The New Dragon-Bearing Classique Timepieces Underscore Breguet’s Mechanical and Artistic Prowess

In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and good fortune. It is often associated with imperial authority and is seen as a benevolent creature, quite different from the malevolent dragons typically found in Western mythology. The dragon is revered and thought to bring in prosperity and abundance. Ahead of the Lunar New Year 2024 and commencement of the Year of the Dragon on February 10, Breguet has unveiled two new models, depicting dragons, who, according to Chinese Zodiac, are set to rule till 2025. The Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Dragon (Ref. 5345PT/1S/9XU 05) and the Classique Dragon (Ref. 7145BR/25/9WU 05) are an ode to the brand’s mastery of artistic crafts.

Breguet has always been known for creating timepieces of exceptional quality and craftsmanship, blending traditional aesthetics with innovative technology. The luxury brand’s contributions have significantly influenced the watchmaking world  as its innovations and designs have set standards in the industry, and inspired generations of watchmakers. 

Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Dragon

The 46 mm, platinum, special-edition watch features two regulating organs at 10:30 and 4:30, mounted on a rotating mainplate that indicates the hours. Coupled by differential gears to determine the mean rate and drive the rotation of the mechanism, the two tourbillons are independent, performing one turn a minute, using their own gear train and barrel. The rotating central plate on which the two tourbillons are mounted sets into rotation the hour hand, which serves as the upper bridge for one of the tourbillons and its extension as a bridge for the second.

The entirely hand-engraved gold dragon, secured to the two barrel bridges, is depicted holding a pearl, made of mother-of-pearl, in its talons. Legend has it that this pearl gives the dragon its power. The rotating plate is crafted using rhodium plating and is hand-guillochéd with a fan motif. The gold bridge below the mainplate features an anthracite galvanic treatment and guilloché work with a Clous de Paris hobnail motif. The hand-engraved motifs and the guilloché are reminiscent of features found in traditional Chinese landscape painting. 

The Roman numerals and the minute track are laser-engraved on the sapphire hour ring and then coated with black varnish. Signature open-tipped Breguet hands in black indicate the time. Powering the watch is Calibre 588N1, a manual-winding movement with a 2.5Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve. Turning the watch over showcases the sapphire crystal caseback. This model is finished on a black alligator leather strap.

Breguet Classique Dragon

One of the distinctive features of some of the Breguet timepieces is the use of Grand Feu enamel on their dials. The enamel, which is essentially a type of glass made from silica, fluxes, and oxides, is ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water to form a paste. This paste is then applied to the dial in several layers. 

The newly launched Classique Dragon watch is an eight-piece limited edition that comes with a 40 mm, 18 ct rose gold case. The same material can also be found on the elongated, slim lugs and the crown at 3 o’clock. The crimson red dial gets different shades of red with a lighter tone, used to emphasise the chapter ring, bearing the hours. To obtain this texture, artisans have applied a mixture of silica and oxides to the watch face.

The dragon is hand-engraved in rose gold and applied to the dial; poised on the chapter ring, the creature is intent on capturing the mother-of-pearl disc. Oriental-looking clouds appear on the periphery; like the Roman numerals on the chapter ring and the railway minutes track, these are crafted using golden powder-pink hue. Twelve round, gold hour markers are applied on the interior of the chapter ring and the time is indicated by Breguet’s open-tipped hands. The fantasy creature with its majestic posture keeps a constantly watchful eye on its pearl, made of natural, white mother-of-pearl.