As if winning the top prize at the GPHG were not enough, Breguet has capped off their big 250th anniversary year with the launch of what is surely their most horologically interesting and cutting edge release in years. The Expérimentale 1 is an ambitious foray into contemporary haute horlogerie from a brand that more than most is associated with classicism. It incorporates and merges multiple technologies and advancements into a remarkably cohesive idea that might even have those of us who have always bristled at the controversial Marine collection rethinking its potential.
The showstopping feature of the new Expérimentale 1 is the tourbillon, the first ever to beat at 10 Hz. Bregust is quick to remind us that most tourbillons run at a rate of 2.5 Hz, so this represents a dramatic increase and in theory should provide a variety of chronometric benefits, including rate stability over the duration of the power reserve and a better baseline level of accuracy. But it’s not just a high frequency tourbillon. Breguet has also developed and introduced a new magnetic escapement that is designed to provide constant force to the balance.
The logic here is fairly straightforward even if the mechanics themselves are, frankly, somewhat difficult wrap your arms around without real watchmaking experience (this, by the way, is essentially my constant of being as I observe similar watchmaking advancements – wide eyed and impressed but quite frequently confused by all the math and physics). The idea is that magnetic forces, which are inherently stable, can provide a constant impulse to the balance through the entire duration of the power reserve. Using magnets as a constant force mechanism also has the benefit of decoupling the impulse function from the other watchmaking apparatus surrounding the balance, namely the rotation of the escape wheel and tourbillon cage.
Breguet’s system uses two escape wheels with magnetic tracks, with a pallet lever between them that is also equipped with magnets. This creates a magnetic field that allows for a truly frictionless escapement. Unlike in a traditional Swiss lever escapement, Breguet’s system does not require mainspring torque to actually impulse the balance – this work is done by the magnets, pushing the lever in opposing directions. According to Breguet, there is no metal to metal in their system, which should allow for much better timekeeping, reliability, and stability. The new movement, Caliber 7250, is rated to a remarkable +/- 1 second per day.
The Expérimentale 1, as you might have inferred from the naming convention, is the first in a new line that Breguet intends to highlight their most advanced watchmaking capabilities. This of course is very much in the spirit of A.L. Breguet himself, credited as the inventor of the tourbillon, but shows off the brand’s capabilities in a distinctly modern context. The design of this watch, though quite contemporary at a glance with its 43mm case and skeletonization visible from the dial side, is based on the historic no. 3448 pocket watch, a marine chronometer with a traditional regulator layout. I think this design does a nice job paying homage to an important historical Breguet, but leaning into modernity is definitely the right choice for a watch incorporating so much new technology.
The Expérimentale 1 is a limited edition of 75 pieces, with a price tag of CHF 320,000. Delivery is expected to be staggered over the course of the next two and a half years. More information on Breguet’s website here.
