G'day,
hereīs another picture of the brand new pieces:
As you may notice, the Breguet numerals are significantly larger and thicker than before. That is corresponding with a general update of several dials (and completely new ones for others), with an apparent jump in terms of the finish and quality.
Now if this already looks somewhat familiar to you, then you may find some explanation
in this recent thread of February.
But different from the prototype pictured earlier, the new dials seemed to have an even finer brushed finished.
And they are much more stunning to see in nature!
In addition, thereīs some story behind. GP (and JR) donīt stop to improve their timepieces in every aspect, so it was a natural move to look for improvement of the dials. Partially following vintage predessors (the "original" Vintage45 do have relatively large numerals), partially by aesthetic benefits, the use of larger numerals was regarded a good way to beef up the dials.
That turned out to be a problem; there were no numerals available that match the needs of GP.
So regardless the costs and efforts, GP decided to have completely new and larger/thicker numerals made. And thatīs a bold move, because it is pretty expensive to have them made.
Only to have the new dials with the improved numerals done was an investment of about 100.000 Swiss Francs!
Given the limited number of models to bear them and the relatively low number of watches, itīs really a significant investment on side of the production costs. But itīs understandable, because alone doing the numerals (as well as hands) requires a very accurate and precise machinery, a lot of special toolage and a whole lot of experience and specialized expertise in that field.
In my eyes, it certainly pays: The 2004 dials win a lot by the new numerals and i can say, that Breguet numeral dial is absolutely stunning to see in nature. Itīs hard to capture, but the beautiful brushed finish really makes it shine and there are interesting and catching light reflections with every tiny move of the watches.
Another detail are the hands: As you may see, this version does have slightly more luminous colour in them (which requires a new setup of the machinery and some investment as well).
So all i can say is GP really did an outstanding job on these, which i regard among the most beautiful watches of the GP portfolio.
You will see some more pieces of GP and JR with improved dials, but the new 25800 is a wonderful watch.
More stunners to come soon...
Greetings from germany,
Peter
