Breguet 18K White Gold Classique “Serpentine” Triple Calendar MoonPhase Ref 3040

A highly rare, sought-after and collectible white-gold Breguet Ref.3040 Classique “Serpentine” Triple Calendar Moonphase. It is in near mint condition with light signs of wear.  Watch only.

Breguet had always been a brand of prestige, with such rich history and historical achievements. The brand became more prominent during the 1970s after it was first purchased and owned by the Chaumet brothers, while being run by Francois Bodet and then head watchmaker, Daniel Roth. They cemented the Breguet style as we love and know today making many iconic timepieces such as the example with have to offer here.

It was until the year 1986 when the brand was forced to go bankrupt as the Chaumet brothers were arrested for breach of trust and fraud. The brand was then sold off to private equity firm, Investcorp, in 1987 who in turn after growing the company to a success, sold off to Swatch group in 1999.

The Breguet Serpentine Ref. 3040 is one of the earliest references of the brand, relaunched in the 1970s after the company had been taken over by the Chaumet brothers.

The watch features many design cues that were cemented by then head-watchmaker Daniel Roth, such as the rose-lathe Clous de Paris guilloche dial, the iconic coin case with its fluted middle section and straight lugs, and the beautiful pomme shaped ‘Breguet’ hands.

The 3040 features a unique date indication via the central serpentine hand, a moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock, day of week and month indicators in apertures at 12 o’clock.

It is sized in a classical white-gold 36mm case but wears larger thanks to the lug design.

It is powered by the Caliber 502 QS with a Frederic Piguet 71 base-movement that has been beautifully finished, hidden behind a solid gold caseback.