Breguet Classique Power Reserve Moonphase 3137BB/11/986: A Thrilling Masterpiece of Horological Art

Prepare to be captivated by a timepiece that pulses with history, artistry, and mechanical brilliance: the Breguet Classique Power Reserve Moonphase, reference 3137BB/11/986. This extraordinary watch is a beacon of haute horlogerie, blending the timeless elegance of Breguet’s legacy with cutting-edge craftsmanship. Its hand-engraved Calibre 502.3 DR1 movement, 18K white gold case, and mesmerizing complications make it a standout in the world of luxury watches. Inspired by the iconic Breguet No. 5 pocket watch of 1794, the 3137BB/11/986 is a vibrant celebration of tradition and innovation. Join us as we dive into this exhilarating creation, exploring its stunning design, masterful movement, historical roots, and why it’s a must-have for passionate collectors.

A Design That Ignites the Senses

The Breguet Classique 3137BB/11/986 is a visual symphony, radiating sophistication from every angle. Its 36.3mm case, forged from radiant 18K white gold, strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and modern refinement. The case’s sleek silhouette, adorned with Breguet’s signature fluted sides, evokes the grandeur of 18th-century pocket watches, while its polished finish catches the light with breathtaking allure. Flip the watch over, and the sapphire caseback unveils a spectacle: the hand-engraved Calibre 502.3 DR1, a dazzling display of mechanical artistry that will leave you spellbound.

The dial is a masterpiece in its own right, crafted from silvered gold and adorned with hand-engraved guilloché that dances under the light. Roman numeral hour markers, paired with the iconic blued “Breguet” style hands—first introduced by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1783—exude timeless charm. This dial is alive with complications: a date indicator at 6 o’clock, a power reserve indicator between 10 and 11 o’clock, and a moonphase window between 12 and 3 o’clock. The moonphase, with its hand-engraved celestial disc, is pure poetry, inviting you to lose yourself in its celestial glow. Every glance at this dial is a reminder of Breguet’s unrivaled ability to blend form and function.

The design’s roots trace back to the legendary Breguet No. 5, a perpetual calendar pocket watch crafted in 1794 for the Count Journiac Saint-Méard. This historic timepiece, with its moonphase and symmetrical dial, set the standard for elegance and innovation—qualities that shine brightly in the 3137BB/11/986. The No. 5’s guilloché patterns and blued hands are echoed in the modern Classique, but with a contemporary polish that makes it feel fresh and exhilarating. As documented in Breguet’s archives, the No. 5 was a triumph of technical and aesthetic prowess, and its spirit lives on in this electrifying creation.

A Movement That Sets Hearts Racing

At the core of the 3137BB/11/986 beats the Calibre 502.3 DR1, a movement that’s nothing short of a horological marvel. Built on the foundation of the Frédéric Piguet caliber 71—a revered extra-thin automatic movement—this caliber has been transformed by Breguet into a work of genius. At just 3mm thick, it houses 256 components, ticking at a lively 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) with a 45-hour power reserve. Don’t let its slim profile fool you; this movement is a powerhouse, driving a date, power reserve indicator, and moonphase with effortless precision.

Breguet’s enhancements are a thrill to behold. The movement features a silicon balance spring and lever in later iterations, boosting antimagnetic performance and accuracy to new heights. The 22K gold rotor, hand-engraved with guilloché, is a testament to Breguet’s obsession with beauty in every detail. But the real showstopper is the hand-engraved decoration on the bridges and mainplate. Master artisans have poured hours into crafting swirling arabesques and floral motifs, turning the movement into a breathtaking work of art. As detailed in WatchBase’s technical specifications, this level of craftsmanship is a rare feat, making the 3137BB/11/986 a true collector’s dream.

The Frédéric Piguet caliber 71, developed by the Swiss movement maker (now part of Blancpain under the Swatch Group), is a legend in high-end watchmaking. Its slim design and reliability have earned it a place in watches from brands like Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. Breguet’s reimagining, as noted in horological analyses, adds bespoke complications and finishing that scream heritage and innovation. The power reserve indicator, for example, is a practical yet thrilling feature, letting you track the mainspring’s energy—a nod to the ingenious functionality of Breguet’s early pocket watches, including the No. 5.

A Rare Gem That Sparks Desire

The Breguet Classique 3137BB/11/986 is a tantalizing rarity, a timepiece that ignites passion in collectors and connoisseurs. Its hand-engraved movement is a key driver of its exclusivity, as the painstaking artistry limits production to a select few. Each movement is a unique creation, with artisans dedicating hours to perfecting the intricate details visible through the sapphire caseback. This bespoke craftsmanship, showcased in listings from Essential Watches, sets the watch apart in a sea of mass-produced luxury.

The materials are equally exhilarating: an 18K white gold case, a silvered gold dial, and a luxurious alligator leather strap elevate the watch to new heights of opulence. The complications—moonphase, power reserve indicator, and date—demand precision engineering, adding to the watch’s complexity and allure. Breguet’s storied legacy, dating back to its founding in 1775 and innovations like the tourbillon, infuses every detail with prestige. Abraham-Louis Breguet, the “watchmaker to kings,” lives on in this masterpiece, a sentiment echoed in collector buzz on platforms like Chrono24.

Priced at approximately $51,200, as seen in listings from Watches of Mayfair and Chong Hing Jewelers, the 3137BB/11/986 is a statement of uncompromising quality. Pre-owned examples command similar sums, reflecting their scarcity and desirability, as evidenced by limited availability on Exquisite Timepieces. While production numbers remain a closely guarded secret, Breguet’s tradition of crafting high-end models in small batches ensures the 3137BB/11/986 is a coveted treasure.

A Legacy That Spans Centuries

The 3137 model, including the 3137BB/11/986, burst onto the scene around 1990 under the visionary guidance of Daniel Roth, whose designs reinvigorated Breguet’s aesthetic. Production continued until around 2020, when the 7137 took its place, as reported by SJX Watches. This 30-year run debunks claims of a mere two-year production for the 3137BB/11/986, with Chrono24 listings showing examples from years like 2001 and 2005. Without specific serial number data or limited-edition announcements, it’s clear this watch was crafted throughout the model’s lifespan, though its artisanal nature kept quantities low and excitement high.

The connection to Breguet No. 5 is a thrilling link to horological history. Crafted in 1794, the No. 5 was a dazzling display of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s genius, with its perpetual calendar and moonphase capturing the era’s shift from craft to science. Its influence shines in the 3137BB/11/986’s complications and dial, which blend historical elegance with modern advancements like silicon components. This watch is a living tribute to Breguet’s pioneering spirit.

Technical Specifications

Get ready to geek out over the specs of the Breguet Classique Power Reserve Moonphase 3137BB/11/986 and its Calibre 502.3 DR1 movement. This table lays out every thrilling detail of its technical and aesthetic brilliance.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

The Breguet Classique Power Reserve Moonphase 3137BB/11/986 isn’t just a watch—it’s a heart-pounding journey through time. Its hand-engraved Calibre 502.3 DR1, born from the Frédéric Piguet caliber 71, showcases Breguet’s knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Inspired by the Breguet No. 5 of 1794, its design pulses with Abraham-Louis Breguet’s legacy while embracing modern precision. Rare, thanks to its limited production and artisanal craftsmanship, and priced at $51,200, it’s a trophy for collectors who crave the exceptional.

For those who live for the thrill of art meeting mechanics, the 3137BB/11/986 is pure adrenaline. It demands you pause and marvel—at the hands that crafted its movement, the history that shaped its design, and the legacy that cements its place among the greats. In a world of passing fads, this Breguet Classique is a electrifying testament to the timeless allure of horological excellence.