Celebrating 225 Years of Horological Innovation with Breguet's Visionary Leader

A Conversation with Breguet's CEO: Commemorating 225 Years of the Tourbillon

As the horological world marks 225 years since the patenting of the tourbillon, we had the distinct privilege of engaging with Breguet's CEO, Gregory Kissling. The conversation centered around the recently unveiled Tradition Tourbillon 7047, a timepiece that encapsulates the brand's enduring legacy and forward-thinking approach. Kissling, who assumed his leadership role on October 1st, 2024, after a distinguished tenure as Vice President of Product at Omega, brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Breguet. His previous collaborations, notably on the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday editions, hinted at an exciting new chapter for the esteemed watchmaker.

The Evolution of Breguet: From Anniversary Milestones to Future Directives

Breguet's recent years have been marked by significant milestones, including its 250th-anniversary celebrations, which saw the introduction of several groundbreaking timepieces. The Expérimentale 1, in particular, garnered considerable attention, signaling a clear and innovative trajectory for the brand. In this insightful interview, Kissling offered a deep dive into the design philosophy and technical intricacies behind the new Tradition Tourbillon 7047. He articulated the thoughtful decisions that guided its development, ensuring it honored the brand's rich heritage while embracing contemporary innovation. Beyond this specific model, Kissling shared his broader vision for Breguet's future, emphasizing a commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and the exploration of new horological frontiers.

Unveiling the Tradition Tourbillon 7047: A Masterpiece of Precision

The Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047, introduced on June 26th to coincide with the tourbillon's 225th anniversary, stands as a testament to the brand's mastery. Crafted in platinum, this remarkable timepiece ingeniously integrates a tourbillon with a fusée-and-chain transmission. This sophisticated mechanism is designed to deliver a constant force to the regulating organ, thereby guaranteeing unwavering accuracy and consistent balance-wheel amplitude. Kissling's detailed explanation illuminated the profound thought process and meticulous engineering involved in bringing this anniversary piece to fruition. He also highlighted other commemorative watches launched in honor of the tourbillon's invention, each reflecting Breguet's commitment to horological excellence.

The Poinçon Breguet: A New Standard of Excellence

A pivotal development discussed during the interview was the introduction of the Poinçon Breguet last year. This hallmark represents Breguet's elevated standards, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy, superior antimagnetism, and outstanding acoustic performance for musical timepieces. Furthermore, the Poinçon Breguet certifies that all components of a watch bearing this mark are exclusively crafted in Switzerland, reinforcing the brand's dedication to quality and national craftsmanship. This initiative underscores Breguet's continuous pursuit of perfection and its commitment to setting new benchmarks in high watchmaking.

A Look at the Timepieces: The CEO's and Interviewers' Choices

During our discussion, Gregory Kissling proudly showcased the new Breguet Tradition Tourbillon ref. 7047PT/YY/5ZU SL on his wrist. This limited-edition platinum watch, restricted to just 25 pieces globally, features a distinctive Bleu de France color, reserved for Breguet's most exclusive creations. Daan, one of the interviewers, sported his elegant Classique 5907 in white gold, a 34.5mm dress watch powered by the hand-wound 511DR movement, boasting a silvered-gold guilloché dial and the brand's signature hands. RJ, another interviewer, chose his yellow gold Breguet Tradition 7027(BA), a hand-wound first-generation Tradition model from 2005, paired with a sophisticated blue lizard strap. These personal choices underscored the diverse appeal and timeless craftsmanship inherent in Breguet's collection.