Blending Haute Horlogerie and Artistic Craftsmanship in a Tribute to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s Legacy
In the world of luxury watchmaking, few names command as much reverence as Breguet. With the launch of the Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de l’Horloge 5345, the Maison celebrates its enduring legacy and technical brilliance with a breathtaking piece that pushes the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie.
A Tribute to the Tourbillon Legacy
Unveiled in honor of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s revolutionary invention on June 26, 1801, this timepiece showcases a double tourbillon complication—a powerful symbol of the brand’s pioneering spirit.
Housed in a striking 46 mm 18K rose gold case, the 588N2 calibre consists of a remarkable 740 components, powering two independent tourbillons that complete a full rotation every 60 seconds. These are linked by a central differential, ensuring precision and harmony. The tourbillons are mounted on a rotating mainplate that turns once every 12 hours, cleverly doubling as the hours hand—a hallmark of Breguet’s functional elegance.
Dial Design: An Open View into Complexity
The sapphire crystal dial offers a clear view of the mechanism beneath, revealing the delicate choreography of the twin tourbillons. Roman numerals and a meticulously engraved minutes track are accented in blue varnish, giving the illusion of a floating chapter ring. Even the caseband features engraved Roman hour markers filled with black varnish, creating a shadow-like depth to the design.
Paired with a midnight blue rubber strap embossed with the Breguet name, the aesthetic is both contemporary and steeped in tradition.
Artistic Crafts at Their Finest
This piece is not just a feat of engineering but a celebration of fine watchmaking artistry.
Guilloché: Soundwaves in Gold
A new “radiant flinqué” guilloché pattern—inspired by sound waves—adorns the rotating mainplate and rhodium-plated bridge. Created using Breguet’s historic lathes (some dating back to the 18th century), the decoration is a testament to the brand’s unmatched commitment to craftsmanship. With 30 guilloché lathes, Breguet maintains one of the largest traditional guilloché workshops in the industry.
Engraving: A View into History
Over 100 hours were invested in the engraving of the movement’s back, which features an aerial view of Breguet’s original Paris workshop at 39 Quai de l’Horloge. Executed by hand in gold using bas-relief and grey rhodium contrasts, this visual tribute roots the timepiece firmly in Breguet’s origins.
Chamfering: Finishing Without Compromise
True to Haute Horlogerie standards, even the invisible parts of the movement are hand-finished. The watch features countless interior and exterior angles, polished by hand to create a seamless, luminous finish. Techniques such as polished angles, straight graining, and poli-bercé come together in an intricate balance of precision and beauty.
A Manufacture of Heritage and Innovation
According to Lionel a Marca, CEO of Montres Breguet, preserving these rare watchmaking arts is vital. With no formal schools for many of these crafts, Breguet trains its artisans in-house, ensuring the survival of techniques like guilloché, engraving, and chamfering—skills that make timepieces like this possible.
“A tourbillon is not just about precision—it’s a heartbeat, a work of mechanical poetry that continues to fascinate,” says a Marca. “Breguet’s mission is to create not just timekeepers, but timeless inspiration.”
Technical Specifications
Model: Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de L’Horloge 5345BR/1S/5XU
Case: 18K rose gold, 46 mm diameter, 16.8 mm thick
Dial: Sapphire with blue-varnished Roman numerals and minute track
Movement: Calibre 588N2, hand-wound, dual tourbillon, 740 components
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 2.5 Hz
Strap: Midnight blue rubber with Breguet embossing
Functions: Hours, minutes