Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire, Reference 5365 | A limited edition pink gold tourbillon wristwatch | Circa 2021
Breguet
Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 581 automatic, 33 jewels Movement number: 32'281 Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on sapphire crystal display case back Case number: 2'456 CM Closure: 18k pink gold Breguet double-folding clasp Size: 41.5 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: yes Accessories: Breguet Certificate of Authenticity, blank warranty, instruction manual and presentation case with outer packaging The tourbillon, though now famous and widely implemented across the industry, is inextricably linked with Breguet, for it was Abraham-Louis Breguet who invented the mechanism over two centuries ago. Thus, no other brand was better placed to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the tourbillon in 2021, and a truly special watch was unveiled by Breguet to mark the occasion. The ultra-limited anniversary reference 5365 encompasses everything that Breguet is best known for and was limited to just 35 pieces - the exact number of tourbillon watches made during Abraham-Louis Breguet’s lifetime. Though the basic design and layout of the watch had already been used before in references such as the 5367 and 5377, the new Extra-Plat featured a list of evolutions which elevate it above the rest. On the dial, enthusiasts will note that the power reserve has been completely removed, both for a cleaner design and to show off the true stars: the brand new hand guilloché techniques, and tourbillon regulator. Breguet is famous for beautiful and intricate guillochage, a technique originally invented for legibility and durability, where surfaces with fine engravings can both capture light in different ways while being less prone to corrosion. On the reference 5365, a Clou de Paris motif is hand applied onto the centre portion of the dial, while the periphery is engraved with a Grain d’Orge motif for contrast. Due to the intricacy of the guillochage, the dials almost appear matte from a distance, and the craftsmanship can only be seen when observing the watch up close. The movement, with the tourbillon positioned unusually between 3 and 6 o’clock, is truly captivating. The dial side tourbillon bridge is made of blued steel, unprecedented for Breguet. Above the tourbillon is another tribute to the anniversary bearing the text “Brevet No 157”, the original patent number awarded to Abraham-Louis Breguet 220 years ago. Flipping the watch over, the calibre 581 can be seen to be masterfully redecorated for the anniversary. Hand engraved with a faithful reproduction of the original watercolour plate used to file the original patent application, the calibre is on full display and unobstructed by the peripheral winding rotor. All in all, reference 5365 is a model truly worthy of commemorating the anniversary of one of the most recognisable and famous complications in horology.
