Breguet Marine: Custom Finishing vs. New Independent

Spangles - Dr. Tabby · 2018-03-28T14:51:02Z

A collector considers re-finishing his Breguet Marine to haute horlogerie standards instead of buying a new independent watch. Explore the debate on customization, value, and personal satisfaction.

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

45 replies6399 views1 photos

Spangles - Dr. Tabby, deeply enamored with his Breguet Marine, proposes a radical idea: having a skilled watchmaker re-finish its movement to haute horlogerie standards, rather than purchasing a new independent watch he doesn't love. This thought experiment challenges conventional collecting wisdom, prompting a lively debate on originality, personal satisfaction, and the boundaries of watch modification.

45 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Today seemed as good a day as any to have a bad idea. Here's mine: I was thinking of saving up for a really haute horology watch, maybe something like a Voutilainen, let's say. However, there is a small problem (with a dumb solution). The issue is that I haven't fallen in love with any Voutilainen I've seen. They are amazing, but when I think of what to, uh, bespeak, in terms of a design, it really goes back to some watches I already have, such as my Breguet Marine... I love my Marine in a way that is probably illegal in some states. I really like it. ... That leads us to my idea. I know a well trained watchmaker who can black polish and chamfer whatever. He'd be happy to take a moderately well finished watch, like my one of my beloved Breguets, and finsh the hell out of it to (almost) Dufour levels. ... It would look extra swell. No resale value in this, but taking a watch I love and making it extra awesome in a way pretty much only I would care about. For less than the Voutilainen I don't love yet. ... Terrible, right? I am honestly considering it. Further dumb ideas to build on this one await! For now, dear reader, I ask for your comments.

Key Points from the Discussion

Modifying a watch's finishing fundamentally alters the original designer's artistic statement, potentially destroying its resale value and brand identity.
While personalizing a watch is a valid choice, achieving Dufour-level finishing on a Breguet Marine movement by an independent watchmaker is highly improbable, as such expertise is rare and typically reserved for top-tier independents.
It is a worse idea to buy a watch one is not 110% confident in; elevating a beloved, known quantity with a trusted craftsperson can lead to greater happiness, irrespective of resale value concerns.
If the watchmaker is truly exceptional, the modified Breguet could potentially surpass factory finishing, leading to a unique and superior product.
The aesthetic appeal of a watch's shape often outweighs its finishing level for some collectors; unless one frequently inspects the movement with a loupe, the practical difference of enhanced finishing might be minimal.
Breguet might offer bespoke finishing services, which would ensure the highest quality work, maintain market value, and preserve the watch's 'fully original' status.

The Discussion

Onemorewatch

Mar 28, 2018

Yeah agreed - pretty much a terrible idea!

Why - you spend 95% of the time looking at the front end not the back. Anyway, my suggestion is bide your time, an independent will sing to you one day and that’s the time to pull the trigger

Joepny

Mar 28, 2018

+1 let the fever pass

Expand your horizons on independents.

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Mar 28, 2018

Are you guys telling me to check myself before I Rexhep myself? [nt]

SALMANPK

Mar 28, 2018

LoooL OMG too funny :-)))) nt

Krinck

Mar 29, 2018

There it is!

The best comment on this forum so far.

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Mar 28, 2018

P.S. I have bad ideas for the dial, too! [nt]

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 45 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →