The precious metal of platinum has captivated civilisations across the globe for centuries. From pre-Columbian South American natives who used the metal’s malleability to craft artefacts to the European noblemen who donned it as a sign of their status, ‘the metal of kings’ has enjoyed a distinguished allure and admiration since it was discovered halfway through the 16th century on the American continent – notwithstanding the foolish actions of the first Spanish explorers who cast the metal aside, mistaking it for impure gold.
It was in the second half of the 18th century when platinum experienced a tremendous explosion in popularity, particularly in Europe. After making its indelible mark on jewellery, horologists soon incorporated the metal into watchmaking, thanks to its ductile and highly unreactive properties. And today, this noble material crowns the two latest models of The Classique de Breguet collection: Classique 5177 and Classique 7787.
Faithfully following the famed physical characteristics of the series, the timepieces’ cases are manufactured in platinum for the first time. Measuring 38mm in diameter and 8.8mm high for the Classique 5177 and 39mm in diameter and 10.3mm high for the Classique 7787, the cases will possess the slim bezel, knurled crown, slender lugs and fluted case band, all of which will be composed of platinum as well.
Dressed in black and silver to show the essential passage of time on the 5177 and complemented by the moon-phase and power-reserve indicator on the 7787, the faces of timepieces are coated with intense black Grand Feu enamel. One of the most difficult colours to work with, the black Grand Feu enamel beautifully contrasts with the powdered silver Breguet Arabic numerals and discreet timer. The addition of rhodium-plated moon tipped Breguet hands that indicate the hours, minutes and seconds, serve to enhance this striking contrast.
Completing the look and guaranteeing the mark of Breguet authenticity, the Grand Feu enamel dials reveal the brand’s secret signature to the right of the centre for the 7787 and between the centre and 6 o’clock for the 5177.
