...I think it is just love of a fine thing that is not machine made.
I have collected antique pistols for many years and the workmanship that went into fine antique guns was very similar to fine watches. I will attach a couple of photos of one of my collection built by C.D.Tanner in the early 1800's, who was the gun maker to King George of Hannover. I hope it is not against forum code, if so please delete it.
Reason I do so is, Tanner was making guns at the same time as Breguet was making watches and it would not surprise me if Tanner carried a Breguet watch on his chain and Breguet carried a Tanner pistol, but in each case the workmanship, engineering, beauty and skills in pistols and watches is so simular. Both were finely engineered, both were engraved, both used precious metals of gold and silver.....and importantly, for different reasons, both needed to be reliable and accurate.
The reason that I was captivated by the 5707 is the complexity of a watch of that size which is practical, functional and can still look balanced and beautifull.
By practical, functional and balanced I mean that while there are many complicated watches like perpetuals, many have so much crammed into the dial that everything becomes miniturised and if you are over 40 you need to carry a magnifying glassand stand in the sun to read the information on the dial.
The 5207, apart from it's sheer clean beauty, to me fills every need of a watch. I find it a very practical watch because it has that Breguet white silvered dial with the Breguet blued steel hands which contrast well and is aways fresh, clean and easy to read.
Importantly to me is that every hand is practical in that the Hr. & Min. hands tell the time, the Retrograde hand tells at a glance that the watch has not stopped and the Power Reserve instantly tells a state of reserve. .......Simple, Practical and extremely beautiful in a classic way.
Especially nice is the fact that there is no date window ...this is good because the dial is uncluttered and I don’t have to carry a magnifying glass...OK for you young guys....but one day you will know what I am talking about.
So when might I wear one instead of the other? .....I have no idea BigDave...I just feel privileged to be able to enjoy two such fine pieces, and, may be like Tanners pistols, in around 180m years time someone may also marvel at these Breguet watches.
Kindest regards
Jack
