Introducing: Breguet’s New Classique Calendrier 7337

Breguet’s Classique Calendrier 7337 traces its roots to the heritage brand’s own pocket watches from two centuries ago. In the latest iteration, the emblematic timepiece dons a clean-cut dial to transform its classic design into modern elegance. With a new aesthetic for its moonphase and calendar complications, the Classique Calendrier 7337 comes in two variations in white gold and rose gold.

The legacy

For anyone to keep alive the legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet is a tall order. After all, he was a high-profile watchmaker, a gifted inventor, as well as an astute entrepreneur who gave the name to the house of Breguet in 1775. This “influencer” of his time also broke the trend of baroque styles and pioneered a neoclassical style in watchmaking, considered an avant-garde look in that period which also aided in dial legibility.

The hallmarks

A.L. Breguet’s many original designs and inventions still remain in use in watchmaking today. Within the house’s own collections, the blued “moon-tip” hands, the guilloché decoration, the off-centered time display, and the fluted case band, among others, are all embodiments of the legacy of Breguet the founder. The reason we can have the pleasure to appreciate these hallmarks is no accident. Throughout the design evolution, the house has had to tackle the unimaginable if not impossible challenge to retain and renew.

The new dial

That brings us to the new Classique Calendrier 7337. Since its 2009 debut, the model may seem like it has come a long way with its simpler geometric dial in the 2022 version. It certainly feels like an attempt at a more contemporary design to keep the watch relevant to a new(er) generation of collectors. The style is clean and wholesome in its own right, with sumptuous decorative details throughout.

The complications

Above all, the Classique Calendrier 7337 carries the moonphase, day, and date complications. It is interesting that Breguet sometimes alternates between calling it the Classique Calendrier 7337 and the Classique 7337 but always omits “Moonphase” (or “Phase de Lune”) from the name. Most other brands making a moonphase watch would capitalize on it and make a big deal of selling it. Not Breguet. Although, with their blue backgrounds popping against the 7337’s white backdrop, the moonphase, the day, and date indications are without a doubt the key features.

The moonphase

The moonphase display at 12 o’clock is a work of art in itself. The moon in white gold is hand-hammered to mimic the surface of the real Moon. The clouds, on the other hand, have gone through a fine sandblasting treatment to achieve a matte texture. The sky has a blue lacquer coating filled with spangles to represent the stars as they shimmer from certain viewing angles. Flanking the moonphase on both sides are the day and date at 10 and 2 o’clock respectively. The fan-like apertures are relatively large to enhance readability.

The decorations

The signature off-centered dial features finely hand-engraved guilloché in a Clous de Paris motif crafted on a rose engine by the in-house artisans. The outer dial sports a circular barleycorn motif. Indicating the time are Roman numerals and the traditional blued Breguet hands. Across the dial are the Breguet wordmark and unique production number plaques.

The movement

Inside the 39mm Classique Calendrier 7337 is Breguet’s in-house automatic caliber 502.3 QSE1. With a 2.4mm profile, it is one of the manufacture’s thinnest movements, helping to keep the watch just 9.95mm thick. This high-performance engine is comprised of 236 components including a silicon balance spring. Its escapement features an inverted straight-line pallet lever with silicon horns. The rhodium-plated movement has a distinctive off-center and recessed rotor to allow the main structure to be flatter. It has an open barrel as well, which also contributes to the slimness while providing 45 hours of power reserve.

The balance beats at a frequency of 21,600vph (3Hz). The movement is lavishly decorated per Breguet’s exemplary standards, with Côtes de Genève finishing and chamfered edges. The white gold rotor features a hand-guilloché circular barleycorn motif. All is on display in its full glory through the sapphire case back.

The offer

The Breguet Classique Calendrier 7337 is available in an 18K white gold or rose gold case. The former comes with an alligator strap in midnight blue, while the latter comes with the same type of strap in dark brown. The price is €45,800 including VAT.

To learn more about Breguet’s legendary design and heritage, visit the brand’s official website.

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