The quest for perfection is boundless, as Breguet once again demonstrates with this model combining extreme precision made possible by state-of-the-art technological developments and an aesthetic that highlights a certain taste for tradition. Beneath the classic appearance of its dial, adorned with guilloché patterns including “Geneva waves” “clou de Paris hobnailing”, “sunburst”, “chevrons”, “cross-hatched” and “barleycorn”, lies a mechanical hand-wound movement that raises the standards of excellence by yet another notch. Its 10 Hz frequency considerably improves the chronometric performances of the balance-spring. This high frequency and optimal precision are achieved by a double balance-spring, lever and escape-wheel in silicon, yet the major innovation lies in the use of a magnetic pivot. The latter system not only serves to master the negative effects of magnetism, but also strongly improves the pivoting, rotation and stability of the balance-staff. The science of time measurement has a bright future ahead of it.
Its architectural counterpart: the Institut du Monde Arabe, by Jean Nouvel and Architecture-Studio, Paris
Designed in 1987 by Jean Nouvel and Architecture-Studio, the building of the Institut du Monde Arabe made a unique and extraordinary mark on the history of modern architecture. Not only did it pave the way for a new vision of architecture, but it also enabled Jean Nouvel to win the Aga Khan prize for architecture. This project was conceived and developed as a bridge between Western and Eastern cultures. The overall volume features two different façades : a north façade reflecting a typically Parisian spirit and a south façade playing with archetypical features of Arabic culture.
A closer examination of the detail and complexity of the elements composing the building reveals the same desire to surprise and astonish, combined with complete mastery of both history and technology – exactly like the Breguet Classique Chronométrie 7727 watch. On this façade, historical geometrical elements have been reinterpreted with 240 examples of mashrabiya latticework, a system incorporating light-sensitive diaphragms. In traditional architecture, the mashrabiya serves to provide natural ventilation by forcing the light to pass through small spaces and gives a life of their own to the surfaces that play with this light.
Creating luminous effects, mastering surfaces, as well as using technology to serve culture, history and beauty are doubtless the key common denominators of these two masterpieces. Through this watch, Breguet presents the full force of its expertise by creating an exceptional and fascinating object capable of expressing the quintessence of the brand values.
Above all, the powerful appeal of the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Classique Chronométrie 7727 lie in the use of cutting-edge technology to highlight more classical values.
Classique Chronométrie 7727
Case : white gold Diameter : 41 mm Movement : mechanical hand-wound Caliber 574DR, 60h power reserve Functions : hours, minutes, seconds, power-reserve indicator Dial : six different guilloché patterns Water resistance : 30m Strap : black leather
The Institut du Monde Arabe, in Paris, designed by Jean Nouvel and Architecture-Studio.
