Breguet

Contrarily to its source of inspiration, the dial, in solid Breguet gold, is hand-guilloché with the “Quai de l’Horloge” motif.

The case is a bit large at 41 x 10.7 mm





The Seconde d'observation complication is directly inspired by the Breguet pocket watch no. 4009, a ‘double-seconds “observation” chronograph’, or split-second stop watch, sold on 6 January 1825 to Mr Whaley. 





The mid-case is hand-guilloché with the “Quai de l’Horloge” pattern.



The 10 Hz caliber 74SC features a magnetic-pivot regulating system, which nearly eliminates positional error.

The watch is rated to within ± 1 second per day, a specification much tighter than COSC, Master Chronometer, or Qualité Fleurier standards.



Bridges and plates are hand-engraved with a panoramic view of the Vallée de Joux, depicting the Manufacture in Le Chenit, the Lac de Joux, and the Dent de Vaulion rising in the distance. 

Ref. 7225 (left) and 7235 (right).







Measuring 40 x 10.8 mm, this watch sits exactly between the 39 mm 7235 and the 41 mm 7225.



And I have to say that it is my favorite of the three.



For some reason I don't know, the enamel dial and the single hand speak to me even more than the dial and complication of the 7235 and 7225 models.

Ref. 2025 (left) and 7225 (right).



The 3 Hz caliber VS00 is, for me, much more attractive than the other two calibers.



Engraved on the mainspring barrel are some of the words used by Breguet in his 1797 prospectus to describe his souscription watch:

"La disposition du Rouage, l’Echappement, le Régulateur sont si à découvert et si faciles à saisir, que tout observateur attentif peut juger d’un coup d’œil sans rien démonter de l’harmonie du travail."

In English: "The arrangement of the Gear train, the Escapement, the Regulator are so exposed and so easy to grasp, that any attentive observer can judge at a glance, without dismantling anything, the harmony of the work."



For me, the Souscription fully deserves its GPHG 2025 Aiguille d’Or Prize.