Breguet 7787 Classique Moon Phases

The Breguet 7787 Classique Moon Phases is available in 39mm and 36mm sizes, and in white and red gold with a dial that is hand-engraved on a rose engine, and two versions in red gold, one with a grand feu enamelled dial, and one set with diamonds. This last configuration will be sold only in pairs, in a box available exclusively in Breguet boutiques and also containing a pair of cufflinks and a matching gem-set pendant.

The Classique Moon Phases watch has central hour, minute and seconds hands, as well as two complications: a moon phase at 12 o’clock and a power-reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. The power reserve is displayed by an elegant elongated hand. The watch contains the Breguet Calibre 591 DRL, a self-winding mechanical movement only 3.02 mm thick. It has a double barrel, which gives it a 38-hour power reserve, as well as a silicon escapement and balance-spring. Silicon is extremely light for better shock resistance, non-magnetic, and does not require lubrication.

Some of the aesthetic details on this piece are inspired by an original Breguet pocket watch, no. 92, dating from 1785. The power-reserve scale is decorated with small arrows, and the minute markers are minuscule stars, with the fractions of five minutes marked by stylized fleurs-de-lis. The dials all have a solid-gold base and, depending on the version, are hand-engraved on a rose engine or decorated with enamel. All of the guilloché work is done by hand.

Like 18th century pieces, the models being sold as a pair are presented in a precious burr-elm box. The diamond-set version has 96 full-cut diamonds totaling 0.72 carat. The box set also contains a pair of cufflinks for him, and a pendant for her. The cufflinks are made of 18-carat red gold. They have fluted sides, like the watch’s case middle. Their decoration consists of a miniature dial 14mm in diameter, entirely handmade, with grand feu enameling. The dial echoes some of the details of the watch enameling, such as a numeral, the moon phase, or Breguet’s secret signature. The moon phase and the star are painted in real gold on a succession of blue enamel layers.

The pendant represents a red gold moon with two faces. A “night” side is paved with a snow setting, an original technique consisting of setting diamonds of different sizes so as to cover the maximum surface area. 93 full-cut diamonds are used in the snow setting, totalling 0.71 carats. The moon’s gentle curves are perfectly outlined by a border of 84 single-cut diamonds, i.e., cut with 17 facets. The “day” side of the pendant is pierced by three stars and reveals a hand-engraved Breguet signature.

The pieces offered individually range in price from SFr. 29,000 to 33,000. Inquire at Breguet boutiques for pricing on the set. Additional technical information appears below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.

CLASSIQUE MOON PHASES

Case round, in 18-carat red gold with finely fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. Rounded lugs welded to the case, with screw pins securing the strap. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 meters).

Dial in silvered 18-carat gold, hand-engraved on a rose engine. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Chapter ring with Roman numerals. Age and phases of the moon at 12 o’clock. Power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock.

Open-tipped Breguet hands in blued steel.

Movement self-winding numbered and signed Breguet. Cal. 591 DRL. 11 ½ lignes. 25 jewels. 38-hour power reserve. Oscillating weight in 18-carat gold hand-engraved on a rose engine. Flat balance-spring and Swiss straight-line lever escapement in silicon. Breguet balance-wheel with 4 adjusting screws. Frequency 4Hz. Adjusted in 6 positions.

Strap in alligator leather.

Also available in 18-carat white gold with guilloché dial (Ref: 7787BB/12/9V6)