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.”

However, this is not a 3040, it is the truly lesser seen reference 3047 or more officially, 3047BA/11/98 or 3047BA/11/9A, showcasing one of the most impressive displays of movement embellishment around. In my cursory research, I have only found three or four that have come to market as far back as digital auction results reflect, and one listing estimating fewer than 100 examples were produced. The ‘Serpentine’ has long been a favorite among Breguet afficionados and this one is made truly special via the fully decorated Frederic Piguet derived automatic movement with offset winding rotor on full display.

Case: The 35.5 x 42.5 x 8.2 (often stated as 36 mm) solid yellow gold case is in good, honest condition. It presents very well and clean on wrist, with the polished surfaces highlighting the surface swirls typical of wear throughout. The case is believed to be unpolished with hallmarks and engravings crisply intact, all calendar correctors working properly, and the cabochon crown winding smoothly. The bottom right (5 o’clock) lug is slightly bent inward, though a full 18 mm wide strap still fits and it is not visually obvious in wear.

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 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 -1.3 s/d, averaged across six positions.

Strap: The watch is presented on a standard-length taupe calfskin strap with original signed pin buckle.