Breguet Classique Day-Date Moonphase - Ref. 3330 - White Gold

The watch

There is an aura of perfect serenity and order to this timepiece. Not a minute marker is out of place. Its 36 mm coin case is fashioned from white gold, a version of the watch that is seldom seen and is much rarer than the yellow gold version of the watch. The white gold also gives neat uniformity to the piece, sitting in perfect balance with the silver elements of the dial. 

The edge of the case and the signed winding crown are finely fluted, a consistent characteristic of the Classique line of Breguet timepieces to which this 3330 belongs. Three delicate correcting push pieces are located at 10, 2 and 4 o'clock on the fluted edge of the case, one for each of the watch functions: date display, day of the week display and moon-phase display. A fine wave engraving covers the entire perimeter of the caseback and encloses further engravings including 'Automatic' and Breguet reference numbers.

Straight, downturned scalloped lugs contrast with and extend from the perfectly round case. The smooth, polished bezel holds the sapphire crystal that protects the cream-couloured dial, which is a true work of art. Different forms of hand-turned guilloché decoration are combined, Clou de Paris in the centre of the hour chapter ring and Grain d'orge in the arch that is formed above the hour chapter ring. Aesthetically beautiful but also serving a function. This combination of varying patterns stems from the time of Abraham-Louis Breguet, who had initially been drawn to the use of guilloché for its ability to create clear distinction between the varying zones of the dial. 

The silver, satin brushed hour chapter ring is completed with black, printed Roman numerals. On the minute marker, just below the 6, 'Swiss' is printed. This is a further indicator of the early provenance of the piece, as on later pieces the inscription 'Swiss Guilloché Main' is found.

The dial is completed with champagne, wing-esque apertures at 10 and 2 o'clock for the day (provided in English) and date functions, while the hemispherical moon-phase dial sits at 12. The champagne colour of the apertures recalls the moon and stars of the moon-phase dial, and in turn, the deep blue sky on the moon-phase dial recalls the blued Breguet hands of the hour chapter ring. All elements of the watch are in perfect tune with each other, the watch is in perfect harmony.

Movement

It is the automatic Calibre 502 that powers this Breguet 3330. The movement is based upon the Frederic Piguet Calibre 71 and has a power reserve of 45 hours, while its balance vibrates at a rate of 21,600 times per hour.

How it wears

With a case measuring 36 mm in diameter, the presence on the wrist is refined. Add to this the decoration of the piece - the fluted case, the guilloché dial - and the watch becomes elegant, too. Add the champagne wing apertures, the intricately decorated moon-phase dial and the watch becomes intriguing. Refined, elegant and intriguing yet also steeped in history, which it carries and wears so well.

The set & condition

This classic timepiece from Breguet is in excellent condition and comes with its original, signed folding buckle.

Origin

Breguet has been in the business of watchmaking for over two hundred years and has a history that is as rich as it is vast. Through the eye-catching finesse of this Breguet 3330, two of the most illustrious eras within the brand's history are perfectly showcased. Firstly, the era of Breguet's ingenious founder and secondly, that of its twentieth-century saviour.

Abraham-Louis Breguet, originally from Neuchâtel in Switzerland, established his watchmaking company in 1775 in Paris, and is today regarded as the father of modern-day watchmaking. His experimentation and accomplishment within the field led to the creation of countless components that are still widely used within the production of timepieces today. His concern, and relentless quest for horological excellence, was applied to both the mechanical and aesthetic aspects of watchmaking. The unbridled success he achieved in both arenas garnered him an array of the most exclusive eighteenth-century clientele, including Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette, as well as Napoleon Bonaparte, all of whom were dedicated patrons of Breguet.

Three key elements from Abraham-Louis Breguet's tenure can be seen on this Breguet 3330. Its stylistically daring off-centre dial, the guilloché decoration of the dial and of course, its Breguet hands. These components were all introduced to Breguet timepieces over the course of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century and would become synonymous with the House of Breguet style.

Fast-forward to the early 1970s and the Breguet name, although still present, had lost its flair of brilliance. It fell upon the shoulders of the brothers Jacques and Pierre Chaumet, from the family of Parisian jewellers, to see if that eighteenth-century diamond fire could be reignited. The brothers knew that for the revival to have a chance of success, a bold and tenacious master watchmaker would be required. It was in Daniel Roth that this would be found.

To breathe a new lease of life into the brand, Mr Roth fostered a return to Breguet's origins and the origins of fine watchmaking. He encouraged a move of the Breguet manufacture from France to Switzerland and embarked on a year-long study of the Breguet archives in order to fully grasp the thinking and working of Abraham-Louis Breguet that had initially propelled the brand to success. This return to its roots, under the guidance of a phenomenal master watchmaker, set the scene that allowed Breguet to flourish once again. The Breguet 3330 bears all the hallmarks of this wonderful moment of the Roth renaissance period and is directly inspired by one of Abraham-Louis Breguet's pocket tact watches, no. 4579.

No stock is kept on site. 

Reference	3330
Movement	Automatic
Caliber	Calibre 502
Dial	Cream Guilloché
Size (Case)	36 mm
Material (Case)	White Gold
Bracelet	Mr Watchley Grained Blue
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Very good
Year	End of 90s
Papers	-
Box	-
Warranty	2 years