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Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –
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Author:  oBMTo [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

Quote:
Image

The Breitling for Bentley collection welcomes a new one-of-a-kind model, dedicated to the founder of the prestigious British car manufacturer. This Grande Complication pocket-watch will be unveiled at Baselworld 2010.

Each year, Breitling reaches a new peak in its art by creating a paragon of fine watchmaking named Bentley Masterpiece: a mechanical magnum opus combining tradition, performances and exquisite craftsmanship. The 2010 vintage is a pocket-watch combining two of the most sophisticated complications in the horological repertoire: a perpetual calendar (displaying the date, day, month, leap years and moon phases) that takes account of the quadrennial occurrence of February 29th; and a minute repeater striking the hours, quarters and minutes on demand.

Image

The movement, based on a late 19th century blank of which Breitling found just a few examples in its workshops, comprises almost 700 parts. Its refined finishing – hand polishing, chamfering, and Côtes de Genève – is visible through a transparent caseback. In tribute to Walter Owen Bentley, the cover of the 18-carat yellow gold case is adorned with an engraving depicting him at the wheel of one of his racing models. This portrait is accompanied by the famous «W.O.» initials by which the engineers and craftsmen of the British firm – like all devotees of fine automobiles – still refer to the much revered founder of Bentley.


I want this.

Author:  Roffensian [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

They produce one every year, and it's always sold before the end of Basel. They don't announce the selling price, but popular belief is that there has never been one sold for less than $1,000,000.

Author:  Tim S [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

That really is a masterpiece. Thanks very much for sharing.

Author:  jnelson3097 [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

Is this any different than the one that Govberg had at their watch fair in 2008? Pics are in this link, but they're mixed in the middle of other brands.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... sg_4058664

Author:  oBMTo [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

jnelson3097 wrote:
Is this any different than the one that Govberg had at their watch fair in 2008? Pics are in this link, but they're mixed in the middle of other brands.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... sg_4058664

Not sure, do they have a watch fair every year? I wish I knew about this, I live like 20 mintues from there.

Author:  jnelson3097 [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

In 2008 they had a huge watch fair. Last year they had Rolex Fest. I'm not sure what's planned for this year.

Author:  Omega21 [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

When is their 2010 show/event? Anyone interested in going? I'm in Baltimore and I know there are other members in the Baltimore-D.C. area. Short train ride up.

jnelson3097 wrote:
Is this any different than the one that Govberg had at their watch fair in 2008? Pics are in this link, but they're mixed in the middle of other brands.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... sg_4058664


I can't tell a difference between the two after looking at side by side pics of the dial. The movement is vastly different. Does Breitling give the money from these to charity?

Author:  Omega21 [ Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

If no one knows, I'll plan on calling them (Govberg) tomorrow and asking about the next event.

Author:  onewatchnut [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 5:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

jnelson3097 wrote:
Is this any different than the one that Govberg had at their watch fair in 2008? Pics are in this link, but they're mixed in the middle of other brands.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... sg_4058664

The one at Govberg has a chronograph, where this one does not. I guess making only one commands a high price.

You can usually pick up a used Patek or Audemars GC (with perpetual calendar) for about $100,000US, or less. The ones without the perpetual calendar are much less.

They are rare and you have to be patient. One or two will show up at auction every year or so.

Of course, the next challenge is finding someone to work on it. I wonder what Brietling gets for the overhaul on this beauty?

Author:  Roffensian [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 5:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

jnelson3097 wrote:
Is this any different than the one that Govberg had at their watch fair in 2008? Pics are in this link, but they're mixed in the middle of other brands.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... sg_4058664


Each year's piece is similar - there are only so many variations on the grnad complication that you can produce, but as Marty says the one at Govberg had a chrono.

I suspect that the buyers are asked to loan the watches for these events, and I also wouldn't be surprised if the buyers are sometimes the dealers themselves - at least the larger chains.

Author:  txturbo [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 6:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

Nice however I don't understand why Breitling needs to tie into the Bentley thing with this product.

What does Bentley have to do with a pocket watch? Do they make trains too?

Author:  Roffensian [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 7:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

txturbo wrote:
Nice however I don't understand why Breitling needs to tie into the Bentley thing with this product.

What does Bentley have to do with a pocket watch? Do they make trains too?


Hmm, a Bentley train.....

I guess that as Breitling have positioned Bentley as being their top end pieces they feel that they have to put the haute horlogerie piece under that banner. Personally, I don't see why it can't be 'banner free' with just a Breitling logo. Incidentally, I suspect that this annual piece may be the showcase for an in house grand complication, though probably 2012 rather than 2011.

Author:  jnelson3097 [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 7:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

Omega21 wrote:
If no one knows, I'll plan on calling them (Govberg) tomorrow and asking about the next event.


No need to call, if anything is going to be planned, I'll be sure to post something

Author:  Fiery [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

That's nice, but I'm much more intrigued by a possible Navitimer B01 launch... :D

Author:  geralder [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pre-BASEL 2010 – Breitling Grande Complication Masterpiece –

HEY!! Wheres George???

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