Breguet

Hi Everyone,
I am about to graduate and my parents are buying me a Breguet watch. I'm still pondering over which one to get and would love a little input. Currently I'm pretty keen on this 5140bb. I think the blue strap gives it a little more youth over its brown counterpart. Furthermore, the giolloche hand engraving is another Breguet tradition.

I do, however, also love the simplicity of the enamel faced version with the arabic numerals.

Finally this 5177BA is also still on the cards because of its more delicate frame.
.

What do you think folks, if you were me what would you choose?
Rory This message has been edited by roryelmo on 2008-09-03 16:29:10

Out of those three, that would definitely be my choice

because it's more youthful given your age since you just graduated.  I've never been a fan of conservative looking watches such as the last 2 but maybe my taste will change when my hair starts to turn grey

Cheers,
Anthony

Yeah I think I'm leaning towards the first one too at the mo.

I'll chose the first one .... in my opinion the nicest of 3 and

one of my favorite "suit" pieces

but then again

if I were you I'll take the one that I like the most after trying all 3 on my hand

regardless what anyone else is saying

BEst

Damian

 

no go in a classic dial IMHO.
So I would choose between the classic dial and the white version.
The simplicity of the enamel faced version with the arabic numerals,
strikes me.
It's a little less Breguet style, but it stands out;
this would be my choice.
Geo

This is actually where I'm torn: The enamel face is immediately striking, however, the guilloche is indeed very Breguet and I love it too. I think they both look great, so I hope things will be clearer when they're on the wrist.

I'd pass on the third, because the date takes sole beauty and purity to the very nice dial...

Between the fabulous guilloché and the enamel, i'd go on the enamel...

It is a spectacular, sublime and very elegant dial, particularly in thiscombo, with the WG case.

Have a look in real on the enameldial, admire this depht, this sensuality, and you will fall in love.

My absolute favourite, and a watch which is in my wish list!

Best.

Nicolas

I love your passion regarding the enamel, there is something so beautiful in its simplicity.

Rory,

Considering the fact that you are about to graduate college (I assume?), and that you must be no older than 25 years old, I would suggest considering the Type XX or XXI, depending on how well you can manage the bigger case. Just my humble opinion, but usually after college is when I started travelling more and more with my friends, so it payed to have a more versatile watch, water resistant and overall more rugged. The Breguet Marine is also a very appealing option. Both can take the stress of late night dancing, transatlantic flights, and dips in the beaches of Uruguay.

Now, if you are looking into Breguet it means that you probably already own several other watches for which the daily beater dilemma has already been sorted out.

Anyways, please let us know on your choice and be sure to post pics of your gift.

Congratulations to you and your parents.

Alex

Ps. Sorry if I digressed with all the assumptions. All the best!

Your assumptions are almost valid Alex I am indeed early 20s and love to party, travel, however, I'm going to become a medical doctor next year. This changes things a little since as such, most of my time (and probably most of my life) will be spent wearing a dress shirt, trouser +/- tie (working in the UK).

The reason I chose to go for a dress watch from Breguet and not the undoubtedly more youthful XX etc is as follows:
1. I feel that since this gift will hold a great sentimental value for me, I will never part with it.
2. In saying so, I would rather have a classic dress watch that, in its lack of resilience, will probably face less arduous times and will be a piece that I only wear from time to time.
3. For a daily, nightly timekeeping piece that I'm not afraid to injure, I already have watches (granted not Breguet) that meet that criteria.

Alex you have, however, spurred me to look into the XX etc again before making my decision,
Thank you so much for your input and indeed I'll keep you posted but it maybe some time before I have it.
R

Hi Cory,

You speak of youth and tradition and the guilloche engraving...you have put some thought into this project.

In view of the information that you have given about your age, intended occupation, the intended use,  and the permanency of this acquisition ...I would not buy either of the watches you mention until you first look at the Breguet Marine 5817BA.

I would dismiss any suggestions to look at the XX line as they are certainly not classic dress watches however the Breguet 5817BA in yellow gold offers everything that a young guy could want in a classic watch.  I am not young but I can relate and own three Breguets, the 5207, the 5707 and the 5817, all in yellow gold. Without doubt the 5817 is by far my most appreciated watch.

It is called a Marine, but don’t be put off by this as it relates more to where it evolved from than what it looks like...but it does have a higher degree of water resistance and a good 65 hour power reserve.

It is classically Breguet, very dressy, very elegant and yet very rugged.  

But don’t just look at photos or the web for the beauty of this watch, as you have to hold one in your hand, and when you do...you will see what I mean.

Also the gutsy folding deployment clasp is very compatible with your age where as the more conservative buckle systems on the 5140 and 5177 are quiet boring.

In my opinion the offset second hand and dial on the 5140 would drive me crazy....but I like things to flow and that watch does not work for me at all.

Also the 5140 has no see through back...which again is a waste of a beautiful part of a Breguet....especially as the rotor is also hand engraved on a rose engine.

The 5177, as has been previously mentioned has a date which looks out of character and both the 5140 and 5177 have crowns /winders that are too small. Yes the 5817 has a date also and it is a larger and more practical date, but it is not stuck in the centre of the dial...it  discreetly replaces the 6 numeral and is confined to flow in the  Roman numerals

Also, you mention that this will be a watch that you will never sell, so I would defiantly, given that you might still own this watch in another 70 years time, defiantly only buy a Breguet in Yellow Gold...why, well A. L. Breguet did not make watches in white gold...and while it might be considered a valid metal today it might be out of fashion in 50 years time....but yellow gold will never be out of fashion.

I tried several times to upload some photos for you Cory but the system is reporting errors at the moment...I will try again later if I get some time.

Keep in touch.

Kindest regards,

Jack

Thanks Jack,
Really very informative. I would love to see the 5817 from a few different angles, it looks beautiful, the more I look at it, the more I like it. I hadn't really thought about that A L Breguet didn't make them in yellow gold before, certainly a valid point.
Can't wait to see the photos,
R

Hi Cory,

Here are my Breguets and my favourite and everyday watch is the 5817, pictured  center. 

The 5817 is a classic watch but escapes the booring traditional look...it is alive and at home in any dress, be it up or down.

The larger squared lugs, the crown, the simplicity of the dial and the date nicely camouflaged into the numeral track, all combine to produce a classic watch by Breguet that has captured the timless beauty of a watch yet presented it in a modern attraction.

The Crystal back offers an opportunity to see the engraved gold rotor and fine finish.

But as mentioned..... don't go by pictures...look, hold and feel the real thing before you make your decision as no photo can capture the beauty of a watch.

Kindest regards,

Jack

 

 

My favourite aspect of the 5817 has always been the subtle wave theme across the rotor, deployant, crown guards, and guilloche dial. The designers achieved this while still keeping the classic Breguet fluted case. Lovely stuff; thanks for the reminder, Jack.

 

I think the Marine is a good suggestion for the clinical environment, Rory. You will require a watch with an easy to read second hand (and possibly a date, as the long shifts can get a bit disorienting). Those early years as a doctor are very memorable and the watch which accompanies you is an important decision.

 

Best wishes for your career.

 

Andrew

Put that post in the wrong place, thanks for your kind wishes. I'm sure looking at a gorgeous watch like that while working might distract me quite a bit. I will keep you informed as to any progress.
R

You have a beautiful collection Jack, thanks for sharing. I really do love it, and that's the first photo I've seen of the back. You know I maybe starting to sway, I going to see some pieces tomorrow and will keep you informed.
All the best,
R

... for the 5817 and even more about Putin and his steel 5817 LOL!!!!!!
Your friend Tassos
P.S. At least he did not wait for Carla Bruni to choose him his watch!!! That he likes Breguet, (not difficult for a Russian - Breguet is famous there, remember the exhibition of Breguet in Putin's town, St. Petersburg) elevates him in my eyes...
T.

Dear Tassos I think if Mr. Putin had a Carla Bruni, he would have waited.
R

... even I, a proud owner of a YG 5817, I'd wait for her to chose my watch..
(and then go by my self and buy my 5817) LOL
Tassos

Hi Tassos,

If I had a Carla I would spend my money on thick curtains and drapes and throw away all manner of timekeeping...well al least for a week.

Kindest regards,

Jack

No message body

What greater thing can man do in life...'cept make someone roll on the floor laughing...

You made my day too,

Kindest Regards,

Jack

... from time to time lock myself in the bathroom and drool over a new Breguet model!!!!
Bless you Jack!!!!
your friend
Tassos

One day I would like to meet you.

Kindest regards,

Jack

...dear Jack... Who knows, Greece and especially Corfu is wonderful... and I've never been to Australia... So. let us hope!!!
Your friend
Tassos

My opinion on the Breguet Marine 5817BA its a versatile watch can be wear sporty on the rubber strap or as a classique timepiece with a alligator strap, the case of the marine is quiet thick it will not suit a slim wrist and quiet heavy.

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and being in a position to get such a wonderful gift from your parents.

There have been some great suggestions offered to you already. I will not complicate things and start introducing new watches for you to consider as I'm sure there was a reason you narrowed your choices down to these three.  I would eliminate the 5177BA for a number of reasons and choose between the two 5140's. I own the 5140 enamel dial version and can say it is a beautiful watch and one that you would find very pleasing. That said, it is much more formal and dressy (which is what I wanted given my other watches) than the 5140bb which would be more versatile. The guilloche dial is very appealing and the white gold case is somewhat stealthy making it suitable for more occasions. You can always change from a blue strap to a black strap if you want to dress it up at a later date. No matter which Breguet you get, you will have a wonderful watch!

Here is a picture of my 5140 to help you decide: