Review
WHL's review of the Breguet Classique Hora Mundi Ref. 5717 offers a detailed look at a distinctive world time complication. His insights into its design, functionality, and unique features provide valuable context for collectors considering this significant Breguet model. This article explores why the Hora Mundi stands out in a competitive segment of watchmaking.
As a fan of world time and an “on again, off again” owner GMT/dual time zone watches, I have a special fondness for Breguet’s Classique Hora Mundi, which stands alone in this well-explored segment of watchmaking complication as a unique, beautiful, and useful timepiece.
Introduced at Basel in 2011, the Hora Mundi reference 5717 came on the heels of Vacheron Constantin ’s Patrimony Traditonnelle World Time, and joined it as a top tier choice for those who like the world time complication in a wristwatch.
Case
Measuring 43 mm in diameter, the Hora Mundi is massive for a Breguet, especially one from the Classique collection. The model shown in this thread is rose gold, but platinum is also an option. The case showcases two of Breguet’s characteristic design hallmarks: the coin edge sides, and the soldered lugs.
One aspect of the more contemporary Breguet models that I appreciate is the security screw under the lugs that holds the pin screw in place.
The crown at 3 o’clock works in the traditional way. The crown at 7 o’clock is used to set the two reference cities. When pressed it will switch to show the time and date in those two cities.
Dial
While Breguet’s guillochage is one of the brand’s best characteristics, the artistic pleasure of the map of the world on the dial, a nod to tradition in so many world time watches, makes the turn away from Breguet’s traditional stylings worthwhile.
There is still a touch of guilloche on the dial framing the ring for the Roman hours and then the outer minute track.
While the watch in these photos is of the Western Hemisphere, two other options are available to Hora Mundi fans throughout the world: Europe/Africa in one case and Asia/Oceana in the other. One wonders if Breguet might have special editions in the future, with different treatments for the representation of the maps (local regions, enamel, etc)
The classic blued steel Breguet hands indicate hours and minutes while a baton hand sweeps around to show the seconds. The window at 12 o’clock shows the date in the city selected shown in the window at 6 o’clock. The date will switch to the correct day if the wearer toggles to view the time in another zone that is on the other side of midnight. Day and night are indicated by the moon/sun disk at four o’clock, and adjusts along with the date and city when the button at 7 is pressed.
Selecting a different city is also handled by the crown at 7.
Movement
Breguet has employed the automatic winding caliber 77FO in the Hora Mundi, and finishing is what you would expect from Breguet: outstanding.
The balance spring and escapement are silicon, keeping up Breguet’s momentum in using advanced materials to make more accurate and durable movements.
Conclusion
Breguet’s Hora Mundi should be on anyone’s shortlist for a World Time watch. It provides a unique interpretation on the traditional world time complication, giving the owner a cleaner canvas on which to read the time when compared with those that show cities in 24 (or 37 in the case of the Vacheron Constantin World Time) zones. It is easy and intuitive to set and use, and like every Breguet, a beautiful watch.
Bill
The reference 5717 represents Breguet's offering within the HĂ©ritage collection, featuring an oval case configuration that distinguishes it from conventional round watch designs. This particular reference occupies a specific position within Breguet's contemporary lineup through its distinctive proportions and rose gold construction.
The watch houses an automatic movement within an 18k rose gold case measuring 42x35mm, indicating an oval or tonneau-shaped profile. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the fixed bezel maintains clean lines around the case perimeter. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, positioning this as a dress watch rather than a sport-oriented timepiece.
The 5717 appeals to collectors seeking Breguet's interpretation of classical watchmaking within a non-circular case format. The rose gold construction and silver dial combination provides a traditional precious metal presentation, while the automatic movement offers practical daily wear functionality. This reference serves collectors interested in Breguet's contemporary HĂ©ritage line who prefer alternative case shapes to standard round configurations.
Thanks for a great review Bill, and for bringing this wonderful piece to our attention. I rarely see photos of the Hora Mundi that capture the dial colours accurately. One might have to photoshop and increase the saturation of the colours in order to achieve a close match to the real life vibrant blues. Your pictures come pretty close though. This truly is a gorgeous watch and in my opinion, the best looking World Time contemporary watch out there, bar none. Would love to have this one and the R
It is a very complex two timezones watch but not a world time watch since all the timezones are not avaiable at the same time. Anyway, it remains a stunning watch as you pointed it out even if I find it too big. Thanks for the article. Fx
Mo
A real treat live,beautiful and romantic. My fav combination is "America",Europe does not have enough of that beautiful sea around. Strictly not a world timer but a very fine dual time.. Thanks bill for the clear beautiful pictures. Mo
I think it is definitely a beautiful watch. I did try one on and find it a little large. Also, the price is 3x that of my 3700. But a worthwhile watch to dream to own.
Thanks for a great report. I was not really familiar with this model but I had heard of the name. It is great to see it presented so elegantly. Bill
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