www.blajournal.com

Breguet Unveils the Expérimentale 1: A Revolutionary Watch with a Contact-Free Magnetic Escapement

December 01

Celebrating its 250th anniversary, Breguet introduces a significant advancement in horology: the Expérimentale 1. This innovative timepiece showcases the world's first high-frequency (10Hz) tourbillon equipped with a magnetic escapement, designed to provide unvarying force to the balance wheel. This release inaugurates Breguet's new Expérimentale series, a collection dedicated to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking innovation, much like the brand's esteemed founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, did with his groundbreaking inventions such as the tourbillon and constant-force escapement.

The Expérimentale 1 embodies a blend of modern aesthetics and historical references. Encased in a sporty 43.5mm Breguet gold Marine case, it boasts contemporary features like an interchangeable rubber strap and fully luminous indications for optimal readability. Despite its modern appeal, the watch pays homage to its heritage through design elements reminiscent of the historical Reference 3448 and the pioneering Marine Chronometer No. 104, notably featuring Arabic numerals—a detail shared with one of A.-L. Breguet's earliest known marine chronometers. The watch aims to conquer three primary challenges in achieving ultimate precision: maintaining consistent balance amplitude, mitigating the effects of gravity, and enhancing shock resistance.

To overcome these challenges, Breguet implemented a sophisticated solution: a 10Hz tourbillon paired with a constant-force magnetic escapement. The magnetic system ensures a stable impulse to the balance throughout the power reserve by decoupling the impulse function from the gear train and tourbillon cage, thereby minimizing inertia's impact. This allows for a larger tourbillon and novel design possibilities, such as an offset balance. The high frequency enables quicker recovery from disturbances, while the tourbillon's 60-second rotation effectively averages out gravitational effects. Though the use of magnets in mechanical watches has traditionally been problematic, Breguet's previous explorations, including the Classique 7225 with its magnetic pivot, laid the groundwork for this controlled magnetic interaction. The Expérimentale 1's hand-winding Caliber 7250 features a unique escapement architecture with two magnetic-tracked escape wheels and a pallet lever with magnetized pallets, all working to provide precise and stable impulses. Components are crafted from non-magnetic materials like silicon for the balance spring and LIGA (NiP12) for the fixed fourth wheel, with other parts made from titanium or Nivagauss, emphasizing the brand's commitment to cutting-edge materials and precision engineering. The timepiece is certified under the Breguet hallmark in the 'Scientific' category, guaranteeing an impressive accuracy of ±1 second over 24 hours.

The Breguet Expérimentale 1 is not merely a technical marvel; it is a statement of visionary design and innovation, priced at CHF 320,000. Its open architecture and sapphire dial offer an unobstructed view of the intricate movement, with hours displayed at 6 o'clock and the tourbillon-integrated minutes and seconds at 12 o'clock, a layout known for its clarity. The patented twin-barrel system further optimizes energy delivery and space utilization. This watch, with its blend of traditional Breguet elements and bold innovation, stands as a testament to the brand's continuous pursuit of excellence and its foundational role in the evolution of horological science. It represents a significant step forward, inspiring future generations of watchmakers and enthusiasts alike with its dedication to pushing the boundaries of precision and mechanical artistry.

latest news

Leading Timepieces Introduced in November
November 30

Leading Timepieces Introduced in November

November has been a remarkable month for horology, with top watchmakers unveiling an array of exceptional timepieces. Notable releases include Hublot's winter-themed Big Bang Unicos and special editions for Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons' anniversary, Omega's updated Seamaster Planet Ocean series, and De Bethune's innovative dual-time zone and perpetual calendar models. Jaeger-LeCoultre refreshed its Master Ultra Thin and Rendez-Vous collections, while Chopard introduced its most intricate chiming watch. Breitling launched an exclusive gold capsule collection, and TAG Heuer presented new Formula 1-inspired chronographs. Louis Vuitton unveiled Escale watches with unique stone dials, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its anniversary with complex astronomical pieces, Roger Dubuis honored its founder with two new Hommage watches, Gérald Genta reimagined its Gentissima Oursin with meteorite dials, Ulysse Nardin collaborated with Urwerk on the Ur-Freak, and H. Moser & Cie. debuted a Streamliner with a Gibeon meteorite dial. These innovations showcase the industry's ongoing pursuit of technical and artistic excellence.

Wempe's Iron Walker Diver Bronze: A Detailed Review
November 30

Wempe's Iron Walker Diver Bronze: A Detailed Review

Wempe expands its Iron Walker collection with a new bronze diver's watch, a departure from its usual steel models. This new timepiece combines a golden bronze case with black accents, featuring a 42mm diameter, a rubber-coated bezel, and a comfortable black rubber strap. Powered by a chronometer-certified Sellita SW200-1a movement, this limited-edition piece is priced at €4,495 / US$5,200. Despite its elegant design, its pricing strategy raises eyebrows.

Alcadus Voyager Worldtimer GMT: A Traveler's Companion in Rhodes
November 30

Alcadus Voyager Worldtimer GMT: A Traveler's Companion in Rhodes

This review details a week-long experience with the Alcadus Voyager Worldtimer GMT watch during a vacation in Rhodes. The article highlights the watch's practical performance as a travel companion, its blend of sporty and refined aesthetics, and the comfort of its bracelet. It also touches upon minor design quirks while emphasizing the overall satisfaction derived from its reliable and understated presence during daily activities.

Head-to-Head: Tudor Ranger Dune White vs. Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian Sand
November 30

Head-to-Head: Tudor Ranger Dune White vs. Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian Sand

This article conducts a direct comparison between two distinctive 'explorer-style' watches: the Tudor Ranger Dune White and the Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian Sand. Despite their significant price difference, both models are analyzed for their value, design, and performance. The discussion explores whether the premium price of the Tudor is justified by superior features or if the more affordable Christopher Ward offers a compelling alternative for enthusiasts seeking a robust everyday timepiece.

A Closer Look at the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel in Rose Gold
November 28

A Closer Look at the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel in Rose Gold

Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 Starwheel in rose gold offers a fresh perspective on a classic wandering hours complication. This article delves into the aesthetic and technical refinements of this timepiece, highlighting how the change in metal and dial color significantly impacts its overall appearance and appeal. It explores the interplay between the rose gold elements, black ceramic mid-case, and aventurine dial, creating a harmonious and sophisticated design.

Sotheby's Auction Features Audemars Piguet's 'Grosse Pièce' - A Masterpiece of Horology
November 28

Sotheby's Auction Features Audemars Piguet's 'Grosse Pièce' - A Masterpiece of Horology

A historically significant Audemars Piguet pocket watch, known as the 'Grosse Pièce,' is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's. This timepiece, part of the late Robert Olmsted's renowned collection, stands as one of AP's most complex pocket watches still in private ownership. Its sale marks a rare opportunity to acquire a horological marvel that reshapes our understanding of watchmaking history, blending celestial complications with intricate mechanical design. The auction, scheduled for December 8th in New York, is anticipated to draw considerable attention from collectors worldwide.