Breguet’s Classique Tourbillon 3358 Revives a Legacy of Excellence

Breguet reminds the world of its opulent history with the Classique Tourbillon 3358 — paying tribute to its aristocratic past and revolutionary origin.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358

A Breguet tourbillon wristwatch is arguably the quintessential tourbillon. Founder Abraham-Louis Breguet secured a patent for the mechanism in 1801. A gem-encrusted tourbillon timepiece, exemplified by the Classique Tourbillon 3358, introduces a luxurious aspect that recalls the watchmaker's historical service to both the Capetian and Bonaparte dynasties. Unveiled late last year, this timepiece exemplifies a stunning amalgamation of technical innovation and exquisite jewellery artistry, honoring the heritage of Breguet and embodying a revolutionary ethos. The contemporary press release from Breguet asserts that reference 3358 constitutes a work of art; nonetheless, this is ultimately for you, esteemed reader, to determine.

Central to the Classique Tourbillon 3358, positioned at 6 o’clock, is the tourbillon, which mitigates timekeeping discrepancies induced by gravitational effects on the hairspring. This recent innovation features a tourbillon integrated within Breguet’s proprietary caliber 187D, a manually wound movement composed of 187 precisely engineered components (there is no indication that the calibre designation refers to the number of components). The movement operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, equating to 18,000 vibrations per hour, embodying the brand's historic watchmaking principles; this calibre, utilized in other Classique references, does not include a silicon hairspring.

The design of the 3358 is as captivating as its engineering. The watch, encased in white gold, is adorned with diamonds, exuding an air of sophisticated luxury. The white gold dial is converted into a radiant surface with the application of 281 brilliant-cut diamonds, employing the distinctive "snow-setting" technique for the subdial positioned at noon. This elaborate technique, which organizes the diamonds in exact, overlapping rows, imparts a luminous look to the subdial akin to a starlit sky. The eccentric hour ring made of genuine white mother-of-pearl, highlighted by black Breguet numerals and paired with open-tipped hands in blued steel, guarantees both legibility and visual harmony.

The fluted crown, embellished with a rose-cut diamond, accentuates the model's opulent embellishments, while a sapphire crystal case back featuring an anti-reflective coating safeguards and displays the elaborately designed movement inside.

In a market such as Singapore, where precision and aesthetics are highly valued, the Classique Tourbillon 3358 establishes a new benchmark. By integrating historical significance with modern design, Breguet has once more crafted a timepiece that honors the brilliance of Abraham-Louis Breguet while showcasing the brand's other essential abilities.

 Movement: Manual caliber 187D including a tourbillon; 50-hour power reserve

 Case: 35mm in white gold (gem-set bezel, lugs, and crown); water-resistant to 30 meters

 Strap: Azure leather

 Cost: USD 248,000

 This narrative was initially published in WOW #76, Spring 2025 edition.