Breguet Classique Serpentine 18k 3680BA/11/986

Breguet Classique Serpentine 18k 3680BA/11/986 Neo-vintage Breguet is having a moment, there's no doubt about that. The craftsmanship, design and historical significance of Breguet truly deserves to be appreciated. And with pieces like this in the back-catalogue, it's easy to see why neo-vintage Breguet are becoming more and more coveted by the day. The reference we have here is known as the 3680BA, and it was this very same reference that was gifted to King Charles on his 60th birthday in 2008 by Breguet, which goes to show you the esteem in which they held this reference. So what is it that is so appealing about this reference? For us, it's the balance of design on the dial. At first it could appear busy thanks to its regulateur layout, but in fact each complication is displayed in such a harmonious and beautiful manner it is very easy to read, and you can't help but be drawn into the details. The dial features a classic multiple forms of hand-turned guilloche, with Clou de Paris in the centre of the main dial display, while the hour sub-dial at 9 features a classic basket weave pattern. The perfectly blued Breguet hands are as gorgeous as ever, with their tips perfectly meeting the hour and minute markers respectively which are executed in crisp, black print, with the minute chapter ring featuring a circular grained brushing. The whimsical serpentine pointer date hand is magnificent, and meets a chapter ring with the date numerals punctuated by gold markers. With all of that being written about the dial, we've not even begun to explore the case, which is a true work of art. It features the classic coin-edge sandwich construction Breguet is so famous for, with discreet corrector inset within, and delicate lugs soldered on. It measures in at 36mm, and feels perfect on the wrist with its long lugs and roughly 7mm thickness. It's delicate, but not insubstantial, and proportionally perfect to our eyes. Powering it is the Breguet Calibre 591DR, an ultra-thin automatic movement. This particular example would date from the 2000's, and is in absolutely fabulous condition. The dial shows no marks that we can see, with some very minor marks on the hour hand near the centre pinion, and there's no signs of poor servicing anywhere on the case or dial. The case is sharp, with crisp hallmarks present. Shows minor scratches on the case and caseback, but nothing large. There's a small ding on the inner coin edge on the left side of the case, and some very minor wear present. Crystal shows a small chip between 11 and 12 on the outer edge under close inspection. Believed to have been serviced by the previous dealer in Japan. It's currently keeping COSC time measures dial up on a timegrapher, with over 300 degrees of amplitude. All functions operating as they should, including the corrector. It comes mounted to a lovely HANDDN handcrafted Saffiano leather strap which suits it really well, and includes the original Breguet 18k deployant buckle. It also includes a 'gator Breguet strap. Comes as a watch-only, no box and papers. Will come with a Watch Vault Travel Pod, and Watch Vault cleaning cloth as well as the aforementioned Breguet strap. A lovely example of a truly beautiful neo-vintage Breguet. Brand: Breguet Circa: 2000's Reference: 3680BA/11/986 Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Case details: 36mm Bracelet: Aftermarket Leather with Breguet 18k Deployant Buckle, Breguet 'gator strap Movement: Breguet Caliber 591DR Ultra-Thin Automatic Dial: Silver Opaline Paraphernalia: Breguet 'gator Strap Grading: Excellent neo-vintage condition