In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, few names resonate as deeply as Breguet. With roots stretching back to 1775, the Swiss maison has long been a beacon of innovation and elegance, and the Breguet Classique Day Date Moonphase 7337BR/1E/9V6 is a shining example of this legacy. This 39mm rose gold timepiece, part of the revered Classique collection, marries historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship, offering a refined dress watch that appeals to collectors, connoisseurs, and those who appreciate the art of timekeeping. Let’s dive into what makes this watch a standout, from its intricate dial to its ultra-thin movement, and why it deserves a place in the spotlight.
A Design Rooted in History
The 7337BR/1E/9V6 is no mere exercise in aesthetics—it’s a horological homage to Breguet’s past. Its design draws directly from pocket watch No. 3833, an extra-thin half-quarter repeater sold in 1823, now housed in the Breguet Museum. That historical piece, with its off-center silver dial, date, and moonphase windows, set the template for the modern 7337’s layout. The result is a watch that feels both timeless and fresh, with a silvered gold dial hand-engraved on a rose engine, showcasing guilloche patterns like barleycorn and clous de Paris. These textures dance under the light, adding depth to an already sophisticated face.
The dial’s off-centered hours chapter, marked by Roman numerals, sits alongside a small seconds subdial at 5 o’clock, day and date apertures at 10 and 2 o’clock, and a poetic moonphase at 12 o’clock. The moon, hand-hammered in gold against a lacquered sky, is a subtle nod to Breguet’s artisanal prowess. Recent updates—refined in 2022—bring bolder, rectilinear cut-outs for the day and date, enhancing legibility without sacrificing elegance. Blued Breguet hands, a design unchanged since 1783, sweep across the dial, tying the watch to its 18th-century origins.
Craftsmanship That Speaks Volumes
Flip the watch over, and the sapphire case back reveals the Caliber 502.3 QSE1, an ultra-thin automatic movement measuring just 2.4mm thick. This engineering marvel, with 35 jewels and a 45-hour power reserve, balances tradition and innovation. The silicon balance spring and inverted straight-line lever escapement ensure precision and durability, while the hand-engraved white gold oscillating weight, adorned with Geneva stripes, turns the movement into a visual feast. At 3 Hz, it hums with reliability, adjusted in six positions for accuracy across wear scenarios.
The 39mm rose gold case, a slim 9.9mm thick, is polished to perfection, paired with a brown alligator strap and a rose gold deployant clasp. It’s a watch that sits comfortably on the wrist, its proportions ideal for both formal cuffs and casual appreciation. Water resistance to 30 meters keeps it practical, though it’s clearly not meant for the deep end.
Why It Matters
For collectors, the 7337BR/1E/9V6 is a treasure. Its limited production—while not explicitly numbered—reflects Breguet’s exclusivity, and its historical lineage adds narrative weight. The blend of hand-engraved artistry and modern silicon tech bridges two eras, making it a conversation piece at any gathering. Priced between $39,400 and $46,200 at retail, it’s an investment that holds its own, with pre-owned examples often retaining value when accompanied by box and papers. It’s not a watch that screams for attention; it whispers sophistication, rewarding those who listen closely.
A Minor Quibble
If there’s a critique, it’s the 30-meter water resistance—a standard limitation for dress watches but a reminder of its delicate nature. For a piece this refined, though, it’s a small price to pay.
Final Thoughts
The Breguet Classique Day Date Moonphase 7337BR/1E/9V6 is a masterclass in restraint and refinement. It’s a watch that doesn’t just tell time—it tells a story, from the workshops of 1823 to the wrists of 2025. For the professional collector, it’s a must-have; for the enthusiast, it’s a dream realized. In a world of loud chronographs and oversized divers, this Breguet stands apart—a quiet symphony of heritage and precision.
Specifications
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Model | Breguet Classique 7337BR/1E/9V6 |
Case Material | 18K Rose Gold |
Case Diameter | 39mm |
Case Thickness | 9.9mm |
Dial | Silvered Gold, Hand-Engraved Guilloche |
Complications | Day, Date, Moonphase, Small Seconds |
Movement | Caliber 502.3 QSE1, Automatic |
Power Reserve | 45 Hours |
Jewels | 35 |
Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
Balance Spring | Silicon |
Escapement | Inverted Straight-Line Lever |
Water Resistance | 30 Meters |
Strap | Brown Alligator Leather |
Clasp | 18K Rose Gold Deployant |
Retail Price | $39,400 – $46,200 |
Information Sources:
– Breguet Official Website: Classique 7337BR/1E/9V6
– Prestige Time: Breguet 7337BR/1E/9V6
– Tourneau: Classique 7337
– Hodinkee: 2022 Classique 7337 Review
– Hodinkee: Hands-On Reference 7337
– Hodinkee Shop: Pre-Owned 7337BR/1E/9V6
– Louvre Mini-Site: Pocket Watch No. 3833
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