Breguet Classique Moonphase Ref. 3280BB Guilloché Dial in 18k white gold, mid 1980

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Abraham-Louis Breguet, born in Neuchâtel in 1747, became one of the most influential watchmakers in history. After establishing his workshop in Paris, he introduced a remarkable series of innovations, including self-winding watches, repeating mechanisms and, most famously, the tourbillon, patented in 1801. Breguet also created a visual language that remains instantly recognisable today: beautifully executed guilloché dials, elegant Breguet hands and the distinctive numerals that carry his name. His watches were worn by royalty, aristocrats and some of the most influential figures of their time, including Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. More than two centuries later, Breguet remains one of the great names in watchmaking. And what a beauty we have here! This elegant white-gold moonphase dress watch is one of those pieces that makes you stop and look twice. The dial is beautifully detailed with fine, hand-engraved guilloché, painted black Roman numerals, a small seconds sub-dial and a charming moonphase display. Then come the classic Breguet touches we love so much: the coin-edge case, wonderfully elegant blued Breguet hands and a winding crown topped with a beautiful blue cabochon. But there is more to this watch than its beautiful looks. It comes from the Daniel Roth era of Breguet, a particularly fascinating chapter in the brand’s modern history. At the time, Breguet was struggling with a lack of clear direction, and Roth set about rediscovering what made the original Breguet so special. He spent a full year studying Abraham-Louis Breguet’s original archives and 18th-century pocket watches before translating those historic design codes into a new generation of wristwatches. This watch is a wonderful example of that revival. The white-gold and platinum versions are particularly rare, and we especially love the monochromatic effect here: the white-gold case flows beautifully into the solid-silver, hand-engraved guilloché dial. It gives the whole watch a wonderfully calm, almost sculptural appearance. Inside is the ultra-thin, hand-wound calibre 818/4, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready to be enjoyed. There is something wonderfully romantic about a watch like this. Elegant without being stuffy, beautifully made without trying too hard and packed with those little details that reward you every time you look at it. A beautiful piece from a fascinating chapter in Breguet history — and one we absolutely love. Keep in mind that this particular Breguet reference is exceptionally rare in white gold! A little bit of Breguet history, a lot of beautiful watchmaking and a moonphase we could stare at all day. Ready for its next chapter! Specifications Breguet Dresswatch moon-phase reference 3280BB 30mm 18kt white gold coin-edge case, blue cabuchon crown Serial 32xx dates to the mid 1980's Silver dial with guilloché detailing, small seconds, phase of moon Blued Breguet hands Hand wound movement Breguet cal.818 4 Pictured leather strap with original Breguet 18k white gold buckle Fully serviced by our watchmaker