Breguet Classique Day-Date Moonphase 'Chinoise' Yellow Gold 3330

Neo-vintage Breguet is having a moment, there's no doubt about that. The craftsmanship, design and historical significance of the Daniel Roth era of Breguet design truly deserves to be appreciated, and it's pieces like this that make it easy to see why they are becoming more and more coveted by the day.

The reference 3330 goes by a few names, whether that be the Classique Day-Date, or the Chinoise. But what you need to know is that it was a reference conceived within the Daniel Roth era of Breguet, and was based around the historic Abraham-Louis Breguet pocket watch, reference 4579, from 1829.

So what is it that is so appealing about this reference? For us, it's the perfect balance of design on the dial, with a day of the week and date indicator flanking the time display, with a classical, and very beautiful, moonphase complication at 12. The dial features a classic multiple forms of hand-turned guilloche, with Clou de Paris in the centre of the hour display, and Grain d'orge throughout the areas surrounding this. The perfectly blued Breguet hands are as gorgeous as ever, with their tips perfectly meeting the hour and minute markers respectively which are executed in crisp, black print. The hour chapter ring features a circular grained brushing, matched on the moonphase indicator. You'll also note that the dial is stamped 'Swiss' at 6, rather than the production pieces 'Swiss Guilloché Main', which along with the lack of signature within the hour chapter ring lends a much cleaner aesthetic and is far more desirable to our eyes.

But with all of the above being so perfectly formed, it's the day and date indicator that is our very favourite detail on the watch. They're executed in a lovely champagne colour, making them feel very vintage-inspired, and provides a contrast against the cream finish of the dial.

With all of that being written about the dial, we've not even begun to explore the case, which is a true work of art. It features the classic coin-edge sandwich construction Breguet is so famous for, with discreet correctors inset within, and delicate lugs soldered on. It measures in at 36mm, and feels perfect on the wrist with its long lugs and roughly 7mm thickness. It's delicate, but not insubstantial, and proportionally perfect to our eyes.

Powering it is the Breguet Caliber 502, an ultra-thin automatic movement.

This particular example would date from the 90's, and is in absolutely fabulous condition. The dial shows no marks that we can see, hands are not scratched, and there's no signs of poor servicing anywhere on the case or dial.

The case is sharp, with crisp hallmarks present. Shows some mild patina in the inner coin-edge, which has taken on a slightly darker hue. Shows minor scratches on the case and caseback, but nothing large.

Specific service history is unknown. It's currently keeping time at around +17 seconds a day at high 200's amplitude. All function operating as they should, including the correctors.

It comes mounted to an aftermarket leather strap which suits it really well, and includes the original Breguet 18k pin buckle with crisp hallmarks.

Comes as a watch-only, no box and papers.

A lovely example of a truly beautiful neo-vintage Breguet.

 

Brand: Breguet

Circa: 1990's

Model #: 3330

Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold

Case details: 36mm

Bracelet: Aftermarket Leather with Breguet 18k Tang Buckle

Movement: Breguet Caliber 502 Ultra-Thin Automatic

Dial: Cream

Paraphernalia: Nil

Grading: Excellent neo-vintage condition

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