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Breguet 'Cushion Case' Classique, c. 1990s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Breguet (maker)
Date
c. 1990s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 34 mm
Stock no.
40991423
Credit line
Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40991423)
Catalogue title (original)
Breguet 'Cushion Case' Classique (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40991423), this is a wristwatch by Breguet, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 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 — Analog/Shift

Breguet makes the best dials in the biz. Yeah, we said it. Their signature engine-turned dials, individually numbered and hand-finished, are simply beautiful works of art. You’d be hard-pressed to find such fine attention to detail in a watch costing many times what, say, a time-only or time-and-date model from the brand’s Classique line trades for. Take this particular Classique, a Reference 3560, dates to circa the 1990s and featuresa 34mm 18K yellow gold coin-edged 'cushion' case with a sapphire crystal, a cabochon crown, a stunning silver cloud-de-Paris dial with painted black Roman indices, and a blued steel ‘Breguet’ handset. Powered by an automatic winding movement from Breguet, it comes paired to a signed black alligator strap with a signed yellow gold pin buckle. In excellent condition, this midsize masterpiece is waiting patiently for its next owner — preferably, someone who appreciates the craftsmanship and patience necessary to execute such a nuanced dial. Check it out for yourself!

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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

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