Breguet Classique Automatic Ultra Thin, ref. 3390, circa 1992 — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Watches of Knightsbridge · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Watches of Knightsbridge · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Breguet Classique Automatic Ultra Thin, ref. 3390, circa 1992

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Breguet (maker)
Date: c. 1992
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Diameter 32 mm
Dealer: Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London
Stock no.: CUR132
Credit line: Dealer listing, Watches of Knightsbridge (CUR132)
Catalogue title (original): Breguet Classique Automatic Ultra Thin 3390 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (stock number CUR132), this is a wristwatch by Breguet, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1992. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 32 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Watches of Knightsbridge

Breguet Classique Automatic Ultra Thin ref. 3390, circa 1992. This rare & early C series Classique features its original guilloché dial and 32mm ultra-slim coin edge case housing a fine calibre 502 movement (Frederic Piguet base cal. 71). Overall the watch is in excellent original condition.

Specifications — Watches of Knightsbridge

Reference: 3390; Movement: Automatic Cal. 502 (Frederic Piguet Base 71); Case diameter: 32mm; Bracelet/strap: Leather Strap W/ Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Buckle

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Watches of Knightsbridge — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Breguet Classique Automatic Ultra Thin, ref. 3390, circa 1992." Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London, CUR132. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/breguet-classique-automatic-ultra-thin-ref-3390-circa-1992-902aba.