Breguet 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon Review
Review

Breguet 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon Review

By ED209 · Jan 10, 2015 · 17 replies
ED209
WPS member · Breguet forum
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ED209 offers an insightful hands-on review of the Breguet 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon, a timepiece renowned for its technical prowess and elegant design. His detailed observations highlight the watch's impressive 3mm thin Calibre 581 DR and peripheral rotor system, providing a valuable perspective for collectors interested in ultra-thin complications. This article explores the nuances of its design and movement, inviting readers to appreciate Breguet's engineering achievements.

A few weeks ago Ovi posed a question here on the PuristSPro Breguet forum about the Breguet 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon and the Breguet 7047 Fusee Chain Tourbillon.  I think it's a very interesting question and it reminded me of a visit I had at the Breguet Beverly Hills Boutique where I spent some time with several of their complications and tourbillons.  So I'd like to share a few pics and thoughts of the Ultra Thin Tourbillon. 






The Breguet Ultra Thin Tourbillon is available in platinum and rose gold.  It's the world's thinnest self-winding tourbillon with a case thickness of only 7mm.  The Breguet calibre 581 DR is an impressive 3mm thin. 





The overall diameter is fairly large at 42mm but is quite comfortable on the wrist.  The dimensions seemed strange to me at first because of the ratio between large diameter and thin case.  The bezel is very thin and the sapphire crystal goes out to the edges making the watch appear larger than it really is (similar to how I feel about the original Breguet La Tradition 7027), but looked fine when I wore it for a few minutes.




Another detail I saw was that the Breguet secret signature (which is used to protect against forgery) seems to be deeper engraved and more noticeable. 





Like most Breguets, the 18 carat gold dial is silvered and engine turned with different patterns.  Near the 8 o'clock position is a power reserve indicator and displays up to the maximum 80 hours of the movement.   Between 4 and 6 o'clock is the tourbillon with a brushed silver ring indicating the seconds.  The hour and minutes are the signature Breguet heat blued open tipped hands.  The tourbillon looks great, but personally I don't like the asymmetrical layout of the dial.  The power reserve is a great function to have, but I think they could have made it smaller or placed it on the back so that it doesn't distract the views of the tourbillon.




The coolest part of the 5377 is the movement.  The 581 DR is not only ultra thin but it also uses a peripheral rotor system.  A very thin rotor rotates along the outer edge of the movement and from some of the pictures here
you can see the small gear teeth that engages with the wheels of the movement winding train.  The last time I played with a watch that had a peripheral winding system was the Carl Bucherer CFB A1000.  From the transparent caseback you can see the winding rotor, tourbillon, and movement.  Finishing is nice, but I wished that the plates were decorated more complicated engraving.  I think it would also look nicer with heat blued screws to give the movement more visual contrast.








The 5377 is paired with a leather strap and a triple blade folding clasp in 18 carat rose gold.  It has a circular "B" Breguet inside an asymmetric circle.  I think Breguet did this on purpose to match the asymmetric dial layout.  I prefer deployant buckles and this one was very comfortable and the push buttons on the side were easy to use and held solidly.




Overall I think that the Breguet 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon is the opposite of the 7047 Fusee, because it has a more classic look and feel.  It's closer to one of my favorite new Breguet's (and my next grail watch) the 3797.  The coolest part of the 5377 Ultra Thin Tourbillon is the thinness and the peripheral winding rotor system.  I'll post pics soon of the 7047 fusee and chain with it's more substantial 15.95mm case.




Regards,
ED-209

 

 

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2015-01-12 21:38:43

About the Breguet Classique Minute Repeater Ref. 3797

The reference 3797 represents Breguet's approach to the minute repeater complication within the Classique collection. This reference delivers the traditional chiming mechanism in a relatively compact 36mm format, positioning it as an accessible entry point into Breguet's minute repeater offerings.

The watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 36mm in diameter with a fixed bezel configuration. A silver dial sits beneath sapphire crystal, while the manual-winding movement provides the mechanical foundation for the minute repeater function. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, reflecting the dress watch orientation of this timepiece.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking minute repeater complications in a more wearable case size. The 36mm proportions and yellow gold construction align with traditional dress watch conventions, making the 3797 suitable for collectors who prioritize the acoustic complication over contemporary sizing trends. The silver dial provides a neutral backdrop that complements the yellow gold case material.

Specifications

Caliber
587
Case
18k Yellow Gold
Diameter
36 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
DR
DRMW
Jan 10, 2015

It's pretty amazing to see! I recall being in NY when they officially debuted the Carl Bucherer with the peripheral rotor. Thanks for the pics! -MW

AM
amanico
Jan 11, 2015

And your pics do justice to the Watch, which is very Breguetesque. ;) For those who like Tourbillons, this is an interesting offer. The only thing which disturbs me on this one is the size... 42 mm on such an elegant Watch is a bit too much, and even more when it is thin like this! Best, Ed, and thanks for the good write up. Nicolas

DR
dr.kol
Jan 11, 2015

First of all, I would thank the staff of Breguet Boutique in New Bond Street. The level of service was exceeding all other brand boutiques on the same street. We got friendliness, professionalism and the so typical arrogance was totally missing. Great visit! I must agree with Nico; the watch is too larger. At 38 - 39 mm it would be much nicer. I am not a great fan of tourbillon but the watch is really nicely made and the way the oscillating weight is designed, is really clever. This 5377 is an a

JK
jkingston
Jan 11, 2015

Hi Nico Well time for two watchmaking definitions. First "ultra-flat". These are watches where the case is used as a functional part of the movement. Of course, this makes the watches with this construction thinner. However, ultra-flat movements have not enjoyed a reputation for reliability. There simply is too much of a chance that there will be enough flex in the caseback to affect the running of the movement (think of it: when the movement is separate from the case, it is protected from flexi

HO
Horology75
Jan 11, 2015

Looking forward to the report on the fusee chain... Ovi

AM
amanico
Jan 11, 2015

Some of the so called Utlra Thin JLC watches. Not that they are not very nice nor uninteresting, I just consider that since a certain thickness, we cannot use this appelation " UT " other than for some marketing purposes. That doesn't remove the beauty of this Watch, though. Best, Nicolas

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