Global Traveller? Breguet Has Your Back

Breguet’s 250th anniversary has given rise to a series of exceptional timepieces, and the Marine Hora Mundi 5555 is undoubtedly among the most significant.

This limited edition of fifty pieces offers a compelling combination of technical innovation, aesthetic refinement and historical resonance.

It is a watch designed for those who cross time zones frequently and expect their timepiece to do the same, with grace and precision.

At first glance, the Hora Mundi 5555 captivates with its dial, a complex construction comprising two distinct levels.

The base dial, crafted in Breguet gold, is engine-turned by hand with parallels and meridians that converge towards the cardinal points, creating the illusion of a spherical Earth. Its surface graduates from pale sky blue to a deeper navy, evoking the meeting of sea and sky.

Above this, a flat sapphire disc has been hand-painted in a three-stage process. The continents are applied in miniature enamel on the reverse, fired at high temperatures to preserve their detail.

Clouds are painted on the top surface, bringing subtle depth and a sense of motion. Finally, city lights are represented in phosphorescent enamel, a patented Breguet innovation that glows after dark.

The effect is a quietly mesmerising view of Earth by night, familiar yet unique to each piece, as the placement of the clouds is left to the discretion of the craftsman.

Beyond its dial, the Hora Mundi 5555 distinguishes itself with the calibre 77F1, an automatic movement comprising 384 components. Its patented mechanism allows the wearer to switch instantly between two pre-set time zones via the pusher at eight o’clock.

The time, date and day-night indicator adjust simultaneously, a feat of mechanical memory that is rare in watchmaking.

This functionality is not just technically impressive; it is genuinely practical for international travel.

Whether moving between board meetings in London and Singapore or leisure weekends in St Moritz and Miami, the Hora Mundi ensures that its owner remains perfectly in step with time on both sides of the world.

For the first time, the Marine Hora Mundi is presented in Breguet gold, an alloy created exclusively for the maison.

The 43.9 mm case is finished with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, while the fluted caseband provides a subtle tactile reminder of the brand’s design codes.

The exhibition caseback reveals the 18-carat gold oscillating weight, shaped like a ship’s helm, which pays tribute to Breguet’s appointment as watchmaker to the French Royal Navy in 1815.

The anniversary engraving “Breguet 250 Years” frames the movement and reinforces the significance of this limited edition.

Each of the fifty pieces is individually numbered and engraved, and collectors may customise the city disc to reflect personally meaningful locations.

This level of personalisation is in keeping with Breguet’s historical tradition of tailoring timepieces to their clients, which has included European royalty, scientists and diplomats.

The watch is delivered on a navy blue alligator strap with an additional rubber strap included. Water resistant to 100 metres, it is a practical choice for those who wish to wear it across different environments, from city to sea.

Breguet chose London to introduce the Hora Mundi 5555, a decision that reflects both history and symbolism.

England has long been one of Breguet’s most important markets, and its proximity to Greenwich, the location of the Prime Meridian, makes it an apt setting for the unveiling of a watch dedicated to global timekeeping.

The Marine Hora Mundi 5555 is an articulate expression of Breguet’s ability to combine heritage with innovation.

Its technical sophistication, artistic execution and limited production make it one of the most compelling commemorative watches of recent years.

For collectors, it represents both a tribute to Breguet’s 250-year legacy and a forward-looking interpretation of what a travel watch can be in the twenty-first century.