A year after celebrating its 250th anniversary, Breguet marks another important milestone - the 225th anniversary of the tourbillon.
In honor of this occasion, several gravity-defying watches have been released, and we had the opportunity to explore the latest Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047 - a limited edition of 25 pieces in a platinum case, featuring a rotating minute tourbillon and a fascinating chain and fusée mechanism. The watch pays homage to its place of origin - Abraham-Louis Breguet received the patent for his revolutionary invention on 26 June 1801 in Paris - in an impressive Bleu de France color scheme.
The History of the Tourbillon by Abraham-Louis Breguet
Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) conceived his revolutionary tourbillon while in his native Neuchâtel, after fleeing Paris in 1793. The French Revolution had plunged the capital into chaos, and given his connections with the royal family, Breguet, uncertain about the future, left his home and workshop. Two years later, he returned to save his business on Quai de l'Horloge and continue his work. Success was swift, and on 26 June 1801, the patent for his outstanding invention - the tourbillon - was registered in Paris. Six years passed between obtaining the patent and the start of sales. From 1796 to 1829, Breguet and his associates produced about 40 pocket watches with tourbillons, which became rare and highly prized items. Approximately 25% of these watches were sold to shipowners, navigators, and others for maritime purposes, ensuring precise navigation.
Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047: Collaboration of Abraham-Louis and Leonardo
Today, Breguet honors its invention and place of origin with the Tradition Tourbillon ref. 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL - a modern interpretation with classic elements, including a chain and fusée mechanism. While the tourbillon belongs to Abraham-Louis, the chain and fusée mechanism was introduced to the world by another genius - Leonardo da Vinci. He did not invent this mechanism, but he visualized and explained the system's working principle, which has been used for centuries to regulate energy delivery.
In 1994, the chain and fusée mechanism was first applied in wristwatches to compensate for the natural decrease in torque as the mainspring unwinds. A fine chain connects the barrel to a conical pulley - the fusée. When fully wound, the spring exerts maximum force, and the chain pulls from the narrow top of the fusée, where leverage is minimal.
As energy is consumed and torque decreases, the chain moves to the wide base of the fusée, increasing leverage - similar to shifting to an easier gear when cycling uphill. The counteraction of the falling spring torque and the growing fusée leverage ensures a constant energy flow throughout the watch's operation. The result is improved timekeeping stability and chronometric performance.
Movement - A Masterpiece of Micromechanics
Caliber 569 is not just a movement, but a micromechanical machine consisting of 499 parts. With a thickness of 10.8 mm and a diameter of 36 mm, it embodies the genius and craftsmanship of watchmaking. The manual mechanism, operating at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, features a matte platinum ice-blue finish and a Breguet silicon balance spring pulsing inside a titanium tourbillon cage, treated in the Bleu de France shade.
The blue accent is complemented by a spinel on the massive open-worked tourbillon bridge made of steel. The fusée bridge, double barrel, and 77 out of 232 chain links are also colored in vibrant Bleu de France. These watches loudly proclaim "vive la France!" through the prism of Swiss watchmaking expertise.
The small dial with the mechanism is made of palladium-gold with grand feu enamel in Bleu de France. White Breguet Arabic numerals and fluted rhodium-plated 18-carat gold hands indicate hours and minutes, while the minute tourbillon tracks the seconds.
Premium Platinum Case
The limited edition of 25 pieces of the Tradition Tourbillon is adorned with secret hand engraving, executed using a pantograph. The case is made of 950 platinum with a fluted bezel and welded lugs, measuring 41 mm in diameter, 50.5 mm in length, and 16 mm in thickness, including a large convex sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating. The glass provides a panoramic view of the movement, allowing it to be admired from different angles.
It is worth noting that the Tradition Tourbillon is not entirely a new creation. In 2007, Breguet introduced the first version of the 7047, but the concept is so complex and unique that each watch with such a mechanism deserves admiration.
The new model 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL is a brighter version of the 2007 original, complemented by a Bleu de France rubber strap with contrasting ice-blue stitching, harmonizing with the platinum. The strap is secured by a triple folding clasp in 950 platinum with signature engraving.
Wearing Breguet Tradition Tourbillon: The Feeling of a Monument on the Wrist
Wearing a Breguet Tradition Tourbillon is akin to carrying a monument on the wrist. These watches not only hold immense historical significance as Breguet's tourbillon but also represent the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie. Upon donning them, it is impossible to look away. The architecture of the movement and the color scheme captivate attention, and the watch enthusiast's eye cannot resist. Weighing just under 100 grams, the watch is noticeable on the wrist, creating a pleasant sensory impression. The design offers a detailed view of the components, and the convex sapphire glass invites a leisurely exploration of each element. Personally, I am particularly fond of the chain, and then the tourbillon.
What impresses about the 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL model is its undeniable belonging to Breguet. It is entirely original. The only regret is that I will never be able to acquire it. The price is on request, and it is far beyond my means, even if I save money for the next 225 years. These watches are like functional art: they can be used, but it is much more interesting to study them, discover the details, and examine them over and over again.
Do you think the Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL is a worthy tribute to the 225-year-old mechanical anti-gravity device? And what do you think of the bright Bleu de France color scheme? Share your opinion in the comments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Tradition Tourbillon 7047 |
| Reference | 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL |
| Dial | Palladium-gold with grand feu enamel Bleu de France, white Breguet Arabic numerals, rhodium-plated 18K gold hands |
| Case Material | 950 platinum |
| Case Dimensions | 41 mm (diameter) × 50.5 mm (length) × 16 mm (thickness) |
| Glass | Sapphire with double anti-reflective coating |
| Case Back | 950 platinum and sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating |
| Movement | Breguet 569: manual winding, frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), power reserve 55 hours, 499 parts, 43 jewels, minute tourbillon with fusée and chain mechanism (232 links, 77 colored in Bleu de France), double barrel, Breguet silicon balance spring |
| Water Resistance | 3 bar (30 meters) |
| Strap | Bleu de France rubber (width 22 mm) with ice-blue stitching, triple folding clasp in 950 platinum |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds on tourbillon, power reserve indicator |
| Warranty | Five years, international |
| Special Features | Limited edition of 25 pieces, individual numbering and hand engraving on the case back |