Breguet Unveils New Minute Repeater and Grande Sonnerie Pocket Watch Amidst 250th Anniversary

As Breguet culminates its 250th-anniversary year, the esteemed watchmaker has quietly unveiled two extraordinary chiming timepieces: the Ref. 7365 Minute Repeater and the Classique Grande Sonnerie Métiers d'Art 1905 Pocket Watch. These introductions highlight Breguet's enduring legacy of innovation and exquisite craftsmanship, making a significant impact despite being overshadowed by a larger celebratory release. Both watches exemplify Breguet's dedication to high-horology, blending traditional artistry with advanced technical features.

The Ref. 7365 Minute Repeater is a sophisticated wristwatch housed in a 39.1mm by 10.8mm 18k "Breguet gold" case, distinguished by its new Classique case style with elegantly tapered lugs. Its dial boasts a stunning blue grande feu enamel, complemented by a discreet secret signature and applied "Breguet" numerals crafted from matching gold. The watch is also water-resistant to 30 meters, adding a practical touch to its luxurious design. Powering this intricate timepiece is the new manually wound Caliber 1896, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, with over 35% of its components being new, including a state-of-the-art silicon escapement. The white gold gongs, gilded with Breguet gold, are directly integrated into the case, promising exceptional sound quality. With a 75-hour power reserve and an upgraded 3Hz frequency, the watch is certified for accuracy within +/- 2 seconds per day, reflecting the new Breguet Hallmark standard.

Adding to the allure is the Classique Grande Sonnerie Métiers d'Art Ref. 1905 Pocket Watch, an unexpected yet captivating release. This magnificent piece features a grande et petite sonnerie with a minute repeater, regulated by a one-minute tourbillon. Its intricate PVD-blued bridge and hammers are visible against a Quai de l'Horloge guilloché regulator-style dial, made from grande feu white enamel with petit feu black enamel numerals. Encased in 18k Breguet gold, the pocket watch measures 56.5 by 23.5mm and weighs approximately 400 grams. The new Caliber 508GS, powering the pocket watch, features rhodium-plated brass plates and bridges, adorned with a hand-guilloché "Petit Trianon" motif. It winds in two directions, one for timing and another for the sonnerie, and offers three modes: grande (chiming hours and quarters), petite (chiming only hours), and silent. A notable technological advancement is the magnetic regulator for the sonnerie functions, which employs Foucault currents to ensure precise and consistent timing, balancing the system at a set speed.

The pocket watch's unique box is crafted from oak sourced from Marie-Antoinette's cherished oak tree at the Palace of Versailles, further emphasizing its historical and artistic significance. The pocket watch, a Métiers d'Art bespoke piece, is available only on request and in extremely limited production, with pricing provided upon consultation. The Ref. 7365 Minute Repeater is a limited edition of 25 pieces, priced at $369,600, celebrating Breguet's 250th anniversary with exclusivity and prestige.