This article was written and contributed by Joanne Ward a journalist and Editorial Assistant formerly with Time Out magazine.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – a suitably glossy resort of breathtaking proportions that boasts a hotel, casino and ‘Skypark’ – has been home to the ultra-modern Breguet boutique since June 2010, and showcases some of its most iconic pieces within its royal blue, engraved-glass walls. The consideration for relevant décor is evident; the gilt casings, colour scheme and motifs throughout echo the French-born company’s illustrious past. Singapore is today world famous for its proliferation of high-end watch retailers, and Breguet is no exception.
Just recently, the Singapore branch pulled in an impressive crowd of the female variety, who enthusiastically perused the stunning jewellery collections on offer. Nestled in among each collection were signature watches that exuded luxury, elegance and good taste, as well as demonstrating Breguet’s ability to marry technical know-how with high innovation.
Breguet L’Orangerie
Launched in 2006, the L’Orangerie watch, inspired by the Chateau de Versailles L’Orangerie greenhouse for rare and exotic trees and plants, is a pure colour feast for the eyes. Decadently hued diamonds, spessartite garnets, pink tourmalines, spinels, rubies and yellow beryl do not fail to create a truly beautiful timepiece. The shape of the watch face and its surrounding detail are echoed again in the bracelet, creating a pleasing transition from function to form.
Breguet Crazy Flower
The 2010 Crazy Flower is very much as the name suggests, although not in an offensive way. This remarkable 18 carat white gold feat of horology features a fluid, almost Dali-esque diamond-set concave face of 206 inversed gems, surrounded by 116 white baguette-cut diamonds. On closer inspection, you discover these are no ordinary decorative diamonds; their mobile settings allow them to flutter like flower petals with every movement of the wearers’ wrist.
Breguet Petite Fleur
The Petite Fleur, also 18 carat white gold, was originally launched in 2011 with a jewellery collection that followed in 2012. A gorgeous little gem, it is reminiscent of a daisy or small-scale sunflower. The 43 signature baguette diamonds encasing the dial are double-layered and staggered for interest and texture, with an inner bezel ring of 48 brilliant-cut diamonds. The snow-set technique of laying diamonds of varying diameters side by side is employed on the watch face, a process that ultimately allows the material to be hidden and the 141 gems to flaunt their beauty.
It is clear to all who gaze upon such works of art that Breguet has almost certainly outdone itself in recent years, and shows no sign of slowing down. The company’s French-Swiss founder Abraham-Louis Breguet set the standard for innovation in horology, and today his vision is still going strong; new pieces are continually being brought into existence that are just as beautiful and ingenious as those created centuries before.
