BREGUET – Tradition 7087 Répétition Minutes Tourbillon Rose Gold 2016
In 2015, the Manufacture Breguet unveiled the result of several years of fundamental research in the field of acoustics. With the truly revolutionary model, Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon 7087, Breguet was taking on a previously unmet challenge: developing a timepiece around a predetermined sound.
Through this resolutely pioneering approach, Breguet became the first to create a model with such an exceptionally pure sound and unprecedented tone. Today, the Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon returns to the forefront after undergoing certain adjustments intended to improve its sound and its performance. It is now being presented in its finalised form and will reach the markets by the end of the year.
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Representing much more than a Grande Complication model, the Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon 7087 is a collection of innovations. To create this exceptional watch, Breguet’s engineers devoted themselves first and foremost to scientific research and only subsequently addressed the issue of the components required for sound production. Using specially developed sound generators, they experimented with more than 200,000 combinations of frequencies, which they then classified into categories according to psychoacoustic criteria. The sounds were listened to and evaluated so as to determine the combination of notes that best met the development objectives. The choice made after this selection process then guided the development and the construction of the model. This unprecedented approach, along with an understanding and mastery of the parameters involved in sound production, determined the choice of every aspect of the timepiece, from the innovations that were to be integrated through to the choice of components. The Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon can pride itself on six new patents and five major new innovative elements never previously seen in a wristwatch repetition mechanism.
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The gong springs – a Breguet invention and an essential part of minute repeater mechanisms – have been entirely reworked. Generally coiled around the movement and horizontally struck by hammers, they have in this instance been attached to the bezel and vertically struck by the hammers. This innovative construction is based on the fact that the sapphire crystal and bezel enable optimal sound emission when they vibrate vertically. By striking the gongs vertically from the movement towards the bezel, the hammers enhance the transmission of the vibrations towards radiating elements and then through the air. The structure of the hammers also features an innovation. The hammer causes the gong spring to vibrate. To prevent the hammer rebounding and damping the vibration of the gong, traditional minute repeaters are equipped with a buffer spring. The disadvantage of these constructions is that they partially reduce the hammer’s force. To solve these problems, Breguet has invented a semi-active buffer which becomes active after the strike so as to avoid a double strike, and thereby maximises the energy injected into the gongs by the strike.
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The gong springs of this Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon are also distinctive in that they are shaped like lobes in dimensions specially designed to enrich the sound and extend its duration. Based on the acoustic research conducted by Breguet for more than ten years, the gong springs are made from the same rose or white gold alloy as the case and then rhodium-plated. In order to favour the transmission of the minute repeater’s vibrations, they have been attached to the watch bezel. The latter, rather than rigidly formed into the case, is fitted with three pillars that are themselves attached to the case. Given that these pillars enjoy a certain freedom of movement, the bezel and the sapphire crystal can vibrate in resonance with the gongs. The sound emitted is thus enriched, since the bezel and the crystal more readily transmit lower frequencies, while the case tends to ensure better propagation of higher ones.
Like the Classique La Musicale 7800 model, this new Tradition 7087 features an acoustic chamber built into the case – technically termed a Heimholz cavity – whose role is to increase the sound level of the minute repeater while filtering the sounds from the mechanism. This chamber can be glimpsed through eight small holes arrayed on the lower bezel encircling the caseback. It is shaped for the resonant frequencies of the desired sounds. In this model the cavity is rectangular in profile and encircles the movement, from which it is separated by a membrane designed to seal the movement from the outside air. Contrary to the 7800 model that featured a metallic glass membrane, this one is made of gold and affixed to a sapphire crystal providing a stunning view of the movement.
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These impressive innovations are complemented by the use of a magnetic strike governor, developed on the basis of a concept featured in the Classique La Musicale model. This patented system is composed of silver weights surrounded by magnets placed around the circumference of the strike governor. As they turn within this magnetic environment, the weights produce an electric current that runs counter to the magnetic field of the magnets. The faster the rotation, the greater the resistance; and conversely, the slower the rotation, the weaker the resistance. The result is a device that ensures constant rotation speed, since both acceleration and braking meet with counter-resistance of identical intensity. The use of a magnetic governor brings an added advantage: silence. Since the mechanical elements do not touch each other, this exclusive Breguet governor is perfectly silent. Unlike the magnetic governor of La Musicale which remains hidden from sight, the decorated and open-worked version on the Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon is placed in full view on the dial side of the watch. It has also been the subject of much calculation and optimisation to adapt it to the minute repeater mechanism. The titanium used to make the bridges and the mainplate of the Tradition, along with appropriate sizing of the components, serves to avoid propagating the noises from the striking mechanism, by filtering their transmission through to the exterior.
Above and beyond these exceptional technical characteristics, the Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon 7087 is also a tribute to Breguet’s long history. It is thus naturally equipped with a tourbillon, along with an automatic winding peripheral rotor system. The striking mechanism is activated by pressing a bayonet pusher instead of by pulling the customary dedicated slide. The energy required is delivered via a chain – a transmission mode reminiscent of the famous No. 160 pocket watch made for the queen of France, Marie-Antoinette, and re-issued by Breguet in 2008.
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Technical specifications
Model: Breguet Tradition 7087 Répétition Minutes Tourbillon Rose Gold
Reference: 7087BB/G1/9XV
Case
Case in 18-carat Rose gold with delicately fluted caseband.
Diameter 44.00 mm
Thickness 13.60 mm
Double-paned sapphire-crystal caseback.
Welded lugs with screw bars.
Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m)
Dial
Silvered 18-carat Rose gold, engine-turned and offset at 1:30
Individually numbered and signed BREGUET.
Hours chapter with Roman numerals.
BREGUET open-tipped hands in gold.
Functions
Hours, Minutes, minute repeater.
Movement
Self-winding. Numbered and signed BREGUET
Caliber: Cal. 565DR.
16 lignes, 58 jewels.
Self-winding movement with minute-repeater and 60-second tourbillon at 6 o'clock.
Numbered and signed BREGUET
Titanium base plate and bridges.
Magnetic strike governor.
80 hours power reserve indicator in an aperture at 12 o'clock.
Bi-directional platinum winding rotor on the periphery of the movement.
Tourbillon bridge in titanium.
Inverted lateral lever escapement with silicon pallets.
BREGUET balance-wheel on a BREGUET silicon spring.
Balance frequency 4Hz.
Adjusted in six positions.
Strap
Alligator leather strap 9XV
Pin Buckle in 18K Rose gold
Other Versions:
Also available in 18-carat white gold - Reference 7087BB/G1/9XV
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