Breguet Experimentale 1

To mark its 250th anniversary, Breguet reclaims its position at the forefront of horological innovation with the Experimentale 1, which is a cutting-edge concept watch that fuses high-frequency mechanics, magnetic regulation, and historical homage. Serving as both a bold finale to the anniversary celebrations and the debut of a new R&D-driven collection, the Experimentale 1 revives the inventive legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet while unveiling a next-generation tourbillon escapement that points to the brand’s future in scientific watchmaking.
The Breguet Experimentale 1 features a bold, contemporary case crafted entirely from 18K Breguet gold, measuring 43.5mm in diameter and 13.3mm in thickness. Its angular silhouette and strong architectural lines mark a significant design evolution for the brand, echoing but reinterpreting the Marine collection. The hollowed lugs and stepped bezel play with light across alternating finishes: brushed, sandblasted, and polished, while blue ALD-treated Breguet gold inlays in the lugs and crown provide subtle but striking contrast.
The back of the case features a flat sapphire crystal, offering an unrestricted view of the in‑house 18K gold Calibre 7250 with its sophisticated finishing. The combination of traditional anglage, polished bevels, and matte surfaces on the bridges, along with the prominent constant‑force magnetic tourbillon, takes center stage through the transparent back. Around the outer perimeter, the caseback is engraved with the unique number of each watch in the 75‑piece limited edition, adding a discreet yet prestigious collector’s touch.
The fluted crown at 3 o’clock is oversized for a modern technical feel and bears the Breguet “B” logo in relief. It provides a tactile interface with the movement, offering confident grip for winding and adjustment despite the complexity within. A box-type sapphire crystal safeguards the dial, offering distortion-free legibility from multiple angles. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet), an impressive figure given the experimental nature of the construction and the openworked components throughout.
The dial of the Breguet Experimentale 1 embraces an avant‑garde, three‑dimensional architecture that underscores both technical sophistication and visual clarity. Rather than a traditional flat dial, a large sapphire plate forms the foundation, revealing the high‑frequency tourbillon and movement beneath. The upper half is dominated by the 10 Hz tourbillon regulator, while the lower section hosts an off‑centered minutes display, creating a balanced yet dynamic layout reminiscent of a regulator‑style composition. Applied elements are elegant yet contemporary: a gold chapter ring encircles the minutes track, and an intersecting white suspended ring displays the hours with classic open‑tipped hands finished in blue ALD treatment. The seconds are indicated on the tourbillon carriage itself, with a slender, blue‑treated seconds hand featuring a marine‑anchor counterweight. Text and logos are minimal, allowing the structural beauty of the movement and the transparency of the sapphire dial to command attention without distraction.Finishing details on the dial are refined and purposeful, with deep visual layering that enhances depth and contrast across the display. Super‑LumiNova is applied to both the hour and minute hands as well as the chapter ring markers, ensuring legibility in low light while harmonising with the watch’s technical aesthetic. The interplay of polished bevels on the visible bridges, untreated Breguet gold surfaces, and navy blue accents contributes to a richly dimensional visual experience that feels modern and perfectly aligned with the watch’s experimental spirit.

The “Breguet Experimentale 1” (Ref#: E001BH/S9/5ZV) is powered by the in‑house hand‑wound mechanical movement, caliber 7250 with 37 jewels, 266 components, and 72,000 vph (10 Hz). It comes equipped with a constant‑force magnetic escapement and a one‑minute tourbillon regulator with non‑magnetic escape components and twin series‑coupled barrels for stable torque delivery. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on this watch is a blue rubber strap, fitted with a tool-free quick-release system and secured by an 18K Breguet gold pin buckle. Its vibrant tone and modern texture echo the blue ALD-treated inlays on the case and the accents on the dial, reinforcing the watch’s futuristic aesthetic. Despite the bold dimensions, the Experimentale 1 sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a lightweight and ergonomic experience that complements its cutting-edge technical design.
The Breguet Experimentale 1 (Ref. E001BH/S9/5ZV) is a limited edition of 75 pieces, reflecting its position as a highly exclusive showcase of the Maison’s technical innovation and experimental watchmaking. Each piece is individually numbered and available through authorised Breguet boutiques and retailers. For more up to date information visit the official Breguet website here.