Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345

Breguet celebrates the invention of the tourbillon with the Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345. Price € 808,500

On June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the Tourbillon, one of the most fascinating horological devices.

Today, Breguet celebrates this invention with the release of a new interpretation of an exceptional timepiece, the Classique Double Tourbillon "Quai de l'Horloge" 5345.

Comprised of 740 components, the Calibre 588N2 is housed in a rose gold case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 16.8 mm thick, revealing the two tourbillons on the dial side.

The two independent tourbillons complete a full rotation per minute, simultaneously driving the tourbillon bar that also serves as the hours hand.

This bar is attached to a central mainplate that rotates every 12 hours, thanks to a particularly complex mechanism. 

Each tourbillon is equipped with its independent gear train powered by its own barrel. The two mechanisms are connected to a central differential that regulates the rate of the watch and, via a third gear train, drives the rotation of the entire mechanism.

One of the two barrels is equipped with a friction bridle, similar to those used in self-winding watches. This construction allows the spring to disengage once coiled, until the second barrel is fully wound. Lastly, the crown employs a dynamometric security system that prevents excessive winding of the springs.

Stylised and rounded, the barrel bridges take the form of the letter B.

One of the most complex systems ever developed by the Breguet Manufacture, this hand-wound movement operates at the frequency of 2.5 Hz with a 50-hour power reserve.

The sapphire dial bears Roman numerals and an engraved minutes track. A blue varnish has been applied to these interstices, creating the impression that the chapter ring is suspended above the mechanism.

The vertical flank of the caseband is engraved with 12 Roman numeral hour-markers. These are then coated with black varnish, representing the shadow of the chapter ring numerals.

The rose gold rotating mainplate and the rhodium-plated gold bridge below it are decorated with a radiant flinqué, a guilloché pattern reminiscent of regular sound waves. 

Other decorations on the dial include mirror polishing on the tourbillon cages, a sunburst pattern on the minutes track, snailing on the differential bridge, a circular satin-finish on the gears and barrels, and circular graining on the underside of the rotating mainplate.

The back of the movement showcases an engraving that required more than a hundred hours to create. This work of art represents the place where the Breguet brand was born. 

Hand-engraved by the Manufacture's artisans, the depiction features an aerial view of Abraham-Louis Breguet's workshop at 39 Quai de l'Horloge. Various techniques were used to create perspective effects on a gold plate, including bas-relief engraving that involves hollowing out the material. 

Grey contrasts were achieved using black and white rhodium. These colours are also found in the galvanic treatment used to coat the bridges.

Paired with a Breguet-embossed midnight blue rubber strap, the new Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de L'horloge 5345BR/1S/5XU is priced at € 808,500. breguet.com

Suggested reading:

- The style of Breguet

- The history of Breguet

- The tourbillon: history of a watchmaking feat