Breguet Rattrapante Chronograph Collection

keks · 2023-06-15T09:46:09Z

Explore the Breguet 3947 Rattrapante, a pre-Swatch era masterpiece. Keks reviews its design, Lemania movement, and historical significance. A must-read for collectors.

keks

WPS member · Breguet forum

31 replies7196 views1 photos

In this insightful article, keks shares his journey to acquiring the Breguet 3947, a rattrapante chronograph that represents a significant era for the brand. He delves into the historical context of Breguet's acquisition of Lemania and the subsequent impact of Swatch Group's ownership, offering a personal perspective on what makes this particular reference a standout. Keks's detailed account provides valuable context for collectors interested in the transitional period of luxury watchmaking in the 1990s.

the idea of a rattrapante has long been a wish for me and over the years several alternatives have been considered. Throughout this process the Breguet 3947 has consistently surfaced as one of the top contenders. 38mm, a little height to the case, large crown and pushers, guillouche and two-tone dial. Overall so much appeal from this historical manufacturer who in 1991/2 purchased Lemania. Breguet subsequently moved its watch production to Lemania facilities and produced amongst other this reference there. Lemania continued to supply movements to other manufacturers during this time, notably to Patek who used Lemania movements for the iconic 5070, 5970, 5004 to mention a few. And these movement are exquisite to say the least, the modified Lemania 2310, also found in Patek's iconic 5004 is magical to look at. I will attempt to take some additional photos at a later stage but for now let me just leave with this one:

Circumstances changed in 1999 when Swatch acquired Breguet. While I am not aware of the sequence of events after that let me say things changed dramatically at least from a bystander point of view. They still manage to produce some amazing pieces but somehow the overall energy is not the same and I hope one day I sense Breguet finds its ways back towards greatness. This post is not really meant to dwell too much on my thoughts around that, I just wished to introduce what I find one of the most appealing semi-modern offerings from Breguet. And my first rattrapante. From a golden era prior to becoming part of the largest watch conglomerate in the world.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 1990s represented a crucial transitional period for mechanical watches, bridging vintage and modern aesthetics, where Breguet produced several high-level classics like the 3947.
The Breguet 3947 rattrapante is considered a sublime offering from the pre-Swatch era, with Daniel Roth playing a significant role in Breguet's interpretation of Lemania chronograph movements.
During the Chaumet era, Breguet established an aesthetic that continues to influence many brands today.
Neither Patek Philippe nor Audemars Piguet were manufacturing split-seconds chronographs during the same period Breguet was producing the 3947, highlighting Breguet's unique position.
The author finds the rattrapante complication more practically useful than a regular chronograph, often using it creatively to enhance the watch's aesthetic.
There is a shared sentiment among collectors that Breguet, despite producing amazing pieces post-1999, has not maintained the same 'energy' as its pre-Swatch era.

The Discussion

patrick_y

Jun 15, 2023

Keks, you have exquisite taste as always. Agree with you regarding Breguet - I have expectations from the world renowned brand... And I hope that the brand steps it up.

keks

Jun 15, 2023

Much appreciate your kind words!

BigFatPauli

Jun 15, 2023

Wear it in the best of health.

keks

Jun 15, 2023

Much appreciated, it is quite a pleasure to wear I will admit

keks

Jun 15, 2023

although there are many spectacular pieces ever made... it sure does go a long way!

keks

Jun 15, 2023

in a way I find the rattrapante more useful than a regular chronograph... .... a regular chronograph i rarely use, but the rattrapante I tend to use to set the hands in different ways to make it look cooler

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Breguet forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum