Few names in watchmaking carry as much historical weight as Breguet. From the invention of the tourbillon and the Breguet overcoil to the signature hands and numerals that now define classical watch design, Breguet’s influence runs through nearly every corner of the industry. The Classique Tourbillon 3357 captures that legacy in modern form, serving as a reminder of why the brand remains a cornerstone of fine watchmaking.
For context, the Chaumet brothers and Daniel Roth spearheaded the revival of Breguet throughout the 1970s and 1980s, which eventually saw the introduction of the 3350 Tourbillon in 1988. The 3350 became the very first tourbillon wristwatch produced under the Breguet banner. During that period, while the tourbillon complication no longer served its once crucial function to improve time-keeping accuracy, its historical importance for Breguet and its visual appeal meant that the 3350 made perfect sense at the time. Towards the late 1990s, the 3350 was updated with a new movement and an open caseback (as indicated by the ‘7’ in its reference), effectively evolving into the 3357, which is also the watch being offered here today.
At first glance, the Classique Tourbillon 3357 is understated yet luxurious; it is, as its name suggests, classically styled. Its elegant 36mm x 9.5mm case, crafted in 18-carat rose gold, features Breguet’s hallmark coin-edge fluting and gently curved lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist. The result is a case that feels refined, balanced, and unmistakably Breguet.
On the dial, you will find that it is gracefully adorned with hand-turned guilloché decoration, as indicated by the text “Swiss Guilloche Main” at the 3:00 position. The outer sector of the dial is covered in a grain d’orge (barley grain) motif. At 12:00 sits a sub-dial with brushed silver rings that feature the primary time-telling functions. The hour and minute are indicated by Breguet’s very own signature thermal-blued Breguet hands and Roman numerals painted in black. If you look closer, you will notice Breguet’s minimalistic signature between the XI and XII, and XII and I. The centre region of this sub-dial is beautifully embellished with a contrasting Clou de Paris guilloché, creating a refined interplay of textures against the silver rings. At 6:00 lies the glorious one-minute tourbillon cage, housing a triple-armed running seconds mechanism.
Inside, the 3357 is powered by a manually-wound, 21-jewelled Cal. 558.1, which is a movement produced by Nouvelle Lemania with the involvement of the legendary Daniel Roth and François Bodet during their respective tenures with Breguet. It features a lateral level escapement, a balance adjusted in 6 positions, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. It also offers a power reserve of 50 hours on a full wind.
As I have mentioned earlier, the 3357 was introduced in the early 1990s as the successor to the 3350. They were both almost identical in design, except for several cosmetic differences. The main distinction is that the “0” in 3350 indicates a closed caseback, whereas the “7” in 3357 indicates an open caseback. Through it, it allows us to admire the intricate ciselage (carving) on the backplate of the Lemania movement. For those unaware, ciselage is a rare artisanal engraving technique reserved only for Breguet’s most exceptional and precious pieces. The hand-carved bridges and plates reveal craftsmanship at its highest level, and to see it impeccably executed here in this example is an absolute treat to the eyes.
The Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3357 stands as a showcase of everything that defines Breguet: timeless design, technical mastery, and a devotion to traditional craft. Compact, elegant, and mechanically impressive, it’s a watch that rewards both close study and quiet admiration—a worthy modern heir to Breguet’s enduring legacy.
With all that’s said, it has been an absolute pleasure to be able to handle and now offer this beautiful work of mechanical art on the site.
