An enchanting dance of technical artistry and horological genius takes center stage this November at Palexpo, Geneva. The protagonist? Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5555, crafted exclusively for the anticipated Only Watch charity event. Organized by the Only Foundation, this biennial auction has seen revered brands like Breguet return time and again to present their pièce de résistance, and this year promises nothing less.
Introduced just last year, the Marine Hora Mundi is a marvel that stands testament to Breguet’s longstanding tradition of innovation. Embodying a blend of intricacy and aesthetics, the watch notably features a unique mechanism allowing wearers to leap time zones seamlessly with a mere push. No disturbances, no recalibrations – just pure horological finesse.
The grandeur doesn’t end with mechanics. Gaze upon the watch face and one is transported to an intricately crafted world. Its hand-guilloché gold base is reminiscent of undulating waves, embracing the blue continents inscribed upon it. A sapphire overlay introduces luminescent gold hour markers, set beside navy blue continents delicately engraved and varnished. The special edition of this masterpiece is adorned with vivid rose gold dots, invoking the ceaseless spirit of our Earth.
Breguet has always believed in indulging in the minutiae. An homage to Only Watch 2023, the signature Breguet hands are laced with red luminescence, matching the trapeze-shaped hour markers and an anchor settled gracefully at 6 o’clock. In a heartfelt tribute to the Only Foundation, the iconic city of Paris gracefully bows to the principality of Monaco, etched in passionate red.
Nature’s most resplendent luminaries, the Sun and Moon, find their home at 4 o’clock. With the Sun shimmering in rose gold and the Moon cloaked in mystic gray, they add a touch of celestial charm. Moreover, the date finds its niche at 12 o’clock, with a retrograde hand subtly nestled beneath, echoing an element of historical watch artistry.
Tucked within its 43.9 mm rose gold casing lies the heart of this masterpiece, the Calibre 77F1. Oscillating at a frequency of 4 Hz, this self-winding marvel is armed with silicon escapement, ensuring resistance against wear, corrosion, and even magnetic fields. The meticulous design and the inscribed “Only Watch 2023” on the case back is a testament to Breguet’s dedication to both craftsmanship and charitable causes.
The Marine Hora Mundi’s lineage can be traced back to Abraham-Louis Breguet, a luminary who intertwined his fate with the French Navy in 1814. As a member of the Bureau des Longitudes and later Chronometer-Maker for the French Royal Navy, Breguet ensured the world’s greatest explorers were accompanied by unparalleled timekeeping. The Marine line, thus, is not just a collection but a legacy.
As this stellar creation gears up to make its grand entry at the Only Watch auction, one can only anticipate the waves it’s set to create. Adorned with a midnight blue rubber strap, the Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5555 is not just a timepiece; it’s a journey – a journey through time, legacy, and sheer craftsmanship.
Technical Specifications
Case: 18-carat rose gold; 43.9 mm diameter; 13.80 mm thickness.
Dial: Sunburst and guilloché blue with sapphire plates.
Movement: Self-winding with a frequency of 4 Hz.
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, dual-time display, synchronized date, day/night indication, and city display.
Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m).
Calibre: 77F1 with 55-hour power reserve; 384 components.
Strap: Midnight blue rubber strap with an 18-carat rose gold triple-blade folding clasp.
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