Category: Breguet Replica

BREGUET – CLASSIQUE 7147

In replica watchmaking, like in art, fashion, architecture and many other domains, taste is subject to debate. But it must be admitted that the classical systematically outclasses the trendy. It has always been and still is an essential element and an undeniable must have. Whatever happens, the classical will always please people. Fashions come and go (and come back again), but the timeless classics keep their status as the icons of time. A perfect example to illustrate these remarks is the Classique 7147 timepiece by Breguet, which includes inside and out all the rich heritage left by its founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823).

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The new replica watch, made in the Breguet workshops at the heart of the Joux Valley, provides an irresistibly classic allure, as its name implies. A refinement that time cannot diminish. The Classique 7147 model features a dial with an alabaster colour, a radiant pallor, with a brightness and purity expressing the use of “Grand Feu” enamel. Only the soft, melting effect produced by a technique dating from the Middle Ages can give rise to such beauty. Once the dial has been coated in enamel, the hour rim, featuring the traditional black Breguet figures, is traced on the spotless disc. A fine minute track made up of small black dots completes the black and white graphic effect. Two large open-tipped hands stretch out their long, slim bodies made of blued steel from the centre of the dial towards the chapter ring to show the hours and minutes. Set between 5 and 6 o’clock is a hollow counter displaying the seconds with a revolving blue hand.

The displays are driven by the calibre 502.3SD, an extra-flat automatic mechanical movement designed by Breguet. The calibre has a gentle frequency of 3Hz and provides a power reserve of 45 hours.

The heart of the Classique 7147 is housed in a white gold case with delicately fluted sides. Since the case back features a sapphire disc, part of the mechanism is revealed. This 40mm-diameter setting is also on offer in pink gold and is worn with a black alligator strap and a gold ardillon buckle.

Price: 20 500 CHF (pink gold) – 21 000 CHF (white gold) breguet.com

By Sharmila Bertin

Meet The Breguet Classique Hora Mundi 5727

One of my personal highlights from Baselworld this year was Breguet’s Classique Hora Mundi 5727. While it’s actually a cosmetic update of the original 5717 Hora Mundi from 2011, it’s a significant one that makes the smart twin time feel like a completely new replica watch.

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So if there’s only one set of hands and one city displayed on the dial, how is this a dual time replica watch? Well, therein lies the genius. The calibre 77FO inside the Hora Mundi features an instantaneous time zone jump. Press the button at eight and you’ll see the city disc, time, day/night indicator (in the offset subdial) and, if necessary, the date, all instantly change.

Before we talk about the looks, let’s look at what the Hora Mundi is. Essentially it’s a dual time or GMT replica watch, but one unlike any other. The dial is clean and clear, without the second hour hand, 24-hour displays or city rings that are typically part and parcel with this sort of complication. Of course the city ring still exists, it’s just hidden, except for the small aperture at six.

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So that’s the mechanics covered off, which leaves us with the looks. In short, the Hora Mundi 5727 is classic Breguet. With its relatively slim (12.6mm) yet well sized (43mm) white gold case in the traditional style with its fluted caseband and welded lugs, the replica watch epitomises everything that makes Breguet great. And that’s before we even get to the best bit: the dial.

The earlier version of the Hora Mundi features a stylised map in the central section of the dial, and a much more colourful day/night indicator. It was a replica watch that stated, loudly and clearly, that it was made for travellers. The 5727 is positively stealthy in comparison. The dial is monochrome Breguet at its best, Roman numerals, blued Breguet-style hands (obviously) and that impeccable engine-turned guilloché, with hobnail finish in the centre and alternating weave and flame finishes on the day/night indicator.

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Honestly it’s one of the coolest complications I’ve ever used. It’s also an exceptionally clever interpretation of a dual time complication, which uses two special cams that operate as a programmable ‘mechanical memory’. Essentially you set your home city and time, activate the pusher at eight, then set the second time zone. From this point on, the replica watch will ‘remember’ the current time in both locations. Breguet has four patents tied up in this elegant solution to a typically busy complication.

It all adds up to a replica watch that can comfortably serve duties as a dressy daily wearer as well as a reliable travel companion, and an excellent example of how Breguet continues to innovate while remaining true to its roots.

Breguet Classique Hora Mundi 5727 Australian pricing

The Breguet Hora Mundi 5727 in white gold, $88,800