Launched in 1993, a few years before the acquisition of Breguet by the Swatch group, the Breguet Classique Minute Repeater ref. 3637 is a perfect embodiment of the firm’s heritage of fine watchmaking. While the first minute repeating watch was invented in 1680 by Thomas Mudge, horologist of the 17th century has since developed and improved the mechanism. A century later in 1873, Abraham-Louis Breguet developed the world’s first minute repeating watch with a gong spring replacing the bell. A total revolution to the minute repeating mechanism, today the gong spring remains as one of the key components for any minute repeating timepiece.
Classic in all attributes, the ref. 3637 encased in its signature yellow gold case with coin-edged caseband is the firm’s iconic guilloche dial executed in a total of four different methods including "Clou de Paris" on the main dial, "Damier croisé" on the register at 9 o’clock, "Vieux paniers" on the upper half of the register at 3 o’clock and "Décor flammé" on the lower half. The cal. 567 is based on a Lemania ebauche inspired by old repeaters from the Vallée de Joux. The present example offered in attractive overall condition displays a wonderfully crisp chime.
Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.
