Less Is More: The Art Of The Ultra Thin Watch

Breguet Classique Reference 7337

$37,500

One of the most famous watchmakers of all time was A.L. Breguet, whose clients included the royal court of King Louis XVI and who invented many of today’s most prized complications.  The firm bearing his name still makes some of the most elegant classic watches in the world.  This one, the Classique ref. 7337, takes its design from a pocket watch originally designed by the master himself (no. 3833) including the butterfly shaped apertures for the day and date on either side of the moonphase indication found in the pocket watch that inspired it.  The dial carries Breguet’s signature engine-turned engraving –often imitated, but never equaled.

Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Single Push Piece Chronograph Ref. 5950A

441,600 Swiss francs

Extra flat watches appeal not only because of their restrained elegance, but also thanks to their insider’s appeal –the more you know about watches and watchmaking, the more you appreciate the tradition and craft that ultra thin watches represent.  The straightforward, descriptive name of this Patek Philippe split seconds chronograph, and the clean lines of its stainless steel case give few clues to its significance- this is the thinnest split seconds, or rattrapante, chronograph ever made. Only 5.25mm thick, the movement –calibre CHR 27-525 PS –is not only extra thin but ultra sophisticated as well, incorporating a number of new developments as well as two patents.  The movement was first introduced in the round, platinum cased 5959, but true Patek aficionados know that some of the most rare, valuable and collectible Patek Philippe watches are stainless steel, and understand that in the rarefied world of ultra thin watches, it’s the inside story that counts.