The history of Breguet spans four centuries and is so rich in innovations and reforms that it can be stated with some degree of certainty that watchmaking in its familiar parameters today would not exist without this truly iconic brand. We have all heard of Breguet hands, Breguet spring, and in some countries at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, "Breguet" was the name for all pocket watches – just as today we call photocopiers "Xerox" or baby diapers "Pampers"...
Today, we have the pleasure of presenting to your attention a representative of the brand's Marine series – and not just any, but the largest and most expensive representative of the series: the Marine Royale. The series unites all this heritage and reminds us all why Breguet is such a great brand. When the watch was first introduced in 2010, it initially polarized the opinions not only of the brand's admirers but of watch enthusiasts in general. The model is a typical representative of this series – it is offered in an exquisite coin-edged case, crafted from 18-carat gold, and the dial is distinguished by an intricate guilloché. Such a combination of radial brushing on the outer edges of the dial and three-dimensional cubes in the central part can hardly be found in any other brand on the market. The classic aesthetics of the watch are further enhanced by the Roman numerals and the blued ornate hands.
The watch has large dimensions even by today's standards – a 45 mm case and a height of 17.45 mm. However, due to the bezel's design, it looks and wears even larger.
Undoubtedly, one of the most attractive things about the model (besides the fact that it is a Breguet) is the abundant use of 18-carat rose gold and the movement, which offers a mechanical alarm. Not many watches can boast such a function, and the fact that the dial also has an indicator for the alarm's power reserve, as well as an indicator for whether it is on, makes it even more unique. The movement operates at the frequently used frequency for mechanical watches of 4 Hz – or in other words, 28,800 vibrations per hour. The factory index for this work of engineering art is 519R, and it is in this model that Breguet first "showed" it to the general public. In the tradition of most Breguet timepieces, the rotor is made of rose gold, the movement has over 45 hours of power reserve and 36 jewels – dry numbers, behind which, however, lies much more.
This watch has numerous different and interesting innovations and technical solutions that not only distinguish it from the crowd but also give it an extremely attractive appearance and overall presence.
We have already mentioned the first distinctive feature – this, of course, is its unique movement. The second is the way the indications on the dial are arranged. In addition to the already mentioned indicators for the alarm's power reserve and its activation, the alarm scale is formed in an inner circle with blue dots for markers. The third is the guilloché, which is not only different in the separate circles but also changes within the inner circle – the first quarter has straight segments, while the second and third have semi-radially curved ones. Very impressive, elegant, and different...
And of course, last but not least are all the characteristics that not only give the watch the full right to bear the name Marine but also to be classified among diver's watches – water resistance up to 300 m, a rotating bezel, and a rubber strap unique in its comfort and security.
Regardless of the initial confusion that all these different indications might cause, the dial is easily legible, and the information is clearly recognizable – all thanks to the well-thought-out design and, of course, the brand's experience and heritage. The colors used, besides the brown, which combines in an incredible way with the rose gold, are white and blue, which further improves the legibility of the indications.
The case back is open and allows one to enjoy not only the operation of this wonderful movement but also the unique finish for which Breguet is deservedly famous.
