Breguet Introduces the Experimentale 1

The final release marking the 250th anniversary of Breguet is a striking demonstration of technical ambition. The Experimentale 1 inaugurates a new line dedicated to research driven watchmaking and reinterprets the Marine aesthetic through an advanced high frequency tourbillon equipped with an entirely new constant force magnetic escapement.

Source: monochrome-watches.com

Rethinking Precision: Three Factors Addressed in One Mechanism

The accuracy of a mechanical watch is shaped by three interrelated factors. The first is the natural decline in torque delivered by the mainspring as it unwinds. This reduction in energy alters the amplitude of the balance and introduces variation unless compensated by a system capable of delivering constant force.

The second factor is the effect of gravity on the regulating organ. In 1801 Abraham Louis Breguet pioneered the tourbillon in order to average positional errors by placing the balance and spring inside a continuously rotating carriage, reducing the influence of gravitational pull.

The third element is shock resistance. Watches are exposed to impacts and accelerations that disrupt the regularity of the balance. Stability under such conditions is essential for maintaining precision.

The Experimentale 1 seeks to address all three factors simultaneously.

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A New Magnetic Constant Force Escapement

At the heart of the movement is an escapement featuring two escape wheels, each fitted with a magnetic track. A lever carrying magnetic pallets oscillates within this track. The system functions according to constant force principles. When torque drops below a determined threshold the tourbillon stops rapidly. Above that threshold the balance oscillates with full amplitude, ensuring stable performance.

A key characteristic of the design is its separation of impulses delivered by the escape wheel from the rest of the gear train. The inertia of the tourbillon carriage has minimal effect on the balance. The balance itself is offset from the rotational axis of the tourbillon and operates at a frequency of 10 hertz. The watch carries the Breguet Scientific hallmark, indicating a verified daily deviation of plus or minus one second.

Between the two escape wheels sits an intermediate locking wheel that prevents unintended jumps. The majority of the tourbillon components are crafted from non magnetic materials. The balance spring is made of silicon, while other parts are produced in titanium or Nivagauss alloy.

Although the architecture is unconventional, the escapement retains the familiar presence of a pallet fork. It is, however, driven magnetically, creating a contact free impulse that eliminates friction at this critical point. This is fundamental to the constant force behaviour of the mechanism.

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Calibre 7250: A New Generation of Breguet Engineering

These innovations are integrated into the new calibre 7250, a proprietary movement whose key components are produced in Breguet Gold, an 18 carat alloy specific to the manufacture. The movement also features a patented double level barrel architecture. Two stacked barrels sit across the 3 to 9 o’clock axis, each comprising twin mainsprings. A sapphire separator divides the levels and ensures stable operation. In total four mainsprings allow energy to be distributed evenly throughout the movement, resulting in a power reserve of 72 hours.

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A Contemporary Expression of Breguet Design

The design of the Experimentale 1 is more angular and modern than is typical for the brand. The case, crafted from Breguet Gold, measures 43.5 millimetres in diameter and 13.3 millimetres in height. The lugs are open worked and combine several types of finishing, including sandblasting, bluing, satin brushing and inlaid Breguet Gold with blue ALD coating. The case band features an updated interpretation of the traditional Breguet fluting.

The watch draws inspiration from the Breguet pocket watch no. 3448, known for its regulator style display. The sapphire dial is structured according to strict symmetry. The tourbillon occupies the upper half, while below it sits a subsidiary time display positioned above the barrel system. The bridges visible on the dial side are crafted either from untreated Breguet Gold or finished with satin brushing, polished bevels and dark blue lacquer.

The seconds hand is mounted on the tourbillon. The minutes are indicated on a suspended white ring that extends across the cage and is treated with luminescent material. The hands reinterpret classical Breguet shapes and receive ALD coating and lume. The entire dial structure rests on four gold pillars.

Source: monochrome-watches.com

Wearing the Experimentale 1

The integrated rubber strap is fitted with push buttons on the underside, forming a convenient quick release mechanism. The model is limited to seventy five numbered pieces.