Fergus Nash
The Breguet Classique Repetition Minutes 7637 is resplendent in 18k rose goldIt's a more romantic take on stealth wealth, remaining both unique and traditionalThe dial was made with grand feu enamel, a hand-made process which can take weeks to finishStealth wealth is a concept which lives in opposition to the loud and blingy sports watches of the 2000s, doing away with diamonds or showy complications which can be tacky. Humility and subtlety are prioritised, no matter the price tag or what secrets the watch hides. From afar, it should look like any other classic watch, but closer inspection reveals the luxury within. The rose gold Breguet Classique Repetition Minutes 7637 may not be as stealthy as one in white gold or platinum, however it's still a fantastic option for something special that remains looking traditional.Breguet is one of the most respected names in the watch industry, since Abraham-Louis Breguet invented some of watchmaking's most significant developments and components. Among them is naturally the tourbillon, but here the focus is put on his minute repeaters. Rather than a standard bell shape, Breguet's minute repeaters struck a spring plate for its resonant gonging. This is now the established design for most new minute repeaters, and the Classique Repetition Minutes 7637 is no exception. Not only are the springs better suited for chiming in a small space, but the resonance of each gong and case is tested by an acoustician in an anechoic chamber to ensure its quality of tone. The gongs are also made of 18k rose gold to ensure the best harmonious relationship between them and the case.The case itself is 42mm in diameter and 12.25mm thick, and only gives subtle hints as to its secret chime. A slider is located on the left side of the case, which is polished and given a coin-edge side below the slender bezel. The straight lugs embody a vintage feel, emphasising elegance and securing the black alligator leather strap. The dial gives very little away of its luxury status, with a simple black and silver colour scheme accented by iconic gold Breguet hands. First going through the painstaking process of grand feu enamelling, firing individual layers that can take weeks to complete, the dial is then hand-painted.Visible from the sapphire display caseback is the elaborately decorated Breguet calibre 567.2. The two gongs can be seen encircling the movement, which has had almost every surface engraved with various botanical motifs. It's quite an old-school movement which harkens back to the pocket watch days, beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour that won't bother any nitpickers thanks to the lack of a seconds hand. The power reserve is 40 hours, while the hand-winding gives a stronger personal connection with the mechanics. This truly is the level of movement you'd hope to see when spending the cost of a house, on a watch.The Breguet Classique Repetition Minutes 7637 pricing and availabilityThe Breguet Classique Repetition Minutes 7637 in rose gold is currently available from Breguet retailers. Price: A$362,500BrandBreguetModelClassique Repetition Minutes 7637Reference Number7637BR/2N/9ZUCase Dimensions42mm (D) x 12.25mm (T)Case Material18k rose goldWater ResistanceN/ACrystal(s)Sapphire front and backDialBlack grand feu enamel, hand-painted numeralsStrapBlack alligator leather, 18k rose gold hardwareMovementCalibre 567.2, in-house, manual winding, engravedPower Reserve40 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, minute repeaterAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$362,500
23.09.23