It’s everyone’s favourite piece of watchmaking trivia that the tourbillon was invented by Abraham Louis Breguet (today, June 26th, is the anniversary of the original patent). So it makes sense that of any brand in the world, it is Breguet who are determined to continue innovating and exploring this incredibly visual and striking complication. For 2024 they’ve released a new edition of the Classique Double Tourbillon in rose gold, dubbed the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345.
Out of the starting blocks, since we’re talking about Breguet’s tourbillon heritage, let’s briefly discuss what a tourbillon is. In simple terms, a tourbillon is a rotating cage that houses a watch’s balance wheel, balance spring and escapement – the parts of a watch known as the regulating organ and that transmit energy from the power reserve through to the hands in order to make them move. Breguet found that in pocket watches that are held in the same orientation all day, rotating the regulating organ constantly reduces the negative effects of gravity on the movement, making for a more accurate timepiece.
What then is the purpose of a double tourbillon, such as the Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345? Well, both of the tourbillons have completely independent gear trains and power barrels, meaning they are powered and operate separate from each other. However, they are connected by a central differential meaning they work in tandem to regulate the rate of the watch – averaging out any inconsistencies and potential errors between the two. The result of which is an even higher degree of accuracy.
While that’s cool and all, even more striking is the fact that the hour hand is fixed in place on the bridge. Which may seem like an odd decision – normally an hour hand must be free to rotate independent from the bridge and movement. After all, if it is fixed in place then what use is it in telling the time? Well, the solution lies in the fact that the twin tourbillons are also attached to a third gear train which uses their power to rotate the entire mainplate of the movement 360 degrees every 12-hours. So, the fixed hour hand does in fact rotate at the appropriate speed to tell the time, it’s just that the rest of the movement moves with it. It makes for a dancing ballet with the tourbillons spiralling around the display.
All this is true of the previous platinum edition of the Classique Double Tourbillon too. Where the new edition of the Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge 5345 differs is that the 46mm x 16.8mm case, the guilloché rotating mainplate and B initials over the power barrels are presented in 18k rose gold. It makes for a lustrous and gloriously opulent aesthetic. A grand ballroom of a case in which the tourbillons’ ballet plays out.
In terms of specifications, the movement itself is the 588N2 and it is stunning. It’s comprised of 740 components, each immaculately finished, and has a power reserve of 60-hours despite the power intensive double tourbillon and carousel style display – thanks largely to the twin barrel system. It’s protected by a solid caseback featuring an engraving of Breguet’s original workshop at Quai de l’Horloge, with each caseback taking 100 hours to painstakingly engrave by hand.
As to the price, well, I can tell you off the bat that the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345 will not be making it onto any ‘top 10 accessible watches’ articles any time soon… or ever. It will set you back £689,300. Not a watch that many people will ever own then, but certainly one to admire from afar.
Price and Specs:
More details at Breguet.