Breguet Classique Chronograph a legendary calibre for Only Watch 2013

Since 2005, Breguet joined the Only Watch charity project sponsored by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophies. Under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, watchmakers have united forces and each edition is an opportunity to discover outstanding pieces.

Breguet Classique Chronograph ref. 5284 unique piece for Only Watch 2013

The Breguet 5284 and its renowned calibre 533.2 SQ

What is interesting with this year’s Breguet watch is that on top of being outstanding in its design, it is also remarkable for the history of the calibre that houses it.

In fact, the self-winding mechanical movement 2310 originally known as the calibre 533.2 SQ animates this Classique Chronograph openworked 5284. In the 40s, Albert Piguet, - then working at Lemania - designed it and named it calibre CH27. At the time, the column-wheel chronograph movement had neither finish nor any particular decoration; yet, thanks to its strength and reliability, it attained glory in no time.

Breguet Classique Chronograph ref. 5284 movement

Courtesy of precision index screws facilitating the adjustment of the depth between the wheels with the utmost accuracy, binding was more easily avoided. Likewise, slightly applying pressure to the second hand rotation, a spring decreased the quavering risks. These are but a few examples of the technical qualities of the CH27. The latter inevitably attracted the attention of the famous watch brands, which chose to equip their timepiece with this CH27 over designing one of their own. Afterwards, it became the calibre 2310 after having been subjected to meticulous workmanship.

Unique openworked version for Only Watch 2013

Among this year’s new Breguet models, the Classic Chronograph had already concretised an extraordinary case for the calibre 2310.

Breguet Classique Chronograph ref. 5284 wristshot

Nonetheless, what distinguishes the piece manufactured for the 2013 Only Watch edition is that it has an openwork finish and more advanced decorations on the movement. The open centre of the dial of this 45 mm in diameter 18-carat yellow gold timekeeper gives a view on the extraordinary engraving craftsmanship made on most parts of the movement’s components on the dial side. What’s more is that through the sapphire glass of the case back, one can fully admire the legendary movement.

Breguet Classique Chronograph an extraordinary unique watch for collectors

Water-resistant to 30 metres, this Classique Chronograph openworked 5284 displays hours and seconds at the centre. A timer is positioned at 9 o’clock while one will find the information concerning the chronograph’s functions via a central seconds hand and a 30 minutes timer positioned at 3 o’clock. While the traditional Breguet open-tipped hands are present, their yellow gold realisation increases the global aesthetics of the case and of the openings on the dial. Both the auction and the timekeeper meet on the level of prestige.

Focus on the calibre 533.2 SQ