Breguet Unveil “Pre-Basel” Type XXII Rose Gold Timepiece
In advance of Baselworld 2013, luxury watchmakers Breguet have given Haute Time an exclusive preview of the original timepiece they will be unveiling. The Type XXII 3880, the first series-made mechanical chronograph with a 10 Hz frequency, will be unveiled in rose gold at the show.
The Type XXII model in steel is one of Breguet’s most iconic pieces, so there is already strong anticipation for this year’s original model enriched in 18-carat rose gold. At its heart, this chronograph’s Cal. 589F movement has a silicon escapement and flat balance spring which work at a frequency of 10 Hertz. This means that at 72,000 vibrations per hour, the movement has an exceptional regulating power; for example, the seconds hand completes a full rotation in just 30 seconds. Additionally, the start function and readout are made more precise. This feat of engineering is achieved through the use of silicon in this timepiece, a material which results in lightweight mobile components and the avoidance of the lubrication problems often caused by high frequencies.
Inside the 44mm-diameter case is housed a flyback function, allowing the totaliser to be returned to zero and instantly restarted in one and the same operation. The brown dial, which bears the Breguet signature, bears a second time-zone indicator along with an aperture for a date calendar. The chapter ring features Arabic numerals, while luminous hands and hour-markers add to the readability. A twenty-four hour indicator features at 3 o’clock, while a second time zone indicator at 6 o’clock is adjusted by the two-position screw-locked crown by moving the hour hand at centre. With the crown in that position, the date calendar obeys the time of the main time-zone displayed at centre. Finally, a subdial at 9 o’clock shows the running seconds making full rotations in 30 seconds completes.
An integrated brown leather strap completes the look of the Type XXII. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to Baselworld 2013, which runs from April 25 to May 2, 2013.
The Type XXII Rose Gold Timepiece is reference 3880BR/Z2/9XV. Photos courtesy Breguet.
