Tourbillon | 3350 | White Gold

First introduced in 1988, the reference 3350 is the first tourbillon wristwatch ever produced under the historic Breguet name. The movement was developed by Daniel Roth, whilst he was Master Watchmaker at Breguet, working closely with the Lemania movement manufacturer. Years later, Roth would use the same ébauche in the tourbillons he produced under his own name, as an independent watchmaker.

In 1987, Francis Bodet, the director of Breguet, and Daniel Roth, master watchmaker, began studying the Breguet tourbillon, invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet two centuries prior. They spent three years on research and development, working closely with Lemania, the historic movement manufacturer. The reference 3350, the culmination of this work, was released in 1990, with a one-minute tourbillon fully exposed through an aperture in the dial. When Daniel Roth established his own brand, shortly after, he used the same base movement to power his own tourbillons, displaying the affection he held for the ébauche he helped develop.

This Breguet Tourbillon reference 3350 is encased in white gold, giving it a classic feel that is complemented by the baroque, filigree-type decoration found on the reverse of the watch, in addition to the base plate, which can be seen through the tourbillon. This piece is likely one of the latest reference 3350 watches produced, as it shares a few physical characteristics with its successor, the reference 3357, which was introduced in the early 1990s. These details include a slightly whiter dial, the addition of “Swiss Guilloché Main” signature at 3 o’clock, and a “B” on the crown, which stands for Breguet. As such, this example could be considered a transitional one, marking the shift between the 3350 and the 3357.

A silvered chapter ring with stamped Roman numerals marks the hours, and there are two secret Breguet signatures which can be found between 11 and 12 o’clock, as well as 12 and 1 o’clock. The coin-edges that were instated by Daniel Roth as a design principle can also be seen around this piece. The skeletonised tourbillon cage is placed at the 6 o’clock marker, with the design of the complication naturally drawing the eye to it, thanks to its intricacy and hand-engraved details. On the edge of the caseback, you can find "REF. 3350" engraved, proudly displaying the watch's reference number.

The Breguet Tourbillon reference 3350 is powered by the manual-winding calibre 558. The movement was initially produced by Lemania, working closely with Bodet and Roth from Breguet. Nouvelle Lemania was eventually acquired by Breguet in 1992, which in turn was absorbed into the Swatch Group in 1999.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Breguet Tourbillon 3350 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Breguet Tourbillon 3350 is in very good condition overall, with superficial marks throughout consistent with light wear and a very small imperfection at the 2 o’clock position on the bezel. The caseback engravings are clearly defined, whilst the hallmarks between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position are very crisp. The dial is free of any blemishes or marks.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.