Breguet Classique 3040 Serpentine Full Set Ref. 3040BA

The Breguet Classique 3040 perfectly embodies Breguet, at least, or most certainly, in a neo-vintage sense. It sums up what I love of the brand so much: it is strictly classical yet always merges that classic aesthetic with brand-unique, quirky details that provides a sense of whimsy and integrates the artistic nature and craftsmanship of the maison, not just the sheer production. Fellow dealer, Breguet enthusiast, and friend, Tahoma Watches, perfectly sums up the 3040:

“The Breguet Ref. 3040 is one of the earliest references from the brand during the Chaumet era, released as part of Breguet’s relaunch in the early '70s. It earned the nickname 'Serpentine' due to its distinctive, wavy, snake-like date hand. The watch features a classic 36mm signature coin-edge case, with lugs that are meticulously hand-welded and hand-finished, showcasing Breguet’s exceptional craftsmanship.

The dial is adorned with intricate hand-made guilloché decoration, a hallmark of the brand’s dedication to artistry. This timepiece is equipped with a triple calendar complication, complete with a moonphase. The day and month are displayed through apertures at 12 o'clock, while the date is indicated by the central serpentine hand, creating a unique and visually captivating dial layout that stands out as both functional and elegant.”

Reference: 3040BA/11/98 or 3040BA/11/9A

Case: The 35.5 x 42.5 x 8.2 (often stated as 36 mm) solid yellow gold case is in very good, honest condition. It presents very well and clean on wrist, with the polished surfaces highlighting any minor surface swirls typical of wear throughout. The case is believed to be unpolished with hallmarks and engravings crisply intact, all calendar correctors working properly.

Dial: The hand-turned guilloche dial is free of defects and wonderfully displays Breguet’s finishing through the radially brushed hours, minutes, date, and moonphase tracks, sunken, parchment warm Italian day and date windows, deeply saturated heat blued hands, and excellent moon phase disc that showcases the finishing on the backs of the hands.

Movement: The Frederic Piguet derived P.71 automatic movement is winding, setting, and running smoothly, crisply changing the calendar functions. The watch is running very well at approximately +25 s/d, averaged across six positions.

Strap: The watch is presented on it’s original signed brown crocodile strap with matching yellow gold deployant buckle.

Includes:‍  ‍Presented as a full set including the original outer box, inner box, manual, guarantee date June of 2003, and user guide.