Searching for catharsis in the classics, heritage Swiss watch manufacturer Breguet has simplified its quantième perpétuel calendar. The new Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 succeeds the ref. 5327, a timepiece that has been in the Breguet lineup since 2004. Sublimating the previous-generation quantième perpétuel calendar into a more streamlined timepiece, the Breguet Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 retains the classic (or shall we say classique?) charm of its predecessor while making for a largely more decipherable watch.
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Originating in the late 18th century, the perpetual calendar is a complex function designed to display the exact date; a feat achieved by the movement having mechanical ‘memory’ of 1461 days (four years). While a perpetual calendar will never truly be ‘simple’, the Breguet Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 refines the design; a retrograde month display at 11 o’clock sits where the power reserve indicator used to be, with the new perpetual calendar having five sub-dials rather than six.
Boasting more balanced proportions, the date indicator at 6 o’clock has been enlarged, serving to ground the lower half of the dial. Notably, the smiling man-in-the-moon has been swapped for a hand-hammered moon that takes on a more realistic tone. The latter change is not altogether welcome, however makes sense with the new, cleaner aesthetic of the dial.
With the same 39mm case size and coin-edge finish as its predecessor, the timepiece is available in an 18k white or rose gold case (accompanied by a navy or brown leather strap, respectively). As is characteristic of the heritage Swiss watch manufacturer, the dial has been finished with guilloche, however this too has been simplified; a single Clous de Paris dominates the entirety of the dial, where previously multiple patterns were employed to add textural complexity.
The Breguet Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 is powered by the calibre 502.3.P, an ultra-thin, self-winding movement with 45 hours of power reserve that has been used by Breguet for decades.
The Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 is priced at $116,800AUD and is available by appointment at Breguet physical stores.
Words by Theo Rosen
