Classique 5177

BASELWORLD 2006

FOR BREGUET, 2006 IS MARKED BY CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

The introduction of silicon

With the introduction of various mechanical movement parts in silicon, Breguet has once again achieved a major breackthrough in horological technology.

The planet's second most common substance after oxygen, silicon is impervious to magnetic attraction and influence and, more important still, highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Lighter and harder than steel, it reduces inertia, requires no lubricant and provides far greater geometric freedom, i.e opportunities to turn out new and complex shapes.

CLASSIQUE 5177 Lever and escape wheel in silicon

The CLASSIQUE 5177 no sports a new basic movement, the selfwinding caliber 777Q, already a promising design for the development of major and lesser complications. Impressive in precision and performance, it benefits from the latest technical advances, not least an escape wheel and a lever made of silicon, ceramic bearings, a new shock-absorber design for the balance called Nivachoc, DLC-coated internal barrel surface (a diamond-type carbon compound). Its Breguet overcoil and the balance wheel fitted with four gold regulating screws signal the brand's identity and character, perpetuating its established tradition of excellence.

The yellow gold case and oven-fired white enamel dial provide a perfect framework for display of Breguet styling attributes, not least open-tipped blued-steel hands and the unique calligraphy of the numerals. The date appears at 3 o'clock on the dial over wich smoothly glides a center seconds hands. A sapphire backplate reveals the movement's handsomely gleaming complexity, testifying to the unrivalled skill and sensitivity of its craftsmen. Its Côtes de Genève decorative ribbing contrasts elegantly with the engine-turned gold oscillating weight, executed by hand of course, while even the most minute component displays flawless finish. This timepiece is also available with an engine-turned dial enhanced by a Roman-numeral chapter ring.