2016 Breguet Classique Ref. 5157BA ‘Extra-Thin’ in 18K YG with Box and Papers

Few names in watchmaking carry the weight of Breguet. Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the brand’s fingerprints are found across horology itself—Breguet hands, guilloché dials, the tourbillon, and even the notion of fine watchmaking as we know it. With the Classique line, Breguet continues to echo its founder’s ideals: elegance, clarity, and mechanical ingenuity.

 

Introduced in 2005, the Classique 5157 refined the DNA of its predecessor, the ref. 5130, into a slightly larger and more contemporary 38mm form, while preserving every essential design cue. This is minimalism in its most elevated form—nothing added, nothing to take away.

 

The 18k yellow gold case of this ref. 5157BA is a masterclass in proportion, measuring just 5.5mm thin, with fluted caseband and soldered lugs, all finishing done to a traditional mirror polish, yet already presenting a charming rosy patina. The dial is silvered solid gold, engraved by hand using a rose engine, a centuries-old technique that brings subtle depth to its surface. Blued steel Breguet hands sweep over finely printed Roman numerals, and just between 12 and 1 o’clock lies the secret signature, a historic anti-counterfeit mark that feels like a quiet nod from the master himself.

 

Inside ticks the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 502.3, just 2.4mm thick. It’s equipped with a silicon balance spring and lever, invisible modern enhancements that speak to Breguet’s ongoing commitment to progress. The 45-hour power reserve and 3Hz beat rate round out a movement that’s just as quietly impressive as the case that houses it.

 

Now discontinued, the 5157BA in yellow gold has been replaced by white and rose gold models under the 5157BB and 5157BR references. But this original reference, in warm yellow gold, remains the purest iteration—the one that most directly channels the brand’s origins while quietly celebrating its future.

 

In a world of louder watches and flashier designs, the Breguet Classique 5157 is a whisper of history—an ode to purity, proportion, and the power of subtlety.

The watch offered for sale here is a Breguet Classique ‘Extra-Thin’ Ref. 5157BA in 18kt yellow gold from 2016.

 

The silvered gold dial, hand-engraved using a rose engine, remains in flawless condition.

 

The 18kt yellow gold case remains unpolished, showing a rosy patina on the welded lugs and on the fluted case bandand only the faintest signs of wear. The original, signed crown also shows the same patina, giving the watch tons of character.

 

The sapphire crystal displays the beautiful caliber, which is running great and keeping time. The case back has also built a stunning rosy patina.

 

It is suited on its original leather strap with original 18kt yellow gold buckle.

 

Furthermore, it is presented as a full set with its box and original guarantee papers showing it was sold by WEMPE New York in 2016.

 

A Breguet Classique is a synonym for timeless beauty, ingenuity, and superlative horological craft.