Buying Guide – Our Top 10 Moon Phase Watches for Women

The Moon phase function is the simplest and most prevalent astronomical complication. It is also one of the most attractive and bewitching of complications, a reminder of the beauty and mystery of our neighbouring satellite. Considered more of an aesthetic choice than a complication of intrinsic utility, moon phase watches have become a perennial favourite with their miniature recreations of the different phases of the Moon displayed in an aperture on the dial. So, take a look at our A-V Top Ten moon phase models and get ready to be moonstruck by their beauty – both superficial and mechanical – and in some cases, by their astronomical prices!

6 years ago

Review – Breguet Classique Complications 3797 – Pure, Unadulterated Breguet

A compendium of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s ingenious inventions and style, the Classique Complications 3797 is a magnificent perpetual calendar tourbillon laden with nostalgia for the undisputed horological star of the 18th century. Released in 2014, the 3797 is Breguet in his purest, unadulterated form with all the ‘unmistakable signs’ of the creator and a couple of 21st-century tweaks that the maestro would surely relish. Although almost all the heavyweights of the watch scene have produced a perpetual calendar tourbillon combination – ALS Lange 1, IWC PortugieserPatek, Chopard et al. – none of them can match the historical clout and legitimacy of Breguet in this department. The 41mm case of the 3797, in rose gold or platinum, is a time capsule transporting the wearer (or in this case, the admirer) on a historical journey back in time.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – The 10 Most Iconic Chronographs You Can Buy in 2018

The chronograph is one of the most popular complications today. It is even more than a complication and has become a watch category in itself. It is stylish, practical and boasts a serious amount of technical complexity. For watch connoisseurs, there aren’t many experiences that are as rewarding as pressing the pushers of a stopwatch […]

6 years ago

In-Depth – The Art of Hand-Guillochage at Breguet, Preserving Traditional Crafts

A classic Breguet is easily recognizable, even at first glance. The fluted caseband, the welded lugs, the Breguet hands, the Breguet numerals, the secret signature are some of the immutable codes that make a Breguet a Breguet. The timelessness of the brand resides in a style that was established by Abraham-Louis Breguet over 2 centuries ago. The great watchmaker has got the most profound influence on the horological art. Some of his inventions changed the world of watchmaking: the perfecting of the self-winding with his ‘perpétuelle’ watches, the ‘pare-chute’ shock-protection system, the tourbillon or the Breguet hairspring to name a few. But today, we’ll focus on the art of guilloché or engine-turned dials.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Breguet Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 – Classic Complication, Modern Style

Breguet has always been known for making complex watches. The brand’s tendency towards a traditional aesthetic, however, has sometimes deterred younger buyers. That trend seems to be changing. The latest example comes in the form of the new models introduced into the Marine collection at Baselworld this year. We’ve already covered the Breguet Marine 5517 in detail here. Now, we’re turning our attention to the Marine Alarme Musicale 5547, a contemporary styled watch with some very traditional complications.

6 years ago

Hands-on – The Breguet Classique Extra-Plate 5157 Pink Gold – Quintessentially Breguet

Creating a two-hand ultra-thin watch is, believe it or not, one of the most complex exercises for a watch-designer. Because of the extreme simplicity of such pieces, it is utterly easy to end up with the most boring watch possible – and how to differentiate yourself when you simply have nothing to express yourself…? This is where the Breguet Classique Extra-Plate 5157 (and its 2018 pink gold version) is brilliant. It manages to be extremely pure, clean and simple and at the same time, it is quintessentially Breguet.

6 years ago

Event – Cars & Watches with Breguet and Glashütte Original At London City Concours 2018

Well-heeled motoring enthusiasts made what is fast becoming an annual pilgrimage to Central London last week to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the second annual City Concours. Bringing together some of the world’s finest cars in the intimate setting of the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company, along with a host of partner brands and excellent hospitality, it definitely made for a fun couple of days in the sun. And with Breguet and Glashütte Original also back as official timepiece sponsors, we knew we couldn’t resist a quick visit.

6 years ago

Face-to-Face – The Breguet Classique Tourbillon 5367 vs. Early Breguet Pocket-Watches – And Why it’s Such a Quintessential Breguet

The restrained and discreet watches of the Classique Collection are unequivocal, unmistakable members of the Breguet family. Without even thinking about it, they are immediately recognisable as a Breguet. This is all due to what the Maison names the “unmistakable signs” or the quintessential design codes used by the brand for over two centuries. In order to understand exactly what this means in modern-day creations, we’ve visited the Breguet Museum in Paris, talked with Emmanuel Breguet and bring you the brand’s latest creation – the Breguet Classique Tourbillon 5367 – next to two of the most important and earliest creations of Abraham-Louis Breguet.

6 years ago

Auction – 10 More Highlights from the 97th Dr Crott Auction on May 12

Yesterday, in our first selection of highlights of the upcoming 97th Dr. Crott auction of this Saturday, May 12, we focused on very nice horological highlights, the hidden gems, and not so much on the usual suspects. Today we’ll focus on those! Here’s our selection of the highlights, stunning pieces that will certainly attract a lot of attention at the auction that will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. And know that you can also bid online!

7 years ago