Breguet Marine Chronograph Ref. 8490BA – Gilded Elegance with a Pearl's Touch
At the crossroads of marine legacy and haute horlogerie finesse lies the Breguet Marine Chronograph Ref. 8490BA, a stunning 18K yellow gold creation that unites the Maison’s centuries-old design codes with contemporary practicality. This rare and refined timepiece offers all the sophistication Breguet is known for—guilloché artistry, blued steel hands, and coined edges—encased in a wearable 32mm automatic chronograph format tailored for elegance on the wrist.
Architectural Case – A Breguet Signature in Gold
The 18K yellow gold case, measuring a graceful 32mm, features a polished bezel, sculptural coin-edge flanks, and deeply satisfying finishing throughout. Its silhouette is balanced yet bold, housing yellow gold pushers and a signature cabochon crown that accentuate the symmetry and tactile charm of the Marine line.
Protected by a sapphire crystal, the case preserves the original Breguet detailing while providing daily durability. The watch is completed by a handmade leather strap crafted in Belgium and paired with a signed Breguet 18K yellow gold deployant clasp, elevating both comfort and refinement.
Pearl & Guilloché – A Dial That Dances in Light
At the heart of this chronograph is a white guilloché dial, exquisitely engraved with a central wave motif—a nod to the Marine collection’s nautical spirit. Encircling the dial is a Mother of Pearl minute track, shimmering with subtle iridescence and changing character with each flick of the wrist. This is not just a watch face; it is a canvas of light and texture, lending an ethereal quality to the piece.
Classic Roman numerals line the chapter ring, with blued steel Breguet hands gliding across the triple-register chronograph layout. A date aperture at 6 o’clock adds practicality without disturbing the harmony of the display.
Mechanical Grace – Calibre Breguet 576
Powering this timepiece is the automatic Breguet Calibre 576, a finely finished chronograph movement delivering a 40-hour power reserve. Reliable and refined, the calibre offers precise timekeeping, column-wheel chronograph operation, and effortless winding—a mechanical marvel within a compact and beautifully crafted case.
The presence of an automatic chronograph in such a balanced case diameter is a rare feat—underscoring Breguet’s technical prowess and aesthetic discipline.
Why This Watch?
The Breguet Marine Chronograph Ref. 8490BA is a study in contrasts: elegant yet technical, traditional yet modern, compact yet complete. With its extremely rare Mother of Pearl minute track, this piece transcends standard production and ventures into the realm of collectible artistry.
Perfect for those who seek not just a watch, but a jewel of horology, this Marine is both a quiet statement of sophistication and a celebration of one of the most storied names in watchmaking. Whether as a daily companion or a crown jewel in a curated collection, it offers a rare and poetic take on the chronograph complication.
Key Details:
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Model: Breguet Marine Chronograph
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Reference: 8490BA
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Serial Number: 3647
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Movement: Breguet Calibre 576, Automatic Chronograph, 40h Power Reserve
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Case: 32mm 18K Yellow Gold, Coin-Edge Flanks, Polished Bezel
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Dial: White Guilloché with Mother of Pearl Minute Track, Roman Numerals, Date at 6
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Hands: Blued Steel Breguet Style
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Crystal: Sapphire
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Strap: Handmade Leather Strap (Belgium), Signed 18K Yellow Gold Deployant Clasp
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Condition: Excellent; newly fitted strap, sharp case, all functions fully serviced and operating
