Breguet Reine de Naples Cammea Watch: A Stunning Revival Of Cameo Work

Gorgeous ladies timepieces are not in short supply these days.  However, there’s nothing quite like the extraordinary Reine de Naples Ref. 8958 “Cammea” watch from Breguet.  Breguet’s artisans went beyond elegant casework (something all Reine de Naples models certainly have) beyond gem-setting excellence (unquestioned), and even beyond a fine mechanical movement (a given-this is Breguet).  They turned to the nearly forgotten cameo, an ancient art involving the intricate carving of stones such as carnelian or agate.  Remarkably, in creating the Cammea watch, Breguet elected to use seashell–an exceptional challenge due to the fingerprint-unique layer structure, shape variances, and transparency of this  material. Continue Reading… »

First A Breguet Moonphase, Now A Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver: President Medvedev’s Luxury Watch Affair Continues

Breguet La Tradition Tourbillon Watch: Haute Horlogerie Perfection

Breguet’s La Tradition Tourbillon watch was one of the most ravishing showstoppers on display at Baselworld 2009.  While technically not a novelty for this year (it was debuted in 2007), the La Tradition Tourbillon is a true rarity, and to see it in the metal was a decided privilege for me.  In contrast to the comparatively garish pyrotechnics of the uncharacteristically large (for Breguet) Double Tourbillon which has gotten the most attention of late, the La Tradition tourbillon is a statement of ingenuity and refinement straight from the page of Abraham-Louis himself. Continue Reading… »

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921–A Most Charming Time Machine

The just-announced Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is one of the most charming (and pleasingly eccentric) dress timepieces I have encountered in some time.  A surprisingly faithful reinterpretation of an historical wristwatch which Vacheron Constantin introduced in the early 20th century,  the “Historiques American 1921″ abounds with exquisite details.   Continue Reading… »

Breguet Marine Lady Chronograph Combines Jewelry And Mechanical Art With Style

Despite the reputation of the chronograph complication as being synonymous with masculine impulses, it is increasingly being featured in some absolutely lovely women’s watches.  A great example is the ravishing Breguet Marine Lady Chronograph.

This Breguet watch’s combination of 18K gold, sparkling diamonds, mother of pearl, and white rubber create Continue Reading… »

Famed Breguet Horological Charm Defines Classique Moonphase Ref. 7137BA Watch

The Breguet Classique Power Reserve Moonphase watch is another masterpiece from this great watchmaking house, one which asserts their ability of the house of Breguet to join elegance with unmistakable presence.  Continue Reading… »

Breguet High Jewellery Les Plumes Ring

Introduced at Baselworld 2008, this High Jewellery Les Plumes ring from Breguet’s new women’s jewelry collection is amazing. Set in 18k white gold and accented with pave diamonds totaling 3.70 carats, the pink oval cut sapphire takes center stage. Approximately 2.50 carats of pink sapphire shines on the Les Plumes ring and is surrounded by VVS diamonds in a layered feather design, gently nesting the gorgeous sapphire. This is a breathtaking piece, even in sketch form, I can imagine it being as dramatic and stunning as ever in reality. Continue Reading… »

Breguet Ref. 1160 Pocket Watch–The Glorious “Marie Antoinette” Is Born Again

And suddenly, the secret was unveiled. After immense amounts of hush-hush by Nicholas Hayek concerning the creation of an extremely complicated pocket watch duplicating Abraham-Louis Breguet’s legendary “Marie Antoinette”, the fruit of the Breguet artisans was revealed at Baselworld 2008. And was it ever worth the wait!

Continue Reading… »

Basel 2008: Breguet Heritage Tourbillon Watch Impresses With Stylishly Beautiful Design

Breguet’s new Heritage Tourbillon is an extremely beautiful watch, and the first tourbillon execution to appear in the tonneau-shaped Heritage collection. After so many wondrous tourbillons featured within the Classique watch format, its great to see Breguet introduce one in this elegant form.

I suspect that the more fluid grace of the Breguet Heritage Tourbillon watch will appeal to those who feel that some of the Classique tourbillon models are a bit too stuffy; make no mistake, this is no casual watch, but it has a beautifully flowing, stylish aspect that sets it apart from its more purely classical peers. I love the way that traditional Breguet elements such as the blued-steel pomme hands merge with newer design aspects, such as the raised exploded Roman numerals; a design maverick of his age, Abraham-Louis Breguet himself would doubtless be pleased by these expressive elements.

The tourbillon is extremely beautiful, with its strikingly original bridge design which takes the form of the Roman numeral six; this feature gives the dial great harmony, and keeps the tourbillon complication from appearing somewhat gaudy (something which “tourbillon mania” has produced in all too many watches that feature the illustrious complication). In my opinion, the Breguet Heritage Tourbillon watch is a powerful demonstration that the house of Breguet intends to keep the famous invention of its founder a source of pride and sublimely rendered horological artistry.

Breguet Introduces Haute Joaillerie

Three words: TO. DIE. FOR. Breguet unveiled its new Regal Haute Joaillerie collection at Baselworld 2008, which includes numerous examples of drop dead gorgeous high jewelry and watches. These pieces are amazingly crafted and designed and even in sketch form, you can imagine how incredibly breathtaking they will be in person. Breguet describes the new collection as “An ode to women and feminine sensitivity,” which “grants itself the privilege of eternity. Precious stones and gold illuminate these jewellery models with a dazzling light over which time has no power.” These beauties have quite a reputation to uphold. I will be the first in line to see this magnificent Les Plumes watch. It is made of 18 carat white gold with baguette-cut rubies and 1,200 TW/IF-VVS diamonds. It is self-winding and also features an 18k silvered gold dial with mother-of-pearl overlay and signature Breguet Arabic numerals, surely pleasing to any distinguishing eye or wrist. I have certainly found my new watch amore in Breguet Haute Joaillerie!