Breguet Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025

The Breguet Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025 edition isn't just another luxury timepiece; it's a profound homage to the enigmatic Year of the Snake, meticulously crafted to celebrate the profound symbolism and cultural significance of this iconic Zodiac animal. Limited to a mere eight numbered pieces, the Classique 7145 is a testament to Breguet's commitment to artisanal excellence, marrying traditional techniques with contemporary design in a way that only a legendary house can achieve.

Breguet, a name synonymous with horological innovation since its founding in 1775, has always been at the forefront of watchmaking artistry. Founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, a visionary who revolutionized the industry with inventions like the tourbillon and the Breguet overcoil balance spring, the brand has maintained a legacy of pushing the boundaries of both technical and aesthetic achievement. The Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025 edition is a perfect embodiment of this legacy, showcasing the brand's mastery in a limited edition release that will intrigue collectors and enthusiasts alike.



The case of the Classique 7145 is a study in refined craftsmanship. Cast in luxurious 18K rose gold, the 40mm round case is a perfect canvas for the intricate artistry that defines this timepiece. The choice of rose gold, with its warm, inviting hue, complements the vibrant green tones of the dial, creating a harmonious contrast that is both striking and elegant. With a slender profile measuring just 6.5mm in thickness, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, a testament to Breguet's ability to combine aesthetic beauty with ergonomic design. The fluted caseband, a signature detail of Breguet's Classique collection, adds a touch of texture and visual interest, enhancing the overall elegance of the watch. The case is water-resistant up to 30 meters (3 bar), making it suitable for everyday wear while maintaining its luxurious appeal.

Turning our attention to the dial, the Classique 7145 truly reveals its artistic soul. The 18K gold dial is a miniature masterpiece, featuring a hand-engraved depiction of a snake, the central figure of this Lunar New Year celebration. The snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and renewal in Chinese culture, is rendered with an astonishing level of detail. Every scale, every curve of its body is meticulously carved by Breguet's master engravers, using a bas-relief technique that transforms the flat surface into a three-dimensional sculpture. This process involves the careful removal of material to create a raised image, requiring immense skill and precision. The artisans use chisels and burins, working under microscopes to achieve the intricate details that bring the snake to life. The snake and its leafy environment are further accentuated by a black coating, which creates a striking contrast and enhances the depth of the engraving. This is followed by hand polishing and guilloché work, adding another layer of complexity to the dial.



The art of hand guilloché, a technique that Breguet has championed since the late 18th century, is prominently featured on this timepiece. The foliage surrounding the snake is adorned with intricate, hand-engraved patterns, created using ancestral guilloché lathes that have been in use for over a century. These machines, extensions of the artisan's hand, enable the creation of precise, geometric patterns that add depth and texture to the dial. The intricate guilloché work requires immense skill and patience, as each line and curve is meticulously shaped, transforming the dial into a work of art. To further elevate the foliage, a translucent miniature painting is applied, highlighting various shades of green while preserving the artisanal essence of the engraving. The interplay between deep green and sea green creates a subtle, yet captivating visual effect. The Breguet hands, with their iconic "open-tipped pomme" design, sweep gracefully over the hour track, which is marked by discreet round gold indices.

At the heart of the Classique 7145 beats the Breguet caliber 502.3, an automatic movement that exemplifies the brand's commitment to technical excellence. With a thickness of just 2.40mm, it is one of the thinnest movements in production today, a testament to Breguet's engineering prowess. The movement is equipped with a 22K gold rotor, hand-engraved with a guilloché pattern, adding another layer of artistry to the watch's inner workings. Each stage of the movement's creation, from shaping components to final assembly, is meticulously handled within the Manufacture, ensuring the highest standards of quality and precision. The caliber 502.3 boasts a 45-hour power reserve, a frequency of 3.00 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), and is composed of 162 components, including 35 jewels. The movement features a flat silicon balance spring and a silicon anchor, further enhancing its accuracy and reliability.



The visual journey of a watch collector encountering the Classique 7145 is one of gradual discovery and deepening appreciation. At first glance, the warm glow of the rose gold case catches the eye, its fluted sides hinting at the craftsmanship within. The slim profile and balanced proportions speak of a watch designed for both comfort and style. As the gaze shifts to the dial, the intricate engraving of the snake immediately commands attention. The lifelike detail, from the scales to the sinuous curves, draws the viewer in, inviting closer inspection. The play of light on the hand-guilloché foliage reveals the depth and texture of the dial, while the subtle hues of green add a touch of vibrant color. The rose gold hands and hour markers provide a harmonious contrast, ensuring legibility while enhancing the overall design.

Flipping the watch over, the sapphire crystal caseback offers a glimpse into the heart of the timepiece. The caliber 502.3, with its hand-engraved 22K gold rotor, is a marvel of micro-engineering. The meticulous finishing, from the polished bridges to the brushed surfaces, showcases Breguet's dedication to perfection. The movement's thinness is particularly impressive, a testament to the brand's technical expertise. As the rotor oscillates, it winds the mainspring, providing the energy that powers the watch. The balance wheel, beating at 3 Hz, ensures accurate timekeeping, while the silicon components enhance the movement's durability and resistance to magnetic fields.



The Classique 7145 is presented on a green alligator leather strap that perfectly complements the dial's color scheme. The strap, with its natural texture and subtle sheen, adds a touch of organic luxury to the watch. It's secured by an 18K rose gold pin buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The strap's width at the buckle is 18mm, maintaining the watch's elegant proportions. The choice of alligator leather, known for its durability and distinctive pattern, underscores Breguet's commitment to using only the finest materials.

The packaging of the Classique 7145 is as thoughtful as the watch itself. The timepiece comes in a square-shaped box made of grey-stained maple wood, measuring 16.5 x 16.5 x 10.5cm. The lid features a tone-on-tone embossing of the Chinese ideogram for the Snake, along with the inscription "LIMITED EDITION" inside, also in a tone-on-tone style. The interior is lined with alcantara, providing a soft and protective environment for the watch. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the ownership experience, reinforcing the exclusivity and luxury of the timepiece.



The Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025 edition is a limited edition of just eight pieces, each numbered from 1/8 to 8/8, making it a highly exclusive and sought after timepiece. The number eight holds special significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. This limited production run ensures that each watch is a rare and unique work of art, destined to be treasured by its owner. The watch is priced at $74,600.00 USD, reflecting its exceptional craftsmanship, precious materials, and limited availability.

Case: 18K rose gold, round shape, 40mm width, 6.5mm thickness, 21mm lug width, sapphire crystal caseback, non-screwed crown, 3 bar (30m) water resistance.

Movement: Caliber 502.3, automatic winding, off-center rotor, 27.4mm width, 2.6mm thickness, 45-hour power reserve, 3.00 Hz frequency, 35 jewels, 162 components, flat silicon spiral, 22K gold oscillating weight with hand-guilloché.

Dial: 18K gold, hand-engraved and guilloché, depicting the Chinese zodiac sign of the Snake, hand-painted translucent green miniature on foliage, rose gold 18K dots for hour markers, Breguet open-tipped hands.

Strap: Green alligator leather, 18K rose gold pin buckle, 18mm width at the buckle.

Price: $74,600.00 USD

Notes: Limited edition of 8 numbered pieces. Celebrates the Lunar New Year 2025, the Year of the Snake. Features intricate hand-engraving and guilloché work.