The story of Breguet and the Classique 5157. A look into the prestigious brand built by a genius watchmaker

2021.04.03

The Classique 5157 is a masterpiece packed with the designs of Breguet, a renowned genius watchmaker. Many of the inventions that have made their mark on watchmaking can be seen throughout this sophisticated and beautiful model. We take a closer look at the appeal of the brand and its representative collections, including the Classique 5157.

Classic 5157


Features of the Classic 5157

We will introduce the features of the Classique 5157, which is packed with the charm of Breguet. We will also check the market prices for new and used items.

This is a design that is truly Breguet

Classic 5157

The Classique 5157 features a silver-finished gold dial with a traditional Clous de Paris pattern. The combination with the blued steel Breguet hands creates a truly elegant look.

The Classique 5157 is a watch that exemplifies Breguet's traditional style. Its ultra-thin 5.4mm case houses an automatic movement with a silicon balance spring.

The hand-engraved Clous de Paris decoration on the dial and the coin edge decoration on the case band are iconic designs of the brand, created by the genius 18th-century watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823).

The simple silver dial is marked by elegant and delicate blue Breguet hands. The innovative moon-shaped hands, named after the founder of the company, are widely used in the watch industry.

Also, if you look closely at the dial near 12 o'clock, you'll notice a secret signature engraved into the dial, a marking that identifies it as a genuine Breguet product.

Currently there are three models

Classic 5157

Breguet Classique 5157
Automatic (Cal. 502.3). 35 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 45 hours. 18KRG (diameter 38mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Price: 2,233,000 yen (tax included).

The current Classic 5157 models are the 5157BR, 5157BB, and 5157BA. Each model features a case made of rose gold, white gold, or yellow gold.

The straps are alligator, and only the 5157BB comes in black, while the other two are brown. There are no other differences in functionality or design between the models.

No matter which color you choose, you will be able to fully enjoy the elegant and refined charm of Breguet's Classic Collection.

Price guide

The current list prices for the Ref. 5157BR and Ref. 5157BB are 2,233,000 yen (tax included), and Ref. 5157BA is 2,112,000 yen (tax included). These are appropriate prices for Breguet's top line.

Although it can be purchased relatively cheaply from parallel import stores, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits of genuine products, such as warranties and maintenance, so we recommend purchasing from an authorized store.


The allure of Breguet

When talking about luxury watches, Breguet is a brand that cannot be left out. Let's review the appeal of Breguet, which has produced many masterpieces such as the Classique 5157.

A prestigious brand named after a genius watchmaker

Pocket watch

In 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet obtained a 10-year patent for the tourbillon. It was commercialized in 1805 and unveiled to the public at the Exposition des Invalides in Paris the following year.

Breguet is a prestigious watch brand founded in Paris, France in 1775 by the genius watchmaker Breguet, whose name is also taken from the brand.

Breguet, who created many innovative technologies such as the tourbillon and perpetual calendar, is said to have "advanced the history of watches by 200 years."

Breguet's past owners include some of history's greatest figures, including Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon.

Beauty is one of the reasons for its popularity

Classic 7147

Breguet numeral indexes are now often used on watches with enamel dials. This font first appeared before the French Revolution and was designed by Abraham-Louis Breguet himself. The photo shows the Classique 7147, which features a beautiful combination of 18K white gold and a white enamel dial. The price is 2,563,000 yen (tax included).

Breguet's legacy in watchmaking history goes beyond its functional aspects, such as its complex mechanisms. The many beautiful designs that Breguet created are still used in many watches today.

For example, the now commonly used guilloching technique was invented by Breguet, and the iconic Breguet pattern, the Clous de Paris, is a type of guilloching.

The coin edge, which decorates the side of the case like the edge of a coin, is also said to have been invented by Breguet. It is a technique that requires high skill and is still only seen in a few watches today.

The Breguet hands, which give a sophisticated impression, are also one of the elements that express the beauty of the brand. There are also indexes called Breguet numerals, which are Arabic numerals written in italics.


Breguet's main collections

We will introduce Breguet's classic models and representative collections. Each collection exudes its own unique charm while making the most of the brand's characteristics.

A classic that embodies the essence of Breguet

Classic 7137

Breguet Classique 7137
Automatic (Cal. 502.3 DR1). 37 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 45 hours. 18KWG (diameter 39mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 4,763,000 yen (tax included).

The "Classique" collection was born from the inspiration of the brand's early works, and is packed with all the elements that characterize Breguet.

The entire watch is imbued with the brand's charm, including guilloched dial decoration, coin edge decoration on the sides of the round case, Breguet hands, and secret sign.

In addition to its beautiful round form, this series embodies the ideal watch, with a simple, uncluttered, and sophisticated feel, as well as high visibility and functionality.

Recreating the traditional pocket watch: Tradition

Tradition Retrograde Date 7597

Breguet "Tradition Retrograde Date 7597"
Automatic winding (Cal. 505Q). 45 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. 18KWG (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. 4,598,000 yen (tax included).

The "Tradition" collection was inspired by the "Subscription" pocket watch, the first Breguet to be produced.

It is equipped with a shock absorbing device and a variable inertia balance wheel developed in 1794. The dial and case back are transparent, allowing you to view the beauty of the mechanical movement from either side.

The name "Tradition" was chosen to return to the brand's origins while also hinting at its direction for the future.

Elegant sports model Marine

Marine 5517

Breguet Marine 5517
Automatic winding (Cal. 777A). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18KWG (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 5,841,000 yen (tax included).

The Marine collection inherits the brand's tradition while taking on a sportier and more modern look.

The original Breguet also produced precision navigation clocks for the French Navy, and the design was inspired by models from that time but adapted to modern needs.

This collection firmly inherits Breguet's traditions, such as the hand-engraved guilloched dial and coin-edge decoration on the case side, while also exuding a contemporary feel.


Enjoy Breguet's design

The Classique 5157 is a model that particularly highlights the brand's design within Breguet's classic line, allowing you to enjoy features such as the Clous de Paris pattern, coin edge, and Breguet hands.

In addition to the Classic series, Breguet also offers other fascinating collections such as Tradition and Marine. Wear a Breguet watch and feel the footsteps of this genius watchmaker.



Contact info: Breguet Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7211

Text by Ken Kawabe


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