Breguet classique moonphase Creating a fine, classic design watch that is recognizable at first glance is not an easy task. This is what Breguet has achieved with its Classique collection, cultivating unmistakable signs that are as many hallmarks of the brand’s timepieces. In this respect, the new versions of the reference 7137 with their new dials – new patterns for the engine-turned motifs and the addition of a blue version – are Breguet through and through. Let’s take a closer look at them, in the metal. Breguet classique moon phase replica watch
The breguet classique moon phase 7137 is one of the finest examples of the brand’s enduring capacity to maintain an understated yet distinctive design. Inspired by a pocket watch from 1794 – the Breguet Perpetuelle N°5 – the reference was available in four different versions with silvered dials, in white and yellow gold. Two new references now join the family, refreshed with new handcrafted engined-turned “guilloché” dials.
The first of these new Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve is presented in pink gold with a silver-plated dial that bears all the distinctive hallmarks that make a Breguet unique. Elegant and highly legible, the guilloché dials, made from a solid gold plate, combine several patterns that make all essential indications clear and well organised.
The off-centred subsidiary indications create a harmonious balance: a power reserve in an elegant fan-shaped display (basket-weave guilloché pattern); phases of the moon in a crescent-shaped opening, with a blue background and a gold insert for the Moon; and a circular sub-dial for the date (chequerboard pattern). These are framed by softly brushed metallic surfaces. The same concept applies for the chapter ring, featuring elegant Roman numerals, and a cartouche for the Breguet name and the watch’s individual number. The brand’s secret signature is engraved twice, framing the numeral at 12 o’clock. As you would expect, it is paired with blued ‘eccentric moon tip’ Breguet hands. All of this is handcrafted to a level that is rarely seen and one can only admire the work of Breguet’s craftsmen.
The second Breguet Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve translates this elegant design into a contemporary and unapologetically elegant white gold and blue dial combination, a new visual expression for the brand. The blue colour greatly contrasts with the silvered indications and this combination of cold shades – blue and silver – brings a new dimension to this watch. More casual, more modern, a bit bolder too but with the usual restraint you’d expect from Breguet. This version features silvered hands and moon – which has now a more modern realistic surface and not a “face” like the previous versions of the 7137. breguet classique moon phase replica
Besides the dial, these new watches retain all the traditional features of the Reference 7137. The white or pink gold cases are 39mm in diameter with a slender profile of 8.65mm. The caseband is finely fluted, as with all Classique Breguet models. Elegant, rounded welded lugs with screw bars extend the case. A corrector allows you to adjust the moonphase indication. The watch is water-resistant to 30m.
Turning the watch over, the engraved sapphire crystal caseback reveals the immaculately hand-finished automatic calibre 502.3. The hand-guilloché gold rotor is slightly off-centred, which is an original and nice touch. With 256 components and 35 jewels, it operates at a frequency of 3Hz and boasts 45 hours of power reserve. It is regulated by a free-sprung balance working in conjunction with a balance-spring and pallet horns in silicon. Displaying the hours, the minutes, the phases and the age of the Moon, the power reserve and the date, the movement is just 3.65mm thick.
The 2020 Breguet Classique 7137 Moon & Power Reserve is presented on a blue or brown alligator strap with folding buckle in the shape of the Breguet B logo. On the wrist, the watch is supremely elegant. Surprisingly, it is understated but asserts a distinctive personality at the same time. Last but not least, it is superbly crafted: perfection is in the details and the 7137 impresses in every aspect.
The breguet classique moon phase Power Reserve 7137 collection of watches isn’t new, but I’ve never really covered these lovely watches before, so I figured I should at some point. One thing I am trying to do more of on aBlogtoWatch is cover modern watches that are perhaps not brand new, but are still available for retail sale and are worth taking note of. The Breguet Classique Power Reserve 7137 certainly falls into that category.
In many ways, a watch like the Breguet Classique Power Reserve 7137 epitomizes what the Breguet watch brand is all about. The Classique case has a coined-edge side and simple lugs along with a lovely machine guilloche engraved dial. Those familiar with antique Breguet pocket watch dials will see the familiar layout and design of complications such as the moon phase indicator and power reserve indicator. It matches Breguet’s long-standing mastery of asymmetric (along with symmetrical), albeit balanced, dials.
At 39mm wide, the Breguet Classique Power Reserve 7137 isn’t a large watch, but given its dress watch style, I would not call it small either. The thin bezel makes it very wearable, and unlike many 39mm wide watches, it does not feel small as measured against contemporary tastes. I would gladly wear it on a regular basis given the mixture of size, boldness, and overall legibility. It is worth noting that the Breguet 7137 is actually an evolved and enlarged version of the older Breguet 3137.
Both the Breguet 7137 and 3137 are “Classique Power Reserve” models with the same complications, but each has a slightly different dial design and case size. Whereas the more modern 7137 is 39mm wide, the 3137 is 36.3mm wide – a size that was more common when it was introduced in the 1990s, or even earlier when the modern Breguet was very much a product of Daniel Roth’s work there. In some ways, the 3137 has a more elegant dial, but it is not as intricate as the 7137 when it comes to design. People will likely choose between the two watches based on the size of timepiece they like to wear.
Watches in Breguet’s Classique collection are masterful executions of finely conceived machine guilloche engraved dials. Breguet wants you to know that these aren’t automated machines, but rather hand-operated rose engines that are more like tools which only produce beautiful results when used by skilled craftsman. As is the case on many models, the dial features various aesthetic styles that work together marvelously. More guilloche engraving can be found on the surface of the automatic rotor, which is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback on the rear of the watch.
When mixed with properly-sized blued steel hands, the silvery guilloche engraved dial is extremely legible, which is a testament to the enduring beauty of these dials. Without exaggerating, Breguet Classique dials reproduce a technique in wrist watch form that was originally developed for some of the world’s best pocket watches that were made well over 200 years ago. Again, a simple survey of original Breguet timepieces will make that fact clear.
The dial of the breguet classique moon phase 7137 replica watch has the time, moon phase indicator, power reserve indicator, and date dial. There is no running seconds hand, which is not an issue for me. The information on the dial is useful and emotional (the moon phase indicator). Everything is rendered so beautifully, and the pomme-style hour and minute hands are easily visually distinguished from the power reserve or date hands.
Inside the 7137 collection of watches is the in-house made Breguet caliber 502.3 DR1 automatic movement. The movement has a power reserve of 45 hours and is thin enough that the entire watch case is just 8.65mm thick. If you look at the rear of the watch, you’ll notice that the automatic rotor is off-centered a bit, even though it is too large to be considered a micro-rotor.