Hands On: Breguet Expérimentale 1
The Breguet Expérimentale 1 represents a significant leap in mechanical watchmaking, featuring a groundbreaking contactless magnetic escapement that eliminates the need for lubrication and stabilizes amplitude. This innovative design is housed within a 43.5 mm 18k gold case, embodying both a modern aesthetic and a tribute to the brand's nautical heritage, with elements reminiscent of the Marine collection. The watch is equipped with a regulator-style dial and a tourbillon, offering a striking visual that highlights its technical complexity while ensuring a water resistance of 100 meters and a manual-winding movement with an impressive frequency of 10 Hz. Despite its technical prowess, the Expérimentale 1 faces challenges in appealing to a broader audience due to its polarizing design. The watch is a limited edition of 75 pieces, priced at CHF320,000, and represents the beginning of a new era for Breguet, emphasizing meaningful innovation while bridging the brand's rich history with modern advancements. The true impact of this watch will depend on how the technology diffuses across Breguet's future collections, making it a pivotal moment for the brand as it navigates an increasingly competitive market.
