Introduction
Founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, one of horology’s most famed watchmakers, Breguet is a brand rooted in classical horological excellence. With such innovations as the tourbillon, the Breguet overcoil and their eponymous ‘Breguet’ hands and even numerals among their impressive list of accolades, Breguet are widely renowned as one of the most influential and important watchmakers in the industry. With a truly remarkable history, Breguet’s timepieces often hark back to the classical period of watchmaking through a traditional aesthetic, and this Classique Chronograph ref. 5237, as its name suggests, is no different, with its direct ancestor being the Classique Chronograph ref. 3237 from Daniel Roth’s time at Breguet’s helm. As such, the Classique Chronograph ref. 5237 features a host of visual similarities to what came before it and some changes, mainly being increased from 36mm to 38mm. Launched in 2000 and powered by the top-tier Lemania cal. 2320 and measuring 38mm, the Classique Chronograph ref. 5237 is undoubtedly Breguet at their finest. Boasting a perfectly round 18kt rose gold case featuring a polished domed bezel that swoops down to the midcase where it overhangs a coin-edge texture, its construction matches the exuberant detail within its dial. Featuring a beautiful blend of textures with a hobnail 'clous-de-Paris' engraving in its center, concentrically-brushed chapter rings, a crosshatched pattern within its seconds subdial and small patches of concentric finish that house its black Roman numerals, the ref. 5237’s dial is intensely elegant and classical, as its name alludes. The distillation of watchmaking prowess, timepieces like the ref. 5237 offers a window into Breguet's raw watchmaking talent in a package that doesn't distract the wearer with modern conveniences; instead, they shock and awe their wearer with their captivating aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Breguet
Dimensions
38mm
Model
Classique Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind Breguet cal. 533.3 (Based on the Lemania cal. 2320)
Reference
5237
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2000s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Unmistakable in its design, the Classique Chronograph features a slew of Breguet's design landmarks across its dial with its blued steel Breguet hands and array of stunningly well-executed guilloche patterns such as its hobnail center, concentric brushed chapter rings and bevelling throughout.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A dress watch through and through, the Classique Chronograph ref. 5237 is indeed classical in its construction, with a 38mm 18kt rose gold case that takes direct inspiration from mid-century chronographs via its sizing, coin-edge textured midcase, straight lugs and perfectly circular design.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near mint condition. Case shows some very minor signs of wear, but appears to be seldom used. Dial near-mint with no visible defects.
NOTE: Watch was incorrectly listed as yellow gold, listing as been amended as it is rose gold.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Vividly Breguet in just about every way possible, the Classique Chronograph is one of the famed French watchmaker's most refined and elegant timepieces, and it is hard not to see the appeal of its luxuriously understated aesthetic. A tasteful evolution of the ref. 3237, the ref. 5237's larger case allows it to fit within the ecosystem of contemporary watch collecting that little bit easier.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
