered by the extra thin self-winding movement, the Calibre 502.3SD. Based on the Frederic Piguet 71 movement, it operates at a balance frequency of 3Hz and can be adjusted in 6 different positions.
The Calibre 502.3SD, design is based on the Frederic Piguet 71 movement and perhaps is one of the thinnest movement on the market.
This intricately designed movement measures at 2.4 mm and features a 45-hour power reserve, other features include an inverted in-line Swiss lever escapement with silicon pallets and a balance-spring in silicon. By using silicon components in the movement, Breguet was able to achieve greater performance in terms of the quality and chronometry of the movement. Given its dimensions and excellent finishing, the movement is a huge drawing point for the 7147 and definitely adds to the value of the watch.
Concluding Thoughts
The Classique 7147 is an excellent dress watch to have for any collector. We feel the watch exemplifies the ideals of Breguet very well, showing precision, clarity and elegance in all its design from the dial to the movement. What is so impressive about the 7147 is its amazingly thin profile measuring at 6.1mm and its ability to retain both performance and look in doing so.
Being priced at SGD$ 30,200 for the Rose Gold and SGD$ 30,900 for the White Gold, the Classique 7147 is priced reasonably for an entry-level Breguet watch. We have to say it is definitely worth a look given its aesthetic appeal and the exceptional design and quality of its movement.
