The auction season always brings high stakes moments for timepieces aficionados, and November is no exception.
Among the plethora of exceptionally rare pieces, one particular watch has already been explored in detail by our colleague Aurora. We have turned the spotlight on the stunning ref. 3355 by Breguet, which will be featured at Phillips The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV.
Two main reasons why we chose this one: first, you simply cannot help but stop and pay attention when you hear Tourbillon and Breguet combined; second, because – come on – it is nothing but breathtaking.
Firstly Introduced in 1993 both in yellow gold and platinum, the Breguet Classique Complication Tourbillon Squelette represents the openworked interpretation of the iconic ref. 3350, the Maison’s first modern Tourbillon wristwatch, landed in the market in 1988 under the directory of the legendary Daniel Roth, who had just left its role but heavily contributed to the development of the model.
The original Ref. 3350 marked an exemplary recall to the brand’s legacy, bringing the signature complication back at the centre of both technical and aesthetic aspects.
With the Ref. 3355, the 60-second Tourbillon remains the beating heart, but its role exceeds mechanical precision: it becomes a more compelling significance of beauty, enriched with the guilloché finishing that delicately emerges in contrast with its exposed mechanical architecture. Since 2002, only the platinum version has been produced.
The present model, dated 2009, fits the manual wound Cal. 558 SQ1, tailoring the same movement as the ref. 3350 and adapting it to a skeletonization that quietly screams for finesse.
Its 36mm platinum, polished case is distinguished by the Maison’s signature coin-edge band. This already sparkling configuration is further elevated by an extremely hard-to-find platinum beads-of-rice bracelet, that adds an exquisite neo-vintage flavour – and undisputed class.
Fresh air in L’Abbaye
The Manufacture is currently enjoying a renewed moment of attention. Its 250th anniversary celebrations, together with recent creations such as the Souscription 2025 and new tourbillon models, have attracted interest from a broader audience and a new generation of collectors, keen on carrying the legacy of the Maison’s centuries-long heritage.
Talking about estimations, the present timepiece is valued CHF 30,000-60,000; yet, there is already an interesting benchmark to consider. In November 2025, a platinum ref. 3355 fitted with a leather strap and without the bracelet achieved CHF 82,550 at Phillips, comfortably exceeding its pre-sale estimate of CHF 25,000–50,000.
Of course, auction rooms are unpredictable, but this particular example could prove to be an interesting underdog, potentially stealing the spotlight when it comes under the hammer.
Geneva is calling. We’re ready for the show.
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